Administrative Assistant - Penn State University Park

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 p ...

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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking a proactive, highly organized Administrative Assistant to support the Office of College Relations and Communications. This role will provide support for College Relations, Communications and Office of Conference and Short course leaders and is essential to maintaining efficient operations, coordinating communications and events, and providing professional administrative support to a dynamic, high-impact team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support, including scheduling, meeting coordination, preparation of agendas, and document management.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and external partners while delivering excellent customer service.

• Assist with planning and executing college-level events, meetings, and special projects, including logistics, communications, travel arrangements, and attendee coordination.

• Draft, edit, and format correspondence, reports, and presentation materials.

• Maintain organized filing systems (digital and physical) in accordance with University records management requirements.

• Support purchasing and financial processes, including P-Card transactions, purchase orders, reimbursements, and budget tracking in alignment with University policies.

• Manage shared office in boxes, calendars, data entry, and task workflows.

• Collaborate with staff across the college to ensure efficient and timely completion of administrative tasks.

• Perform additional duties, as assigned, to support the mission and goals of the Office of College Relations and Communications.

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Self-starter with strong initiative, attention to detail, and reliability.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to schedule, manage, and facilitate virtual meetings using Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

• Experience using shared document and workflow systems such as SharePoint.

• Comfort working with digital communications tools, online forms, and collaborative platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, communications, or another public-facing administrative environment.

• Experience with Penn State administrative systems, including Workday, SAP Concur, ERS, Purchasing tools (PSUBuy, P-Card processing, etc.), CVENT, SIMBA, Microsoft Teams (file sharing, chat & other features), and SharePoint.

• Experience supporting events, managing communications workflows, or coordinating stakeholder engagement activities.

Attributes for Success

• Professionalism, strong follow-through, and a service-oriented mindset.

• Ability to build strong working relationships across diverse groups.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

• Proactive problem solving and the ability to anticipate needs.

About the Office of College Relations and Communications
The College Relations and Communications Office is the strategic communications, engagement, and industry relations unit of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. We champion the college's mission in research, teaching, and extension by delivering bold, purposeful communications and cultivating meaningful relationships with stakeholders across Pennsylvania, the nation, and beyond. We serve as trusted advisors, storytellers, conveners, and connectors—committed to amplifying the college's impact, building trust, and driving engagement with audiences who shape and support our shared success.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Degree
4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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 $42, $61,000.00.

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

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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