Pennsylvania State University logo

Pennsylvania State University

Academic Program Coordinator

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $38K - $61K 💻 Other 🗓️ June 15th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Academic Program Coordinator for the Department of Nutritional Sciences. The role involves managing the graduate programs by assisting prospective and current students, coordinating recruitment, scheduling courses, maintaining student records, and supporting program directors in administrative duties.

Highlights
  • Serve as the first point of contact for all graduate students, managing inquiries and orientations.
  • Coordinate recruitment activities including campus visits and new student orientation planning.
  • Monitor and update student progress, schedule exams and defenses, and file paperwork with the Graduate School.
  • Maintain and update Penn State's Graduate Student Systems including GRADS and ECRM.
  • Process graduate appointments such as generating offer letters and terms of offer.
  • Assist with scheduling graduate courses and update semester schedules.
  • Provide administrative support to Graduate Program Directors including meeting coordination and correspondence.
  • Coordinate colloquium speaker visits and graduation events.
  • Process visa paperwork for international students using the iStart system.
  • Preferred proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, LionPATH, ECRM, and Workday.
  • Minimum qualifications vary by level: Intermediate Support requires GED/high school diploma plus 2+ years relevant experience; Senior Support requires Associate Degree plus 4+ years relevant experience. No certifications required.
  • Salary range: $38,300 to $61,000 with full-time benefits, including a 75% tuition discount for employees and their eligible dependents.

Academic Program Coordinator Full Description

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 Pennsylvania State University, Department of Nutritional Sciences is seeking a detailed oriented and organized individual who will provide direct administrative and professional support as our Academic Graduate Program Coordinator for both our Graduate Program in Nutrition as well as our online Masters of Professional Studies. This position will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the graduate program from assisting prospective students to processing graduate application materials, scheduling graduate courses, and certifying requirements for graduation.

The following duties/responsibilities of the Graduate Program Coordinator include but are not limited to:
  • Serve as first point of contact for all current, new, and incoming graduate students.
  • Coordinate the graduate student recruitment process: respond to prospective student inquiries; arrange campus visits (i.e. travel, lodging, events); assist with the planning and coordination of new student orientation.
  • Monitor and update student progress towards achieving critical milestones, maintain student databases, schedule all comprehensive exams and final thesis/dissertation defenses, and file the appropriate paperwork with the Graduate School.
  • Update Penn State's Graduate Student Systems using GRADS and ECRM.
  • Process, monitor, and terminate all graduate appointments (including generating Offer Letters and Terms of Offer).
  • Schedule graduate courses, assist students with course scheduling, update graduate course schedule each semester.
  • Provide administrative support to the Graduate Program Directors (i.e., schedule and attend meetings, compose correspondence, create and maintain database).
  • Update graduate student listserv and department forms.
  • Coordinate Colloquium Speaker visits
  • Create and maintain databases; compile academic data and prepare reports for department leadership related to enrollment data, student progress and experience and accreditation information
  • Coordinate and plan graduation and award reception
  • Process visa paperwork for international students via the iStart system

LOCATION
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that requires three days on campus and two days remote work during the academic year with less in office time over the summer. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be detail-oriented; have excellent organizational, customer service, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills; be able to handle multiple tasks; and have the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams), Zoom, LionPATH, ECRM and Workday 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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Senior Support, this position requires:Associate Degree4+ 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 - $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 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.