Administrative Support Manager, Department of Education Policy Studies

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 .POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Education Policy Studies is seeking an Administrative Support Manager to oversee the department's business and administrative operations.

Working closely with the Department Head, this position plays a key role in developing and managing departmental budgets, recommending funding strategies, approving financial and personnel transactions, and providing data-driven insights to support planning and decision-making.

The Administrative Support Manager also provides oversight of office operations, administrative staff, and departmental procedures while fostering collaboration with university partners to support the department's teaching, research, and service mission.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop and manage departmental budgets; recommend funding strategies.

Oversee daily function of the Department’s office; respond to and/or resolve faculty, staff, and student issues, involving Human Resources (HR) when necessary.

Review and approve financial and HR transactions.

Compile and analyze data for reports, grants, contracts, and programs.

Lead strategic planning for operations including communications, finance, staffing, and technology.

Liaise with internal offices and external agencies; represent the department in meetings and committees.

Coordinate cross-departmental programs and course scheduling.

Oversee logistical tasks related to HR functions and actions (e.g., entering Graduate Assistantship appointments, generating appointment letters, and managing terminations).Provide administrative support for faculty hiring and promotion/tenure committees.

Act as facilities coordinator: manage office space assignments and moves; assess and procure office equipment and furniture.

The Administrative Support Manager will also supervise the Department's administrative team. This will involve hiring, training, coordinating work assignments, and evaluating the performance of direct reports, as well as recommending professional development and resolving employee relations issues (escalating to HR when necessary).

Qualifications:

Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven ability to build collaborative relationships, lead change, and achieve organizational goals

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster engagement through active listening, responsiveness, and trust-building

Inclusive and respectful when working with others

Effective verbal and written communication and organizational skills

Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy

Driven to provide excellent customer service

Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, act proactively, and take initiative

Candidates must also have experience managing or maintaining budgets, including tracking overspending.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required

Certifications:

None Important Application Instructions :

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

Additional Information:

This position will report to the Department Head of Education Policy Studies.

The Administrative Support Manager will also work with various software including Workday and the following which are specific…