Academic Program Specialist, Smeal College of Business

Penn State University • University Park, IL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State Smeal College of Business is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to develop, administer, and evaluate high-impact academic programs and processes. This includes first-year courses and scholarship and financial access initiatives; overseeing program operations including enrollment, student services, scheduling, data management, and communications; and developing and maintaining relationships with academic and administrative partners to support student success. For full consideration, all applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume/CV with their application.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing scholarship and student data systems (eSteward or similar CRM platforms)
• Strong data management skills, including use of Excel for tracking, reporting, and analysis
• Familiarity with student information systems such as LionPATH for course enrollment and registration processes
• Experience supporting course operations, including scheduling, enrollment management, and student support
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement events, including logistics, coordination, and execution

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, develop, implement, and provide ongoing oversight of academic and financial access programs, including undergraduate scholarships and emergency funding initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and student success outcomes
• Oversee a portfolio of programs and courses, including PSU 6 and BA 197; lead and strategize program components such as course setup, enrollment projections, room scheduling, instructor hiring and compensation processes, timelines, and delivery logistics
• Provide consultation to faculty and academic partners to support course planning and implementation; identify opportunities for course improvements and integration aligned with student success and first-year experience goals
• Evaluate program effectiveness and performance, including scholarship utilization, student engagement, and course outcomes; interpret and present findings to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts
• Develop and manage cross-program initiatives, including scholarship outreach and implementation of marketing strategies, student communications, and wellness-related programming in collaboration with campus partners
• Administer and manage student-facing program components, including high-volume communications, case management, and support services to ensure timely, accurate, and student-centered responses
• Manage academic operational processes, including compliance with university policies, donor agreements, and program guidelines; maintain documentation to support consistency and audit readiness
• Collaborate with academic and administrative partners (e.g., advising, financial aid, faculty, and central offices) to align workflows, timelines, and communications; apply policy interpretation to support program implementation
• Maintain and analyze program data, including scholarship funding, engagement metrics, and donor acknowledgment letter processes; support reporting and identify opportunities for operational and process improvements
• Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies, including creating informational materials and supporting the execution of marketing plans to increase awareness and participation in scholarship and program opportunities
• Foster relationships with campus stakeholders and partners, including faculty, staff, and central offices, to support program delivery, identify needs, and implement solutions that enhance the student experience
• May provide guidance to students on program processes, eligibility, and participation requirements; monitor engagement and support student success initiatives
• May support supervision of student workers or temporary staff, including training, task delegation, and workflow coordination

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level