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Pennsylvania State University

Administrative Support Manager

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $56K - $82K 💻 Other 🗓️ January 15th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Administrative Support Manager for its Department of Kinesiology. This role manages daily administrative operations, supervises staff, oversees academic programs, budget and grant management, and ensures compliance with university policies while collaborating with department leadership and external stakeholders.

Highlights
  • Oversee daily administrative functions and workflows within the Department of Kinesiology.
  • Supervise and evaluate administrative support staff and manage departmental hiring and visiting scholar appointments.
  • Manage departmental and program finances, payroll, budgeting, and prepare financial and operational reports.
  • Administer external grants and awards ensuring compliance with sponsoring agencies and university policies.
  • Coordinate facilities issues, building access, safety, and minor renovations as liaison with the College's Facilities Office.
  • Liaise with various College and University offices including Human Resources and Finance.
  • Contribute to the unit's strategic planning, identify growth opportunities, and recommend procedural improvements.
  • Lead additional projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by Kinesiology leadership.
  • Preferred skills include familiarity with LionPath, Workday, SIMBA, SIMS, Adobe Sign, and Office 365.
  • Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and 10+ years of relevant experience including 3+ years in supervisory roles.
  • Salary range: $56,200 to $81,500 per year, with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Administrative Support Manager 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 Department of Kinesiology, in the College of Health and Human Development, invites applications for an Administrative Support Manager. The Administrative Support Manager (Senior Manager) for the Department of Kinesiology is responsible for overseeing and managing the administrative support activities and operations of the unit. This role involves working closely with the Department Head, Associate Department Head, Program Directors, as well as the Administrative and Research Staff to ensure effective administration of academic programs, budget and grant management, and compliance with university policies. The position requires strong leadership and organizational skills to manage daily operations, supervise staff, and coordinate various administrative functions across the department.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Oversee daily administrative functions for the Department of Kinesiology. Establish and assign priorities, oversee workflows, ensure schedules are maintained and deadlines are met, and develop procedures to ensure operational effectiveness, as well as ensure compliance with university and college policies.
  • Provide assistance and collaborates with other units and staff to achieve unit goals; compile and analyze data for a variety of reports, grants, contracts and programs.
  • Direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of support staff(e.g., administrative support staff work involving departmental/program support (undergraduate and graduate), financial activities, and faculty affairs.
  • Manage all departmental hiring, as well as oversees visiting scholar appointments.
  • Manage departmental and program finances and budgets, maintaining accountability for all budget expenditures, as well as manage payroll. Prepare financial and operational reports, and partner with financial offices to plan and forecast short- and long-range budgets.
  • Manage external grants and awards at the department level, ensuring compliance with sponsoring agency requirements and university policies, as well as in coordination with the College's Research Office (e.g., primarily post-award management).
  • Plan, prioritize, and coordinate various facilities issues, building access, safety, and minor renovations, serving as the liaison with the College's Facilities and Operations Office.
  • Act as liaison with various College and University offices, including Human Resources and Finance.
  • Establish workplace norms that promote excellent customer service.
  • Manage additional projects, strategic initiatives, and responsibilities as assigned by Kinesiology leadership.
  • Provide input into the unit's strategic plan and long-term initiatives; identify growth opportunities, and make recommendations to leadership on process and procedure changes.
  • Represent the Department with both internal and external stakeholders and strategically foster relationships.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
acceptedRequired Certifications:None
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
  • Experience in higher education administration, business administration, human resources processes, and with finance and grants management a plus.
  • Familiarity with University systems including, LionPath, Workday, SIMBA, SIMS, Adobe Sign, Office 365.
  • Excellent leadership, communication
  • Demonstrated ability to be proactive, solve-problems, and take initiative.
  • Detail-oriented with a genuine appreciation for working with diverse audiences.
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive data and information.
  • Demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive and team-oriented culture within the department.

FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS
The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully in person at the University Park campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote (e.g., 2 days remote, 3 days in the office per week). Standard working hours are in the Eastern time zone. Questions about flexible work arrangements can be directed to the hiring manager.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
For full consideration, applicants should upload a:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • A list of names and contact information of three professional references with their application.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Department of Kinesiology in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development has built a long-standing reputation of excellence in the study of physical activity, from the basic mechanisms of human movement to the complex dynamics of physical activity in society as a whole. The Department of Kinesiology is committed to providing outstanding learning opportunities for students, new and innovative discoveries through research, and high impact service and outreach activities to the field and the community. Our central focus is the study of physical activity as it ranges from basic mechanisms of human movement to the complex dynamics of physical activity in the context of human health and well-being. Our scholarship is pursued from multiple perspectives, i.e., cells to societies, using basic, clinical, social science, and humanities methodologies.
 
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 & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00.
 
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.