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Pennsylvania State University

Graduate Program Support Coordinator

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $38K - $56K 💻 Other 🗓️ March 30th, 2026
FERPA PowerBI

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Graduate Program Support Coordinator. This full-time role supports the College of Engineering's School of Engineering Design and Innovation, managing graduate program operations from application through graduation, coordinating student recruitment, admissions, events, faculty assignments, and maintaining student records in compliance with university policies.

Highlights
  • Serve as main contact for graduate program applicants and students from application to graduation.
  • Plan, prepare, and execute graduate events and update program communications and policies.
  • Coordinate recruitment, admissions (including offer letters and campus visits), and new student orientation.
  • Assist students with course registration, scheduling, and respond to curriculum and graduation inquiries.
  • Manage faculty graduate teaching assignments and advisor graduate faculty status.
  • Maintain accurate graduate student records, monitor milestones, schedule exams, and file documentation with the Graduate School.
  • Assist with processing financial commitments and graduate curricular proposals via CourseLeaf CIM system.
  • Preferred software proficiency: LionPath, Workday, PowerBI/iTwo, Zoom, GRADS, SharePoint, Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel).
  • Requirements: GED or High School diploma, 2+ years relevant experience or equivalent.
  • Salary range: $38,300 to $55,500, with a competitive benefits package including tuition discounts.

Graduate Program Support 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, College of Engineering is seeking an energetic, motivated, and detail-oriented full-time Graduate Program Support (Academic Program Coordinator, Intermediate Support or Senior Support). 

The position would support the School of Engineering Design and Innovation with the Doctor of Engineering in Engineering program.  This position reports to a college-wide graduate program supervisor and responsibilities include working collaboratively with graduate program staff across the college to coordinate and administer key aspects of the college's graduate education portfolio.

Duties for the graduate programs within the college include:
  • Act as the main point of contact commencing with the application process through to graduation.
  • Orchestrate all levels of planning, preparation, and execution of various graduate events.
  • Update graduate program communications, ensuring statistics, logistics, and policies are up to date.
  • Coordinate the graduate student recruitment and admissions process (includes Offer Letters and Terms of Offer); respond to prospective student inquiries; arrange campus visits (travel, lodging); monitor and update GRADS (Graduate Admissions Decision System) for applicants; and plan and coordinate the new student orientation.
  • Assist students in course-related functions such as drop, add, and scheduling. Answer curriculum and graduation requirement questions.
  • Coordinate and process faculty graduate teaching assignments for Department Heads' review and approval. Manage advisor grad faculty status for committees
  • Maintain statistics on course registration counts, including research credits.
  • Maintain graduate student records, including advisor assignments and milestones, and ensure accuracy and compliance with University record security, retention schedules, and FERPA requirements.
  • Monitor and update student progress toward achieving critical milestones, schedule all comprehensive and praxis exams and final thesis/dissertation/praxis, and file the appropriate documentation with the Graduate School. Manage registration and track results for the qualifying exam.
  • Assist with the processing and oversight of financial commitments.
  • Assist with the graduate curricular proposal process utilizing CourseLeaf Curriculum Inventory Management (CIM) system.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
acceptedRequired Certifications:None
 
Preferred Experience:
  • This position will work primarily with remote students. Candidates must be detail-oriented and a team player; have excellent customer service, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills; and be able to handle multiple tasks and work independently and in a team environment. Proficiency in LionPath, Workday, PowerBI/iTwo, Zoom GRADS, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel) is highly desired.
 
Additional Information:
  • The College of Engineering 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. The hours of this position will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This position will be hybrid and require on-site work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
 
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 - $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.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.