Administrative Assistant, College Liberal Arts

Administrative Assistant, College of the Liberal Arts

The College of the Liberal Arts is searching for an Administrative Assistant to provide support in the areas of research-related expenditures, purchasing, and travel expense reconciliation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to
:

• Administrative Support for Research-Related Expenditures: Work closely with the grants and contracts team on all related tasks, including consulting with and advising principal investigators, initiating advance account requests, monitoring project end dates (request extensions when needed), and assisting faculty with external research funding management.
• Purchasing: Responsible for complex purchasing and reconciliation for items such as lab materials, supplies for research and trips, and equipment needs; obtain necessary approval when using college research funds. Submit purchasing documents to and work closely with the finance team.
• Travel Expense Reconciliation
  :
  Coordinate with faculty and students to prepare and submit travel reimbursement documentation, including currency conversions, per diem and mileage calculations. Liaise with Penn State's Travel Safety Network. Assist with travel arrangements as needed.

The Administrative Assistant will primarily provide administrative support to the Department of Anthropology and the School of Labor and Employment Relations and will also provide backup support to others on the administrative team.

To complete this position's responsibilities, the Administrative Assistant will work both independently and collaboratively, utilizing organizational skills and the ability to manage and prioritize tasks.

Benefits include
:

• Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• 75% tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26)
• Generous vacation and sick time
• 15 paid holidays/campus closure days

Education and Experience: This position will be filled at the level of Intermediate Support or Senior Support
, depending on the final applicant's experience and education. The Intermediate Support level requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for education plus two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience are required for higher-level positions.

Applicants must have experience in a role that was heavily focused on maintaining spreadsheets, along with using Microsoft Excel (or similar software). Experience handling financial transactions or conducting purchasing for a company is also a necessity.

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to problem-solve and multitask
• Demonstrates high-level of attention to detail
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills

The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.