New

Administrative Specialist - Office of the Senior Vice President for Research

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jan 10, 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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) is seeking qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Administrative Specialist. This position will be filled at the Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor / Senior Academic Administrator - Senior Support level. The Administrative Specialist will provide direct administrative support to the SVPR / Executive Assistant, Associate Vice President for Research Operations, and the Strategic Finance Office (SFO) in OSVPR. Responsibilities: Responsibilties include but may not be limited to the following: Provide comprehensive administrative support to the SVP for Research (SVPR) and AVP, including managing communications, drafting correspondence, and representing the SVPR office at internal and external meetings with stakeholders such as executives, donors, unit leaders, and industry partners. Coordinate logistics for travel, calendars, meetings, committees, position searches, and events. Prioritize requests, resolve issues, and liaise with appropriate units. Review documents for accuracy and compliance, ensuring deadlines are met. Perform routine and confidential administrative duties, including proxy budget responsibilities when authorized. Serve as lead records retention liaison for the SVPR unit, ensuring compliance with policies, maintaining records, generating reports, and overseeing document audits and destruction per guidelines. Manage the promotion and tenure process for the SVPR office, including committee coordination, material collection via PTORP (Promotion and Tenure Online Reviewing Platform), and follow-up with candidates and reviewers. Collaborate with the Strategic Finance Partner (SFP) to draft and distribute communications, resolve issues, and maintain the SFP Teams site. Order supplies for finance and HR offices, and handle confidential document scanning and filing. Monitor unit budgets, track financial transactions, and assist with reports and audits. Support AVP Research Operations with fiscal coordination and special projects. Provide backup assistance to the Associate VP for Strategic Initiatives and Assistant VP for Research Business Development as needed. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required 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 - $74,000.00. 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 814-865-1473. 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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