Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Director of Administrative Projects. This role leads coordination and execution of high-impact initiatives, overseeing projects for senior university leadership and managing a team of project managers while ensuring alignment with strategic goals and facilitating collaboration across university units.

Highlights

Provide executive leadership and oversight of programs aligned with Finance and Business, Office of the President, and university strategic goals.
Coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives across various university units.
Manage multiple project managers and collaborate with external consultants to meet deliverables.
Act as a change leader advancing transformation initiatives supporting administrative innovation.
Manage program risks, timelines, resources, and executive-level communications.
Facilitate collaboration among administrative, academic, operational, and executive stakeholders.
Requires proven program management leadership in a complex academic or government environment.
Prior operational leadership at Penn State University or a comparable institution is necessary.
Demonstrated success in stakeholder management with senior leadership, faculty, and administrators.
Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years relevant experience or equivalent; no certifications required; salary range $86,300 - $129,500.

Director of Administrative Projects 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

The Office of Enterprise Change and Transformation (EC&T) is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Director of Administrative Projects to lead the coordination and execution of high-impact initiatives focused on keeping the University on the cutting edge of leadership in higher education through its teaching, research, and service mission. As a leader within the Enterprise Change & Transformation organization, the Director of Administrative Projects will oversee the project portfolio of the Senior Vice President Finance and Business/Treasure and Office of the President, as well as manage senior level strategic initiatives.

The Director of Administrative Projects will report to the Senior Director of EC&T and will supervise a team of advanced project management professionals. The role requires a proactive leader who excels at stakeholder engagement, program oversight, and cross-functional coordination. This individual will collaborate closely with the Senior Vice President of Finance and Business/Treasurer, the President's Office, and academic and administrative units across the university.

The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone. The Office of Enterprise Change and Transformation 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 hours should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide executive-level leadership and oversight of programs ensuring alignment with Finance and Business, Office of the President, and PSU strategic goals
Coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives across units within Finance and Business, Office of the President, and across the institution
Oversee multiple project managers and collaborate with external consultants, as needed, to successfully meet deliverables and provide outstanding service and support
Serve as a change leader within EC&T, advancing transformation initiatives that support excellence and administrative innovation
Manage program risks, timelines, resources, and communications at the executive level and throughout the organization
Facilitate collaboration between administrative, academic, operational, and executive stakeholders while navigating university governance and culture

Required Qualifications:

Proven leadership experience in program management within a complex academic or government environment
Prior operational leadership role at Penn State University or a comparable institution
Demonstrated success in stakeholder management, including working with senior leadership, faculty, and administrators
Exceptional communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree6+ 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 $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.

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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Original Job Description