Pennsylvania State University
Project Director
🇺🇸 Hybrid - McKeesport, PA
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $56K - $90K
💻 Project Management
🗓️ October 21st, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Project Director to support the Executive Director at the Education Resource Center in advancing its mission of assisting the PA Department of Education Bureau of Career and Technical Education. This role involves implementing the Center's strategic vision, managing complex projects, fostering partnerships, monitoring policy issues, and supporting data analysis and program evaluation across Pennsylvania.
Highlights
- Assist the Executive Director in strategic vision implementation aligned with stakeholder goals.
- Build and maintain relationships with partners internally at Penn State and externally statewide and nationally.
- Monitor and communicate key policy issues affecting career and technical education (CTE) in Pennsylvania.
- Lead management of complex projects related to external partnerships aligned with strategic priorities.
- Support development and implementation of processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Collaborate on data analysis and program evaluation to improve program effectiveness.
- Requires background in public policy, education, workforce development, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience; familiarity with Pennsylvania workforce and policy environment.
- Preferred experience in higher education, government, or nonprofit sectors; strong leadership and communication skills.
- Salary range from $56,200 to $89,600 with a comprehensive benefits package including a 75% tuition discount.
Project Director 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. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Position Summary
The Education Resource Center is seeking a dynamic and strategic Project Director to support the Executive Director in advancing the Center's mission of assisting the PA Department of Education Bureau of Career and Technical Education in delivering high-quality career and technical education at the secondary and postsecondary levels throughout Pennsylvania. This full-time role is ideal for a collaborative leader with a passion for education, partnership formation, community stakeholder engagement and policy development and analysis. The Project Director will play a key role in implementing the Center's strategic vision, managing complex projects, and fostering relationships across Penn State University, the Pittsburgh region, Pennsylvania, and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Executive Director in implementing the strategic vision of the Education Resource Center in alignment with stakeholder goals.
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, including those within Penn State University, the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area, statewide, and nationally.
- Monitor and communicate about key policy issues affecting career and technical education (CTE) in Pennsylvania, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.
- Lead and manage complex projects related to external partnerships, ensuring alignment with the Center's strategic priorities.
- Support the development and implementation of streamlined processes and procedures to enhance the Center's operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with Center and BCTE staff to conduct data analysis and program evaluation to support reporting requests and requirements and to improve program efficiency and effectiveness.
Candidate Requirements
- Background in public policy, education, workforce development, or a related field.
- Completion of post-baccalaureate coursework; a master's degree is preferred.
- at least 3 years of professional experience in project management, education administration, public policy, or a related area.
- Familiarity with Pennsylvania's workforce and industry landscape, and the policies that help to define it.
- Understanding of Pennsylvania's governing bodies, policy structures, and education system.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships and manage complex initiatives across sectors.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working within higher education, government agencies, or nonprofit sectors.
- Strong understanding of career and technical education policy and practice.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
- Experience with project management, data analysis, and program evaluation.
- Exceptional organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Work Environment
This position is based at Penn State Greater Allegheny, located in McKeesport, PA, with occasional travel required for meetings, conferences, and partner engagement. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Education Program Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position
requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Education Program Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
This position is funded for one year; continuation past one year will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
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 - $89,600.00.
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.
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