Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Career Success

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.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs (OGEEP) within the J. Jeffery and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School seeks a dynamic professional to serve as Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Career Success . This will be filled at the Career Services Specialist - Advanced Professional or the Career Services Specialist - Senior Professional level.

This role leads the development and delivery of career readiness initiatives, professional development programming, and mentoring opportunities to support the diverse career goals of Penn State's graduate students.

Additionally, the Assistant/Associate Director aligns graduate career and professional development efforts with workforce trends, employer needs, and student aspirations, ensuring graduates are prepared for meaningful career success.

Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and deliver career programming for diverse pathways: academia, industry, government, and nonprofits.
• Lead mentoring initiatives connecting graduate students with faculty, alumni, and professionals.
• Cultivate external partnerships and secure funding for programs such as Accelerate to Industry (A2i).
• Build employer relationships and coordinate internships, site visits, workshops, and panels.
• Collaborate with faculty, career services, and university offices to align and share resources.
• Assess student career needs and program outcomes for continuous improvement.
• Advise graduate students on career planning, transferable skills, and job market navigation.
• Promote inclusive, scalable models for career services across disciplines.
• Represent the Graduate School in university and external career development discussions.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferably in higher education, student affairs, educational leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in graduate education, student engagement, or related areas within a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with corporate partnership development, advancement strategies, or fundraising within a university context.
• Experience with platforms such as Handshake, Interstride, or other career development and tracking systems.
• 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 around career and professional development.
• 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Career Services Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires:Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Career Services Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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 $51,000.00 - $89,600.00.

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 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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