Assistant Program Director

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

2d • $51,000 - $74,000

About The Position

The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program seeks an innovative, energetic professional to fill the position of an Assistant Program Director. This position provides academic coaching and support to about 150 undergraduate students participating in the Millennium Scholars Program, with a special focus on first-year students and their unique needs. The mission of the Penn State Millennium Scholars Program (MSP) is to cultivate a broad group of undergraduate scholars who are highly motivated to ultimately pursue doctoral degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. This program is managed through the Office of the Provost. The Assistant Program Director assists students in meeting program requirements through specialized counseling and instruction regarding professional development, obtaining research experience, participation in professional conferences, and preparing for strong academic outcomes. The Assistant Program Director also plans, prepares, and implements a series of ongoing workshops, programs and events including the 6-week, residential, math-intensive summer bridge, scholarly visits to research facilities, and individualized advising, counseling and mentorship. Throughout the academic year, the Assistant Program Director provides weekly seminars and instruction on topics relevant to academic and summer research preparation such as selection of labs/programs, interview skills, personal statement preparation and the REU/internship application process. This position will also assist in managing the MSP tutoring program with responsibility to identify and match tutors with MSP scholars and provide support and training for tutors. This position works with students, advisors, associate deans and faculty in six colleges (Eberly College of Science, Agricultural Sciences, Information Sciences and Technology, Engineering, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Health and Human Development.) This position is also engaged with residence life, financial aid, and the Millennium Scholars Program Steering Committee. The Millennium Scholars Program is one of a national collaborative of eight institutions doing similar work. The Assistant Program Director visits, works with, and shares best practices with counterparts at other universities, enabling all programs to be more effective in increasing the number of undergraduate students academically prepared to become Ph.D. scholars. External engagement also extends to an additional 10 to 15 institutions where student research partnerships are developed. All Assistant Program Directors for the MSP (each with a specific focus on first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year scholars), positively and directly impact the retention and graduation rate of students in STEM at Penn State. The graduation rate for Penn State Millennium Scholars is at 92%, with most going on to Ph.D. programs. This success can be directly attributed to the Assistant Program Directors who together invest in all four years of the student experience at Penn State.

Requirements

• Master's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• A Ph.D. is preferred with experience in STEM intervention programming and a demonstrated understanding educational access.

Responsibilities

• Provides academic coaching and support to about 150 undergraduate students participating in the Millennium Scholars Program, with a special focus on first-year students and their unique needs.
• Assists students in meeting program requirements through specialized counseling and instruction regarding professional development, obtaining research experience, participation in professional conferences, and preparing for strong academic outcomes.
• Plans, prepares, and implements a series of ongoing workshops, programs and events including the 6-week, residential, math-intensive summer bridge, scholarly visits to research facilities, and individualized advising, counseling and mentorship.
• Provides weekly seminars and instruction on topics relevant to academic and summer research preparation such as selection of labs/programs, interview skills, personal statement preparation and the REU/internship application process.
• Assists in managing the MSP tutoring program with responsibility to identify and match tutors with MSP scholars and provide support and training for tutors.
• Visits, works with, and shares best practices with counterparts at other universities, enabling all programs to be more effective in increasing the number of undergraduate students academically prepared to become Ph.D. scholars.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees