Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Success and Community Engagement
Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Success and Community Engagement
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$ 51000 - 74000
1 Vacancy
Job 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 additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Success and Community Engagement within The Fox Graduate School plays a key leadership role in advancing graduate education through strategic programming institutional collaboration and faculty and staff development. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Graduate Student Engagement this position designs and delivers professional development experiences that foster effective faculty-student engagement and create academic environments where graduate students can thrive.
The role collaborates closely with academic colleges administrative units and national partners to support initiatives that enhance graduate student retention success and community-building. It also contributes to long-term planning and oversees the implementation of impactful programs that address evolving needs in graduate education.
Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide direction and leadership for initiatives that address the academic social and engagement needs of graduate students with attention to the unique experiences of both domestic and international populations.
- Create develop and implement programs and activities that foster a strong sense of belonging community engagement and academic integration for graduate students across disciplines.
- Design and assess workshops events and initiatives that respond to evolving graduate student needs related to cultural adjustment identity student life and academic transition.
- Collaborate with campus units student organizations and colleges to deliver targeted programs that enhance the graduate student experience and promote retention.
- Partner with faculty and staff to support their efforts in engaging graduate students meaningfully through consultation collaboration and the development of shared tools and programming strategies.
- Coordinate communications and outreach strategies to raise awareness of available programs and foster student participation in engagement activities.
- Manage and forecast small program budgets (up to $250000) and assist in the preparation of internal reports and funding proposals.
- Contribute to long-term strategic planning efforts and help assess the impact of graduate student success initiatives in alignment with Graduate School priorities.
- Serve as a liaison to relevant campus offices including International Student Support Services Student Affairs and cultural centers to ensure alignment and collaboration.
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in creating implementing and evaluating programs that support diverse graduate student populations including domestic and international students
- Proven ability to collaborate with academic and administrative units and to work effectively with faculty staff and students across a complex institution
- Strong project management and organizational skills including experience managing budgets and supervising staff or student employees
- Excellent communication facilitation and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work across cultural and disciplinary boundaries
- Commitment to promoting inclusive environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. Ed.D. or equivalent) in higher education student development or a related field; or equivalent experience in senior-level leadership roles in higher education
- Experience working directly with graduate student populations at a research-intensive institution
- Familiarity with national trends in graduate education international student support and student success strategies
- Experience cultivating strategic partnerships writing grant proposals or leading campus-wide initiatives
- Demonstrated ability to use assessment data to guide planning and decision-making
The ideal candidate will be strategic collaborative and culturally responsive with exceptional communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with both students and academic professionals. This role requires sound judgment attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
The position also occasionally requires work outside standard business hours including evenings and weekends to support graduate student engagement and university-wide events.
Application Instructions: Applicants should submit the following materials for consideration:
- A cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications.
- A statement describing their demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging in their professional work.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining their educational background and professional experience.
Candidates selected to advance in the search process will be asked to provide the names titles and full contact information (phone number and email address) for four professional references. Finalists will be notified before any references are contacted.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 11 2025. Review of applications will begin on this date and continue until the position is filled.
MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Masters Degree 6 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid drivers 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 $51000.00 - $74000.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn States 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 .
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity respect and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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 universitys teaching research and service mission.Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
