Orientation Leader, 2026

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Student Orientation & Transition Program (SOTP) is seeking a team of undergraduate students from all class levels at University Park to serve as Orientation Leaders (OLs). Orientation Leaders will play a key role in providing a quality transitional experience for all incoming first-year students at University Park. We are looking for student leaders who are go-getters, authentic, conscientious, enthusiastic, reflective, open to new challenges, and passionate about serving Penn State and the broader community to help us do this important work.


Benefits:


As an Orientation Leader, students can expect to gain skills in public speaking, classroom and event management, customer service, collaboration, and leadership. OLs will be supported in their personal and professional development goals including the potential for letters of recommendation. Orientation Leaders will also be supported with competitive student pay at $15/hour and be provided exclusive Penn State NSO apparel.


Responsibilities will include:

• Serving as a positive representative of the Pennsylvania State University

• Acting as a guide and mentor for new students through various NSO activities and sessions

• Introducing Penn State and its resources through small group presentations to students and panels to their families

• Leading conversations about the transition from high school to college and life as a Penn Stater

• Welcoming and checking in new students and their families to their orientation program

• Staffing Summer and Fall Welcome events

• Attending President's New Student Convocation

• Providing additional logistical and programmatic support for transition programs as needed

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Professionalism and integrity

• Strong leadership skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Eager engagement with all new Penn Staters and their families

• Capacity to respond to questions from students and families about university life with professional honesty

• Empathy and understanding for the unique needs of new students and their families

• Capability to infuse a sense of joy and fun into work

• Effective collaboration with fellow student leaders to accomplish tasks

• Flexibility and patience, as NSO is a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

Qualifications:


Interested applicants must be current full-time Penn State University Park undergraduate students who plan to be enrolled in fall 2026, will earn at least 24 cumulative Penn State credits by the end of the spring 2026 semester, and have maintained a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Successful candidates must attend and complete all training prior to the start of NSO programming. Satisfactory performance during training is required to continue employment, including embodying both the Penn State and SOTP values.


Candidates must be in good academic and non-academic standing with the University at the time of application, hire, start of employment, and through the duration of employment. All non-academic misconduct will be reviewed for employment consideration. Please submit your resume for full consideration.


Additional details about the role, including orientation program dates, are available at oteam.psu.edu Questions about the position requirements should be directed to View email address on click.appcast.io.


BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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 click.appcast.io.

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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