Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Administrative Support Manager for the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering. This role involves partnering with the Department Head to lead daily operations, provide high-level administrative support, coordinate HR and academic processes, manage faculty searches, and supervise administrative staff to ensure efficient departmental functioning.

Highlights

Partner with Department Head to manage priorities, communications, and key initiatives.
Lead HR and academic administrative processes including onboarding and faculty lifecycle activities.
Oversee faculty and academic search processes, candidate coordination, and compliance.
Serve as central contact for faculty, staff, students, and external partners to resolve administrative issues.
Support departmental planning by tracking deadlines and improving operational processes.
Supervise administrative staff and coordinate departmental support functions.
Assist with event coordination, facilities planning, budgeting, and resource tracking.
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree and at least 8 years relevant experience, including 3+ years supervisory experience.
Salary range is $51,000 to $74,000 with comprehensive benefits and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; successful background check required.

Administrative Support Manager 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

Are you a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment? The Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) is seeking an Administrative Support Manager to serve as a key partner to the Department Head and help lead the day-to-day operations of the department.

In this role, you'll combine high level administrative support, HR coordination, and operational leadership, playing a critical role in keeping departmental activities running smoothly while supporting faculty, staff, and students.

What You'll Do

Partner closely with the Department Head to manage priorities, communications, and key initiatives, including coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and tracking follow-up actions
Lead and coordinate HR and academic administrative processes, including onboarding, faculty lifecycle activities (promotion & tenure, sabbaticals, annual reviews), and maintaining personnel records
Oversee and manage faculty and academic search processes from start to finish, including postings, candidate coordination, interview logistics, and compliance requirements
Serve as a central point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and external partners, helping to navigate processes and resolve complex administrative issues
Support departmental planning and operations by tracking deadlines, improving processes, and developing systems that enhance efficiency and organization
Supervise and guide administrative staff, ensuring effective coordination of workload, priorities, and departmental support functions
Assist with operational needs such as event coordination, facilities planning, and administrative aspects of budgeting and resource tracking

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

acceptedRequired Certifications:None

Why This Role Matters

You'll be at the center of departmental operations—helping ensure that teaching, research, and outreach activities run efficiently while supporting a collaborative and high-performing environment. Your work will directly impact the experience of faculty, staff, and students.

What We're Looking For

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate with discretion
Experience in administrative operations, HR coordination, or project management
Comfort working with a wide range of stakeholders in a dynamic environment

Why Join EME?

Be part of a department making an impact in energy, environment, and resource sustainability—while working in a collaborative, supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

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 $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.

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.

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Original Job Description