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Program Manager Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

University Park, PA · On-site

$56K - $81K/yr

The ideal program manager is an extremely organized, task-oriented individual who can work with faculty members to develop and deliver conferences and summer youth programs, as well as credit ...

Cybersecurity Program Manager

State College, PA · On-site

$108K - $146K/yr

Contribute to the full lifecycle of the ISO 27001-certified program, including policy development, risk management, compliance oversight, audit coordination, third-party risk management, incident ...

Cybersecurity Program Manager

State College, PA · On-site

$108K - $146K/yr

Contribute to the full lifecycle of the ISO 27001-certified program, including policy development, risk management, compliance oversight, audit coordination, third-party risk management, incident ...

Cybersecurity Program Manager

State College, PA · On-site

$108K - $146K/yr

Contribute to the full lifecycle of the ISO 27001-certified program, including policy development, risk management, compliance oversight, audit coordination, third-party risk management, incident ...

Contribute to the full lifecycle of the ISO 27001-certified program, including policy development, risk management, compliance oversight, audit coordination, third-party risk management, incident ...

As Programme Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring the effective planning, control and delivery of a critical programme that underpins safe, resilient water supply for our customers. Reporting ...

Reporting directly to the Programme Manager you will be supporting the successful delivery of the Storage Points programme through robust data analysis, performance reporting, risk tracking, and ...

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Program Manager information

See State College, PA salary details

$37.7K

$105.1K

$153.5K

How much do program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager in State College, PA is $105,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $129,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are program managers?

Program managers are professionals responsible for overseeing multiple related projects within an organization, ensuring they align with strategic goals and deliver expected outcomes. They coordinate the efforts of project managers, manage resources, set priorities, and address risks and issues that arise across the program. Unlike project managers who focus on individual projects, program managers take a broader view, ensuring that all projects within a program work together effectively to achieve long-term business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, strategic planning abilities, and a relevant degree, often supported by certifications like PMP or Agile. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana is essential for tracking progress and managing resources. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you motivate teams and navigate complex stakeholder environments. These competencies ensure that programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges Program Managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Program Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse teams, managing conflicting stakeholder expectations, and ensuring clear communication among departments with different workflows. Navigating these challenges requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to build consensus and foster collaboration. Successful Program Managers proactively establish regular check-ins, promote transparency, and adapt strategies to keep projects on track and maintain team engagement.

What Is the Job of a Program Manager?

The job of a program manager is to plan, organize, and coordinate management programs or external programs for a business or institution. As a program manager, your duties vary depending on the type of organization for which you work, but many of the responsibilities for this role are similar or overlap. You typically supervise numerous associates and analysts who help prepare data and assessments about current programming and how it can be improved. You help to implement new programs for employees or customers and promote them through HR or outreach coordinators and marketing professionals. You also assess individual projects and how they interact with one another.

What is the difference between Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like IT, construction, healthcareCommon in similar industries, supporting project execution

The Program Manager focuses on managing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Coordinator supports individual projects with administrative and logistical tasks. Both roles require coordination skills, but the Program Manager has a broader, strategic scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in State College, PA? The most popular types of Program jobs in State College, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager jobs in State College, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager jobs in State College, PA are:
What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Program Manager jobs? Cities near State College, PA with the most Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Manager job openings in State College, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,096 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Program Manager

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$56K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Conferences and Institutes, a department within Penn State Outreach, is seeking a Program Manager. The ideal program manager is an extremely organized, task-oriented individual who can work with faculty members to develop and deliver conferences and summer youth programs, as well as credit programs that have an off-site learning component. While working as part of a team, program managers oversee a portfolio of 15-20 programs annually. The program manager is the hub of the wheel as they coordinate logistics, budgeting, marketing, registration, speakers, program development, contracts, on-site management, and evaluation for each program, with each program having its own unique objectives and needs.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
Preferred Experience:
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills in event planning, program management, or project management. The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, excellent communication skills, budgeting experience, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and organization are critical to the program manager's success. We value candidates who are forward-thinking, open-minded, and flexible, who have the dedication to learn a variety of new programs, procedures, and systems. This position requires a flexible schedule during conference delivery and will include occasional weekend and evening work.
Application Materials:
To be considered for the position, candidates must submit both a resume and cover letter stating their interest.
Additional Information:
Conferences & Institutes takes pride in providing a positive, supportive, team-oriented, and flexible work culture (including work-from-home privileges), in which employees have a voice and are valued. The successful candidate must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with other program managers and program coordinators in the office.
This is a hybrid position that combines weekly remote and on-campus work. Questions related to hybrid work arrangement should be directed to the hiring manager.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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