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Pennsylvania State University

Administrative Support Assistant, University Programs

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $38K - $56K

💻 Development & Advancement

🗓️ November 12th, 2025

CRM

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Administrative Support Assistant for University Programs. This role supports fundraising efforts for the Fox Graduate School, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Education, and the Parent Philanthropy unit by providing administrative support, managing communications, scheduling, budget tracking, and serving as the first contact for stakeholders.

Highlights
  • Provide general administrative support for University Programs and Parent Philanthropy units.
  • Serve as first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage scheduling, calendar coordination, travel arrangements, and meeting logistics.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, summaries, contracts, and proposals through data collection and analysis.
  • Maintain files, databases, inventory, and process financial transactions including budget monitoring and revisions.
  • Coordinate special events and act as liaison with student organizations for gift processing and journal voucher reconciliation.
  • Use software including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom, Penn State CRM (AWA), eSteward, SIMBA finance system, and SAP Concur.
  • Minimum qualifications include a GED or High School diploma and 2+ years of relevant experience.
  • Salary range: $38,300 to $55,500 annually with comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount.
  • Work with diverse stakeholders such as donors, students, faculty, and staff within Penn State's fundraising and alumni relations division.

Administrative Support Assistant, University Programs 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
Penn State is currently seeking an Administrative Assistant supporting the University Programs which is responsible for fundraising efforts on behalf of the Fox Graduate School, Student Affairs, and Undergraduate Education. This position also supports the Parent Philanthropy unit. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, you can play an integral role in Penn State's future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.
 
Reporting to the Director of Development for University Programs, and working closely with both the University Programs and Parent Philanthropy teams, the Administrative Support Assistant will execute general administrative functions for both units; including being a first line of contact for internal and external stakeholders connecting with the units; preparing documents and reports; scheduling meetings; coordinating calendars for both directors; organizing and maintaining information; analyzing data including budgetary expenditures; and providing general office support. Plan, organize, support, and coordinate daily office activities and administrative processes within the University Programs and Parent Philanthropy units
  • Greet visitors and provide information; review, respond to, and direct inquiries
  • Provide support for scheduling, personal calendars, and travel arrangements
  • Coordinate meeting logistics including scheduling, material preparation, and agendas
  • Compose, review, and distribute internal and external communications, including office correspondence
  • Collect, organize, research, and analyze information and data to prepare reports, presentations, summaries, contracts, and proposals
  • Create and maintain files and databases
  • Monitor and maintain budget, process financial transactions, track expenditures, process budget revisions, and assist with budget preparation and projections
  • Maintain inventory and order office supplies; arrange for equipment maintenance; process work orders for facilities needs
  • Resolve inquiries and ensure compliance with work unit and/or University policies and procedures
  • Liaise with the Associated Student Activities office and registered student organizations to accurately record gifts, process gifts-in-kind, and reconcile journal vouchers
  • Support and coordinate special events; reserve spaces, develop itineraries, prepare materials, coordinate work between teams, and serve as point of contact with vendors
  • May perform non-routine and confidential administrative duties, and proxy responsibilities as authorized
  • May coordinate work assignments of department/unit support employees to ensure efficient work flow and processes
  • May interview, train, and direct the work of other support staff, students, and wage payroll personnel
The successful candidate will have:
  • Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Strong computer skills, specifically Excel, Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom, and willingness to learn Penn State specific systems CRM (AWA) and endowment management systems (eSteward), finance (SIMBA) SAP Concur
  • The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
  • The ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, including high-level donors, students, faculty, staff, and members of the Penn State community
  • A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team;
  • A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.
DDAR 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 arrangements 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
 
Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations 
If you believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good, you'll excel right here in Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 800,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our interdisciplinary teams of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, communicators, event planners, financial experts, and more, there is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State
Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it's the positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the world: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings

This position is based at the University Park campus, located in State College, Pennsylvania. State College is ranked among the lowest-stress and safest small cities in the country, with excellent public schools, beautiful parks and other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe 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.The Pennsylvania State University 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.