Student Advocacy Specialist - Bellisario College of Communications

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.

The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications seeks a Student Advocacy Specialist to coordinate student retention and student success efforts. This position will assist in improving efforts around first year seminars and focus on student retention and persistence within special student populations. The position will be filled at the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

• Monitor undergraduate retention, persistence, and graduation rates, including key student populations such as 2+2 students, Pell Grant recipients, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation students.
• Design, implement, and assess programs and outreach initiatives that promote student success, with a focus on targeted populations.
• Oversee the College's Living-Learning Community in partnership with Residence Life, and develop programming and services that support first‑year student success.
• Support undergraduate recruitment and enrollment initiatives, including events, communications, and prospective student outreach.
• Collaborate with student organizations and oversee student mentoring and federal work‑study programs to enhance student engagement and retention.
• Partner with the scholarships coordinator to align scholarship resources with student success and graduation goals.
• Evaluate and enhance First-Year Seminars and curricular/co‑curricular initiatives to improve retention and persistence, particularly for transfer and 2+2 students.
• Assist with Bellisario College undergraduate recruitment efforts, including attendance at recruitment events and outreach to prospective students.
• May supervise student employees.

When filled as Student Advocacy Specialist – Advanced Professional: requires a Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. No certifications required.

When filled as Student Advocacy Specialist – Senior Professional: requires a Master's Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. No certifications required.

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 range: $49,188.00 – $78,444.00 (includes all possible grades). Salary Structure – Information on Penn State's salary structure.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support personal and professional well‑being. Includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; and substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation and sick time. Employees also receive a generous 75% tuition discount available to eligible spouses and children.

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 regarding campus security.

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 .

Penn State 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.