Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Academic Program Coordinator for its International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA) unit at University Park. This role manages daily front desk operations, supervises student assistants, and serves as a primary contact for international students by providing timely and accurate information, while supporting overall office functions and compliance-related processes.

Highlights

Manage daily front desk operations, including greeting visitors and responding to inquiries online, by phone, and in person.
Serve as the primary point of contact for current and prospective international students.
Supervise and coordinate a team of student assistants: hiring, training, scheduling, and providing guidance.
Support office operations, maintain organized systems, monitor workflow, and maintain records.
Contribute to process improvements to enhance efficiency and student experience.
Proficiency in database management, reporting, scheduling, and event coordination.
Required minimum education is a GED or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to meet federal DSO eligibility under SEVP regulations.
The position is full-time, on-site, and not eligible for remote or hybrid work.
Salary range: $38,300 to $55,500 with a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Academic Program Coordinator Full 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

Penn State Global is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator based at University Park within International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA). The ISSA unit provides immigration compliance advising and support to approximately 10,000 international students, scholars, and faculty across the University. Reporting to the Managing Director of International Student & Scholar Advising, this position plays a central role in managing daily front desk operations while serving as a primary point of contact for current and prospective international students. The Academic Program Coordinator helps create a welcoming, responsive, and efficient office environment, ensuring that students receive timely and accurate information and support.

This role supervises and coordinates a team of student assistants, including hiring, training, scheduling, and providing ongoing guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality customer service. The position manages day-to-day front desk functions, including greeting visitors and responding to inquiries across multiple channels - online, by phone, and in person with strong emphasis on assisting international students as they navigate university processes and resources. Working closely with staff, the Academic Program Coordinator supports overall office operations, maintains organized systems, and helps ensure services are delivered effectively to students, faculty, and other stakeholders. Additional responsibilities include monitoring workflow, maintaining records, and contributing to process improvements that enhance efficiency and overall student experience.

The ideal candidate will:

Demonstrate strong advising and time management skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse community
Have experience supporting compliance-related processes, implementing policies, and managing projects with attention to detail and accuracy
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to meet federal requirements for Designated School Official (DSO) eligibility under SEVP regulations
Show proficiency in database management, reporting, and scheduling, along with the ability to coordinate and support events
Possess strong facilitation skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously are essential, as is a commitment to providing organized, efficient, and responsive support within a dynamic office environment

This position requires full-time, on-site work and is not eligible for remote or hybrid arrangements. Scheduled work hours for this position align directly with our publicly posted office hours. Questions related to work expectations should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSGeneral Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)2+ 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.

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 $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.

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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