Education Program Specialist Supervisor, Center for the Performing Arts

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d • $59,580 - $94,980 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) at Penn State seeks an Education Program Specialist Supervisor to lead its community engagement, arts education, academic integration, and student workforce development initiatives. Through collaboration with campus and community partners, this role creates sequenced learning pathways that connect individuals of all ages to CPA programming and deepens the educational impact of the performing arts. As a key relationship builder and program leader, the Education Program Specialist Supervisor cultivates partnerships with schools, faculty, libraries, senior centers, municipal agencies, and community organizations to expand access and engagement. The role designs learning experiences that support student success, strengthen community connections, and position CPA as a catalyst for learning, participation, and cultural collaboration.

Requirements

• Outstanding project management, organizational, and administrative skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives and professional relationships simultaneously
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Demonstrated initiative, attention to detail, reliability, adaptability, and success in completing projects on time while responding to changing priorities
• Experience working with educators or higher education faculty
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and assess programs that connect arts experiences to learning, civic life, wellbeing, or career development
• Experience creating experiential learning, internship, workforce development, or credential-aligned pathways for students
• Experience with program assessment, participation tracking, and reporting on educational or community impact
• Demonstrated commitment to relationship-centered community engagement; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supervising student employees, interns, or program assistants
• Experience developing cross-disciplinary academic integration initiatives within a college or university setting
• Experience with community-based arts programming for a range of audiences, including older adults, families, and lifelong learners
• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with schools, libraries, community organizations, municipal partners, and Penn State co-curricular and academic units to expand access to arts learning and engagement opportunities.
• Develop community-responsive learning initiatives that strengthen CPA’s role as a campus and community convener and deepen relationships with a variety of audiences.
• Design and lead CPA’s experiential learning and student workforce development programs, creating pathways from entry-level participation to advanced internships, leadership opportunities, and career readiness experiences.
• Collaborate with academic and campus partners to align experiential learning opportunities with academic credit, certificates, and professional development goals.
• Develop and implement academic integration strategies that connect CPA programming with curricula, faculty engagement, internships, and educational outcomes across disciplines.
• Translate artistic programming into meaningful learning experiences for students, educators, and community participants.
• Lead CPA’s PreK–12 education strategy, including student matinee programs, arts integration initiatives, and sustained learning pathways for schools and educators.
• Ensure educational programs are aligned with curricular goals, teacher needs, and long-term engagement outcomes.
• Directly supervise the Arts Engagement Coordinator, who has shared responsibilities in Penn State’s Office of Student Affairs.
• Provide mentorship, scheduling oversight through workforce scheduling systems (i.e., WhenToWork), performance feedback, and professional development support for student employees.
• Manage departmental budgets, assessment activities, and reporting related to participation, learning outcomes, and community impact.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, innovation, and responsive engagement practices.

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: Senior