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Pennsylvania State University

Academic Program Coordinator, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, Pennsylvania 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $37K - $59K 💻 Other 🗓️ October 22nd, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Penn State University is hiring an Academic Program Coordinator for the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. The role involves providing critical administrative support for graduate academic programs, managing course scheduling, coordinating doctoral examinations, tracking student progress, and serving as the primary contact for graduate students to help navigate academic requirements and milestones.

Highlights
  • Manage course schedules using LionPATH, including classroom and Zoom arrangements.
  • Coordinate doctoral exams, dissertation defenses, and related logistics.
  • Monitor graduate student academic progress and degree requirements.
  • Communicate with graduate students about registration, policies, and graduation procedures.
  • Prepare and process graduate assistantship appointments, contracts, and administrative documentation.
  • Support graduate admissions activities and serve as a primary point of contact for prospective students.
  • Maintain accurate student and program records and track academic documentation for compliance.
  • Provide course enrollment management assistance, including registration and enrollment adjustments.
  • Use software including Microsoft 365, LionPATH, SAP Concur, iTwo, GRADS, and 25Live.
  • Salary range between $36,888 and $58,836 annually, with a competitive benefits package including a 75% tuition discount.
  • Minimum qualifications include a GED or High School diploma; 2+ years relevant experience preferred for intermediate level.

Academic Program Coordinator, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Full Description

Academic Program Coordinator, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Hybrid
Penn State University Park
Full time

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


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 Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator to join our team in a critical administrative role supporting graduate academic programs. 

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, and academic leaders while contributing to the success of residential, online, and hybrid graduate programs.

As the primary administrative support for graduate education, the Academic Program Coordinator plays an essential role in helping students navigate key academic milestones while ensuring the smooth operation of graduate programs.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Build and manage course schedules in LionPATH, including course setup, classroom reservations, and Zoom scheduling for residential, online, and hybrid courses.
  • Coordinate doctoral examinations and dissertation defenses, managing scheduling, communications, documentation, approvals, and related logistics.
  • Monitor student academic progress and degree requirements by tracking milestones, maintaining benchmark records, and reviewing graduation eligibility.
  • Communicate with graduate students regarding registration, academic requirements, policies, procedures, deadlines, and graduation processes.
  • Prepare and process reports, graduate assistantship appointments, offer letters, contracts, salary assignments, and related administrative documentation.
  • Coordinate graduate admissions activities and serve as a primary point of contact for prospective graduate students.
  • Maintain student and program records, databases, advising folders, tracking spreadsheets, and academic documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for graduate students, providing guidance on registration, advising, academic policies, and program requirements.
  • Support course enrollment management through registration assistance, enrollment adjustments, overrides, course permissions, and exception processing.
  • Coordinate academic meetings, special events, seminars and activities, including arrangements for facilities, supplies, technology and food service.
  • Provide logistical support for residential, online, and hybrid programs through classroom scheduling, room reservations, Zoom administration, and multi-campus coordination.
  • Collaborate regularly with Graduate Enrollment Services, faculty, and other university offices to support graduate education operations.

The Academic Program Coordinator independently resolves routine and moderately complex academic and administrative issues and exercises judgment in matters related to registration, graduation, student records, and academic procedures.

The leadership team will provide cross-training with the program's other Academic Program Coordinators to promote collaboration, skill development, and operational flexibility.

LionPATH referenced above is Penn State’s student information system.

Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills; Inclusive and respectful when working with and supporting others
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Outstanding organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion
  • Driven to provide excellent customer service

Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel is preferred.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Intermediate Support, this position 
requires:
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Support, this position requires:
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
No prior relevant work experience required
Required Certifications:
None
 

Important Application Instructions: 

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

Additional Information:

In addition to Microsoft 365 and LionPath, the Academic Program Coordinator will work with various software including:
  • SAP Concur / Employee Reimbursement System (ERS)
  • iTwo (web-based Penn State tool used for data access, analysis, and distribution)
  • Penn State’s Graduate Admissions Decision System (GRADS)
  • 25Live by CollegeNet (scheduling platform)

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Important Note: This position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.
 
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 $36,888.00 - $58,836.00.
 
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.