Academic Program Specialist

Academic Program Specialist - Industry Engagement and Student Success The John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) at Penn State is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to play a key role in advancing student success and strengthening connections among students, faculty, and industry partners. This professional‑level position operates at the intersection of academic affairs, student success, and industry engagement. The role is responsible for developing, administering, and continuously improving programs and processes that support recruitment, career placement, faculty activities, and academic program operations. The position exercises discretion and independent judgment in designing initiatives, advising leadership, and implementing strategies that directly impact student outcomes and the department's academic mission. Why This Role Matters EME's national reputation is driven by strong student outcomes, engaged faculty, and deep relationships with industry partners. This position contributes to those outcomes by leading programmatic initiatives, evaluating effectiveness, and implementing improvements across recruitment, career placement, employer engagement, and academic programs. Student recruitment and retention pipelines Internship, co‑op, and employment outcomes Faculty program processes and compliance Employer engagement strategy and partnerships Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications • Bachelor's Degree • 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. • Required Certifications: None. Key Responsibilities Student Recruitment, Career Placement & Employer Engagement Develop and implement strategic recruitment and career placement initiatives to strengthen undergraduate and graduate pipelines and improve student outcomes. Analyze recruitment, placement, and engagement data; identify trends and develop actionable recommendations to improve program performance. Collaborate with academic advisers, program chairs, and academic leadership to align outreach strategies with departmental priorities. Serve as EME's representative to EMS Admissions and Career Services, contributing to college‑level planning and coordinated recruitment strategies. Build and sustain relationships with industry partners to expand internship, co‑op, and full‑time employment opportunities. Represent EME in internal and external forums, advising on employer engagement models and workforce development needs. Employer Engagement & Recruiting Program Operations Design, administer, and continuously improve employer engagement and recruiting programs that connect students with industry opportunities. Serve as the primary point of contact for employers and recruiters, advising on engagement strategies and participation models. Oversee recruiting infrastructure, including Nittany Lion Careers, information sessions, and interview programs, ensuring effective and scalable operations. Evaluate the effectiveness of recruiting processes and employer engagement efforts; implement enhancements to improve employer participation and student access. Gather and interpret employer feedback to inform program improvements and strategic decision‑making. Develop and execute communication strategies to promote internship, co‑op, and employment opportunities to students. Academic Affairs and Faculty Program Support Administer and continuously improve academic affairs processes in partnership with departmental leadership and administrative teams. Coordinate faculty personnel processes, including promotion and tenure (P&T), non‑tenure‑line promotions, and faculty evaluation cycles, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Interpret and apply University and college policies, providing guidance to faculty and leadership on timelines, requirements, and appropriate courses of action. Manage faculty activity reporting processes, including Activity Insight data, external review coordination, and submission of required materials. Serve as a departmental resource and consultant on academic personnel processes, ensuring consistent application of policies and adherence to institutional guidelines. Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend enhancements to increase efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness. Academic Program Administration and Departmental Coordination Oversee program operations related to visiting scholars, including appointment coordination, documentation, and onboarding in collaboration with University offices. Lead and support faculty and staff search processes by coordinating administrative components, advising search committees, and ensuring compliance with University procedures. Coordinate and enhance departmental engagement activities, including candidate visits, guest speakers, and external partner interactions, ensuring high‑quality execution. Identify and implement process improvements across program operations to enhance effectiveness and stakeholder experience. Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and Penn State does not sponsor work visa. Salary & Benefits Salary range: $54,060.00 – $78,444.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children. 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 click.appcast.io. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr