Student Associate Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

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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
The Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Success and Community Engagement within The Fox Graduate School plays a key leadership role in advancing graduate education through strategic programming, institutional collaboration, and faculty and staff development.
Reporting to the Associate Dean of Graduate Student Engagement, this position designs and delivers professional development experiences that foster effective faculty-student engagement and create academic environments where graduate students can thrive.
This position will be filled at the Student Advocacy Specialist - Advanced Professional OR the Student Advocacy Specialist - Senior Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
The role collaborates closely with academic colleges, administrative units, and national partners to support initiatives that enhance graduate student retention, success, and community-building. It also contributes to long-term planning and oversees the implementation of impactful programs that address evolving needs in graduate education.
Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide direction and leadership for initiatives that address the academic, social, and engagement needs of graduate students, with attention to the unique experiences of both domestic and international populations.
• Create, develop, and implement programs and activities that foster a strong sense of belonging, community engagement, and academic integration for graduate students across disciplines.
• Design and assess workshops, events, and initiatives that respond to evolving graduate student needs related to cultural adjustment, identity, student life, and academic transition.
• Collaborate with campus units, student organizations, and colleges to deliver targeted programs that enhance the graduate student experience and promote retention.
• Partner with faculty and staff to support their efforts in engaging graduate students meaningfully through consultation, collaboration, and the development of shared tools and programming strategies.
• Coordinate communications and outreach strategies to raise awareness of available programs and foster student participation in engagement activities.
• Manage and forecast small program budgets (up to $250,000) and assist in the preparation of internal reports and funding proposals.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning efforts and help assess the impact of graduate student success initiatives in alignment with Graduate School priorities.
• Serve as a liaison to relevant campus offices, including International Student Support Services, Student Affairs, and cultural centers, to ensure alignment and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in creating, implementing, and evaluating programs that support graduate student populations, including domestic and international students
• Proven ability to collaborate with academic and administrative units, and to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students across a complex institution
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including experience managing budgets and supervising staff or student employees
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work across cultural and disciplinary boundaries
• Commitment to promoting inclusive environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in higher education, student development, or a related field; or equivalent experience in senior-level leadership roles in higher education
• Experience working directly with graduate student populations at a research-intensive institution
• Familiarity with national trends in graduate education, international student support, and student success strategies
• Experience cultivating strategic partnerships, writing grant proposals, or leading campus-wide initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to use assessment data to guide planning and decision-making

The ideal candidate will be strategic, collaborative, and culturally responsive, with exceptional communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with both students and academic professionals. This role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
The position also occasionally requires work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support graduate student engagement and university-wide events.
Application Instructions: Applicants should submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining their educational background and professional experience.

Candidates selected to advance in the search process will be asked to provide the names, titles, and full contact information (phone number and email address) for four professional references. Finalists will be notified before any references are contacted.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Student Advocacy Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires:Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Student Advocacy Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
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 $49,188.00 - $78,444.00.
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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