Education Program Specialist, Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research

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.

The Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR/Center) seeks to fill a full-time position supporting the operations of a high performing research center focused on bridging academia and industry. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position requires a candidate to be self-directed, conscientious, and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines; collaborate with internal and external supporters, and demonstrate a genuine appreciation for working with multiple audiences in a team environment as our clients include industry executives, Supply Chain & Information Systems faculty, students, University administrators, and staff.

For full consideration a cover letter and resume is required to be submitted.

The position responsibilities are:

• Coordinate experiential learning opportunities between corporate supporters, advisors, and student teams including ongoing administrative support needed for effective program execution; responsible for project lifecycle from onboarding (i.e. documentation, collection, verification, training) to project completion.
• Manage the entire virtual training opportunities life cycle for our corporate supporters including scheduling, communications internally and externally, follow-ups with attendees, and other necessary administrative needs to ensure a positive learning experience, effectiveness in the program, and operational efficiency.
• Design and implement business metrics to monitor, track, and report. Ability to collect, consolidate, organize data from various systems, and present findings and actional insights to support department operations (i.e. KPIs, identify trends, patterns).
• Optimize processes and drive efficiencies in the work we do within the department and team.
• Engage with and work closely with cross-functional internal and external stakeholders on various committees.

• Proven experience in supply chain management or related field with proficiency in supply chain terms and advancing supply chain operations.
• Ability to work independently with little guidance and provide regular updates to leadership and participate in regular calls internally and with external organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities with varying degrees of complexities depending on the time of year.
• Forward thinking with a creative mindset.
• Must possess excellent and effective communication (written and verbal) skills, be customer centric, be able to engage at all levels, and be organized.
• Maintain accurate reporting of trainings, supporter engagement, and other initiatives including some requiring monthly and quarterly report generation.
• Advanced project management skills, with a proven track record of managing multiple projects and stakeholders in deadline-focused, ambiguous settings.
• Highly organized, action-oriented, and accountable for driving outcomes and following up on feedback to ensure positive results.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a highly successful team of professionals.
• Proactive in identifying challenges and solutions to drive operational excellence.
• Think both strategically and tactically, adapting to evolving business needs and priorities.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Cvent, MS Forms, Qualtrics, or demonstrate ability to become proficient in an accelerated timeframe.
• Working knowledge of Salesforce and Cvent is desired; proficiency in SAP Concur and Workday.

A hybrid work schedule of 3 days on-site in University Park, and 2 off-site will be considered after a transition period of 60 days. This…