Administrative Assistant

Penn State University • University Park, IL

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) is seeking an Administrative Assistant to join their Dean’s Office team. This role is crucial for supporting the daily operations of a dynamic academic community by coordinating and initiating important administrative processes, thereby helping faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral scholars advance their work. The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is a leader in research, teaching, and outreach, focusing on critical challenges such as energy, environment, materials innovation, and Earth sciences. The community is collaborative, mission-driven, and deeply engaged in impactful work. As part of the Dean’s Office team, the Administrative Assistant will provide operational support that enables this impact. This position is vital in reducing administrative burden across the College, allowing faculty and students to concentrate on teaching, research, and learning by ensuring smooth operations. The role also serves as a link between departments and central offices, fostering a more seamless and supportive experience for the EMS community.

Requirements

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• For Administrative Assistant - Intermediate Support: 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• For Administrative Assistant - Support: No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education
• No required certifications

Nice To Haves

• Experience in administrative support or operations
• Familiarity with systems such as ServiceNow, Concur, or similar platforms
• Experience working in a higher education or large organizational environment

Responsibilities

• Initiating and coordinating routine administrative and purchasing transactions using University systems (such as PSU Buy, ServiceNow, and Concur)
• Helping faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral scholars navigate administrative processes
• Tracking and following up on requests to ensure timely and accurate completion
• Serving as a reliable point of contact for administrative questions and guidance
• Partnering with central offices to support efficient processing and issue resolution
• Assisting with wage payroll administration (job postings and timekeeping)
• Providing flexible administrative support across multiple departments

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 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
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees