Student Events and Planning Coordinator

Penn State University • Harrisburg, PA

36d • $49,188 - $71,340 • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State Harrisburg is seeking a full-time Events and Program Coordinator to create meaningful on-campus experiences to enhance student co-curricular involvement. This position plans and implements large-scale, signature events including Welcome Week and First 100 Days programming. The role also advises the Programming and Activities Committee (PAC) and supports them in the execution of their events each semester including management of its annual Student Initiated Fee allocation, coordination of event logistics, and supervision of the PAC president. In addition, the position serves as the Fraternity and Sorority Life liaison, supporting chapter recruitment and eligibility verification, facilitating Greek Council meetings, and ensuring our Greek organizations are in alignment with Penn State policies and values. This role may require frequent evening or weekend hours and is expected to engage with campus, University, and professional networks and committees.

This position reports to the Coordinator of Student Leadership Programs. Job responsibilities include collaboration with various offices across campus including Student Affairs, Student Organizations, Financial Services, Procurement, Office of Physical Plant, Housing and Food Services, and other campus partners involved in the execution of campus events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience executing high-quality, large-scale events.
• The ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and workflows. Attention to detail and the ability to multitask will be key.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to student-centered service, accessibility, and continuous improvement.
• Basic technological skills and the willingness to learn new technology.
• Experience maintaining accurate records, managing documentation, and supporting operational processes.
• A proven track record of working effectively within a team environment.
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A demonstrated history of leadership and knowledge of student development.
• Experience working in student activities executing high-quality student events.
• Evidence of creating practices that improve equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Office of Student Engagement’s campus events and initiatives, creating meaningful on-campus experiences that enhance students’ co-curricular involvement.
• Plan and execute assigned Office of Student Engagement large-scale campus events.
• Chair the Welcome Week Committee and oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of Welcome Week programming.
• Develop and implement First 100 Days initiatives to support student engagement and student transition.
• Supervise and support part-time student employees assisting with event planning, implementation, and programming logistics.
• Advise the Student Programming and Activities Committee (PAC) by attending weekly meetings and providing regular supervision and mentorship to the PAC president and committee chairs.
• Support the planning and implementation of approximately events each semester, including major campus traditions such as Fall Fest and Spring Fling.
• Assist PAC with event logistics, including room reservations, scheduling, setup, and coordination with campus partners.
• Manage PAC’s annual Standing Allocation from the Student Initiated Fee, including funding requests, financial records, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring funds are appropriately disbursed.
• Directly supervise the PAC president, a paid student employee within the Office of Student Engagement who typically works 10 hours per week.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance support to the PAC executive board in managing committee operations and student programming.
• Maintain effective communication and collaborative relationships with campus partners to support planning and implementation of programs and initiatives.
• Develop and contribute to publications, promotional materials, presentations, and other communications that highlight student engagement opportunities and Office of Student Engagement programs.
• Provide presentations and program support for campus partners to promote engagement opportunities, and available resources.
• Demonstrate financial stewardship through budget oversight, expenditure monitoring, purchasing, and reconciliation of funds in accordance with university policies.
• Ensure programs, events, financial activities, comply with applicable University policies, procedures, risk-management requirements, and other institutional guidelines.
• Serve as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator for all active Greek-letter organizations at Penn State Harrisburg.
• Support chapter recruitment efforts and verify eligibility of potential new members.
• Facilitate weekly Greek Council meetings.
• Provide educational programs on hazing prevention, Title IX, and the history of Greek Life at Penn State.
• Assist with planning and executing FSL events, including Greek Week and hazing prevention initiatives.
• Coordinate the establishment of new Greek organizations and ensure alignment with Penn State’s values, policies, and compliance requirements.

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