Academic Program Coordinator

Position specifics

The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Nutritional Sciences is seeking a detail‑oriented and organized individual who will provide direct administrative and professional support as our Academic Graduate Program Coordinator for both our Graduate Program in Nutrition and our online Masters of Professional Studies. This position will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the graduate program, from assisting prospective students to processing graduate application materials, scheduling graduate courses, and certifying requirements for graduation.

• Serve as first point of contact for all current, new, and incoming graduate students.
• Coordinate the graduate student recruitment process: respond to prospective student inquiries, arrange campus visits, and assist with new student orientation.
• Monitor and update student progress toward critical milestones, maintain student databases, schedule comprehensive exams and final thesis/dissertation defenses, and file the appropriate paperwork with the Graduate School.
• Update Penn State’s Graduate Student Systems using GRADS and ECRM.
• Process, monitor, and terminate all graduate appointments (including generating offer letters and terms of offer).
• Schedule graduate courses, assist students with course scheduling, and update the graduate course schedule each semester.
• Provide administrative support to the Graduate Program Directors (e.g., schedule and attend meetings, compose correspondence, create and maintain database).
• Update graduate student listserv and department forms.
• Coordinate colloquium speaker visits and create and maintain databases, compile academic data, and prepare reports for department leadership related to enrollment data, student progress, and accreditation information.
• Coordinate and plan graduation and award receptions.
• Process visa paperwork for international students via the iStart system.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that requires three days on campus and two days remote work during the academic year, with less in‑office time over the summer.

Applicants must be detail‑oriented; have excellent organizational, customer service, communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills; be able to handle multiple tasks; and have the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams), Zoom, LionPATH, ECRM and Workday preferred.

Intermediate Support – General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School diploma plus 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent education/experience. Senior Support – Associate Degree plus 4+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent education/experience. No required certifications.

Employment will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take responsibility for a staff employment visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 – $61,000.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

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.