Assistant Director of Security

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Assistant Director of Basic Needs Security leads one of the four core pillars of Student Care & Advocacy, basic needs security, within a broader team dedicated to supporting students navigating unexpected challenges. This role develops and coordinates a comprehensive, campus-wide strategy to address essential needs, including food, housing, healthcare, and transportation, while building strong partnerships across the University and community to streamline referrals and address service gaps.

The position guides case managers and campus partners while also delivering direct case management support as needed. Additionally, it fosters student engagement and leadership through advising Students United Against Poverty and collaborating with student organizations working to address basic needs.

• Strategic Leadership & Partnership Development for Basic Needs
  Lead one of the four pillars of Student Care & Advocacy by developing and advancing a comprehensive, campus-wide basic needs strategy aligned with divisional priorities. Co‑chair the Basic Needs Collaborative within the broader University basic needs framework, working in coordination with the Basic Needs Leadership Council, and partner closely with the Campus‑Community Alliance, led by a fellow Assistant Director, to strengthen cross‑sector collaboration.
  
  Build and sustain relationships with University stakeholders and community providers to streamline referrals, expand resources, and address service gaps for students.

• Program Oversight & Implementation
  Oversee and continue to develop emergency support programs and key basic needs initiatives, including the Student Emergency Fund, Emergency Dining Dollars, meal plan scholarships, and other direct assistance efforts. Ensure effective coordination, implementation, and ongoing refinement of programs to meet evolving student needs.

• Case Management & Referral Coordination
  Monitor and triage incoming referrals, create and assign cases, and provide direct case management for complex student situations. Ensure effective coordination of care across systems while working collaboratively with other Student Care & Advocacy pillars and providing team‑based support as needed. Serve on Student Affairs on‑call rotation.

• Staff Guidance & Campus Consultation
  Provide guidance, training, and consultation to case managers and campus partners to ensure consistent, effective support for students with basic needs concerns.

• Student Engagement & Advising
  Advise Students United Against Poverty and collaborate with student leaders to advance basic needs initiatives. Oversee the intern program and support the development of student employees involved in basic needs efforts.

• Development, Stewardship & Fund Management
  Partner with Student Affairs Development to support fundraising and stewardship efforts. Oversee and manage funds that support basic needs programs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and aligned with program priorities.

• Data Strategy, Assessment & Communications
  Lead efforts related to data collection, assessment, and communication to inform decision‑making, demonstrate impact, and increase awareness of available resources.

Master's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required

Certifications:

None

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of 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 $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.

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…