Education Program Specialist

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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 .

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POSITION SPECIFICS ​

The Penn State Altoona/DuBois Workforce Development Collaborative is seeking a motivated professional with a strong background in sales to strategically build a network of clients and partners to assess workforce education needs for the area. The successful candidate will recruit instructors to teach, develop trainings with a statewide team of continuing education professionals, and sell programming to enhance the knowledge and skills of employees in many industries. While working as part of a regional team, program specialists oversee a portfolio of educational programs and clients to achieve annual sales goals. The program specialist serves as a campus representative at local, regional and state workforce related events. The program specialist is the hub of the wheel as they coordinate program development, budgeting, marketing, registration, instructors, logistics, contracts, on-site management, and evaluation for each program. The ideal candidate is an extremely organized, experienced, task-oriented, self-starting individual who can work with instructors and staff at the two campuses, as well as a statewide team located throughout multiple Penn State campuses. The future incumbent will also have a solid understanding of business and industry in the communities around the Altoona and DuBois regions. 

• Identify, develop, manage, deliver, and evaluate educational programs and related materials; consult and assess client needs
• Determine curriculum objectives, goals, and evaluation tools; analyze and assess program outcomes
• Develop course materials including publications, web content, and presentations
• Review and maintain program compliance
• Develop and implement marketing plans for educational programs and services
• Plan and manage budgets for programs and services to meet assigned income and program targets; identify and pursue funding opportunities
• Generate and prepare reports; gather and analyze data and make data-informed recommendations
• Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and businesses on the local and national level
• Identify and recruit instructional program personnel
• Develop proposals and negotiate contracts; administer program grants
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills in sales, event planning, program management, or project management. The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, excellent communication skills, budgeting experience, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and organization are critical to the program specialist’s success. We value candidates who are forward-thinking, open-minded, and flexible, who have the dedication to learn a variety of new programs, procedures, and systems. This position requires a flexible schedule during program delivery and will include occasional weekend and evening work.

Penn State Continuing and Community Education takes pride in providing a positive, supportive, team-oriented, and flexible work culture (including appropriate work-from-home privileges), in which employees have a voice and are valued. The successful candidate must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with other program managers and program coordinators in the office.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

LOCATION

This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus work; while infrequent, some travel between the two campuses and service areas will be necessary. Questions related to hybrid work arrangement should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

To be considered for the position, candidates must submit both a resume and cover letter stating their interest. Review of candidates will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. 

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 View phone number on swooped.co.

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.