Education Program Coordinator and Assistant to the Associate Dean, Smeal College of Business

Penn State University • University Park, IL

5d • $40,608 - $64,668 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Professional Graduate Programs of The Smeal College of Business is in search of an administrative professional to provide support and manage operational activities for the Associate Dean for Professional Graduate Programs and Executive Education, to include high-level, confidential, and sensitive issues. Additionally, this position will provide administrative support to the Smeal portfolio of graduate certificates and professional master’s programs. Specific responsibilities include (but will not be limited to): managing daily office activities, including front office management, arranging meetings and overseeing calendars for the Associate Dean, overseeing and managing office operations, coordinating complex and conflicting schedules, performing initial market research and benchmarking on new and existing professional graduate programs, assist with budgets and expenses, conducting competitive research and data analysis, acting as a liaison with units internal and external to the College, arranging travel, coordinating travel itineraries and reimbursements, managing special events and projects, processing confidential correspondence and reports, assembling briefing materials and disseminating follow-up items, etc.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong grammar, professionalism, and customer-focused communication.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Exceptional phone etiquette and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in completing work.
• Basic familiarity with AI-enabled workplace tools and the ability to leverage technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
• If filled as Education Program Coordinator - Senior Support, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• If filled as Education Program Coordinator - Intermediate Support, this position requires: General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of University policies, procedures, and administrative practices (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage Associate Dean's calendar, travel, and other assigned responsibilities. This includes support for Professional Graduate Programs (18 master’s programs and 16 graduate certificates) and Executive Programs). Scheduling biweekly and monthly meetings of several groups including PGP/PSEP office meetings, PSEP business meetings, Managing Director meetings, Associate Dean 1:1 meetings with Managing Directors, Semester Academic Director meetings, marketing meetings, etc.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking on new and existing professional graduate and executive education programs. Create spreadsheets and organize information to compare schools, programs, descriptions, courses, and costs. This information is used by the Associate Dean and Academic Directors to determine how to proceed with the development of a new program or to implement changes to an existing program.
• Assist with Professional Graduate Programs portfolio and Executive Education survey research, development, analysis, insights, and recommendation including: Coordinate meetings with key stakeholders to discuss survey objectives, create multiple surveys (new student, mid-program, end of program, and alumni) based upon those objectives, analyze data results, share insights through creation of a PPT presentations, and provide recommendations based upon the data results. Comparison of data results will be ongoing year after year. Adjustments to survey questionnaires will be completed on an as needed basis; End of program and Alumni surveys will include gathering recommendations on post-graduate executive education. Insights will be presented to the key stakeholders; and, research and analyze data for short and long-term projects in Professional Graduate Programs and Executive Education - identify competitors, gather information, survey and focus group data collection, analysis of data.
• This role will serve as the PGP/PSEP Office Manager. This includes coordinating all front office/reception staffing as well as serving as a backup person to the front office team to staff the reception area when needed. This role will work from the front office area 2-3 days per week during regular business hours and as needed during peak times of year, with alternate dedicated office space for other times. The Office Manager will also coordinate the unit listserv, unit directory, ordering of office supplies and equipment, office moves, organization chart, hoteling space, and any other related office-related items.
• Provide support to boards and committees (ex. PGP Board). This includes setting up meetings as needed, compiling necessary documents (agendas, biographies, etc.), scheduling and coordinating in-person events when allowable, and correspondence through email.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree