Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The J.Jeffrey and Anne Marie Fox Graduate School seeks candidates for the position of Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement. This role leads efforts to broaden access to graduate education and strengthen pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, making a meaningful impact on recruitment, retention, and success at Penn State University.

Aligned with the University's land-grant mission, this position oversees strategies for outreach, recruitment, and early engagement to support graduate enrollment and foster connections across disciplines, institutions, and communities. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Graduate Student Engagement, the role also cultivates partnerships and programs that promote awareness and preparation for graduate study.

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

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for graduate student outreach and recruitment efforts within the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs, in alignment with the mission of the Graduate School and Penn State's land-grant commitment to broad educational access.
• Design, implement, and assess outreach initiatives and engagement programs that connect prospective graduate students from a variety of institutions and backgrounds with opportunities at Penn State.
• Develop, lead and coordinate new and existing signature recruitment and engagement programs, including the J. Jeffery and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Open House and Penn State's participation in the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP).
• Represent the Graduate School and Penn State at graduate recruitment events, professional conferences, and institutional visits across the country to promote Penn State's graduate programs and build strategic partnerships.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), undergraduate research programs, nonprofit organizations, and academic partners to expand access pipelines into graduate education.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and academic administrators across colleges and units to ensure alignment of outreach strategies, shared messaging, and enhanced visibility of Penn State graduate opportunities.
• Engage current graduate students through programs and events that support their academic progress, sense of belonging, and successful navigation of graduate school.
• Provide guidance and responsive communication to prospective students and partners, helping to facilitate the transition into graduate study at Penn State.
• Supervise student staff supporting recruitment and engagement efforts, including onboarding, delegation of responsibilities, and performance oversight.
• Manage budgets related to outreach and engagement initiatives; contribute to grant writing, reporting, and securing external support when applicable.
• Analyze application and enrollment trends, assess program effectiveness, and develop data-informed strategies to improve outreach, engagement, and recruitment outcomes.
• Develop and implement office procedures and strategic planning documents to advance the goals of the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs.
• Ensure compliance with university and funding policies by maintaining accurate records and completing required reports.

Required Qualifications: This position will be filled at the Student Advocacy Specialist - Advanced Professional level.

• A Bachelor's degree is required, along with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in program management, recruitment, retention, and diversity initiatives within higher education. A Master's degree/PhD would be desirable but not required.
• Demonstrated commitment to graduate education, along with strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in budget management and strategic planning.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Application Instructions: Applicants should submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications.
• A statement describing their demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging in their professional work.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining their educational background and professional experience.

Candidates selected to advance in the search process will be asked to provide the names, titles, and full contact information (phone number and email address) for four professional references. Finalists will be notified before any references are contacted.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by May 26th, 2025. Review of applications will begin on this date and continue until the position is filled.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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