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Assistant Director for Transition and… at Penn State… · Location…
Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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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
Penn State University Park is seeking a student-centered, detail-oriented, and collaborative Assistant Director for Transition and Welcome Programs to lead major undergraduate transition initiatives and support signature university-wide events. This position plays a critical role in welcoming new students and families, supporting undergraduate success, and delivering impactful transition experiences at scale.
The Assistant Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing key university-wide programs that support undergraduate transitions and institutional ceremonies. This role leads change-of-campus and transfer student initiatives, oversees welcome programs, manages the planning cycle for President’s New Student Convocation, and provides substantial leadership and logistical support for New Student Orientation (NSO), which welcomes more than 9,000 new students to University Park each summer.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the first experiences of Penn State students, contribute to meaningful traditions, and collaborate with partners across the University to support student transitions and success. This position is housed within Student Orientation and Transition Programs, a partnership between Student Affairs and Undergraduate Education, and supervises a full-time program coordinator and student volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, planning, and execution of university-wide transition and welcome programs, including change-of-campus and transfer student initiatives, welcome programs for new undergraduate students, President’s New Student Convocation, in partnership with internal and external stakeholders
- Provide leadership and logistical support for New Student Orientation (NSO), including assisting with program development, implementation, and daily operations and serving as a member of the NSO Director Team, rotating responsibilities to deliver presentations to large audiences, facilitate sessions and program logistics, respond to and resolve student and family concerns
- Manage complex event planning cycles, timelines, and deliverables for large‑scale programs
- Supervise a full-time program coordinator and oversee student volunteers, fostering professional growth and effective teamwork
- Collaborate across academic and administrative units to ensure cohesive, student-focused programming
- Develop clear, engaging digital content and presentation materials to support program delivery and communication
- Uphold a commitment to inclusion, student success, and continuous program improvement
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong project and event management skills, with exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to manage high-volume, high-impact programs in fast-paced environments
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a student-centered approach
- Demonstrated strength in collaboration and cross-unit partnership
- Comfort supervising staff and managing student employees or volunteers
- Ability to think strategically while executing detailed logistics
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
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.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.
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.