Assistant Director for Recruitment and Engagement

The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program (MSP) seeks an innovative, energetic, and highly organized professional to serve as an Assistant Director for Recruitment and Engagement . Administered through the Office of the Provost, MSP is a comprehensive undergraduate STEM initiative dedicated to preparing talented, highly motivated students to pursue doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program provides a supportive four-year learning community emphasizing academic excellence, undergraduate research, mentoring, and professional development.

The Assistant Director provides leadership for the recruitment, admissions, and selection of each incoming cohort of Millennium Scholars. This position develops and implements strategic recruitment initiatives, manages a competitive admissions process, and coordinates major recruitment events. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with Undergraduate Admissions, Schreyer Honors College, the six partnering STEM colleges, and external educational organizations to attract outstanding students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

• Recruitment and Outreach: Develop and implement annual recruitment strategies, including high school visits, college fairs, campus events, targeted communications, and partnerships with school counselors and community-based organizations. Collaborate with university recruitment partners to expand the applicant pool and strengthen enrollment outcomes.
• Admissions and Selection: Manage the annual application and selection process involving approximately 1,200 applicants. Oversee applicant communications, database management, application reviews, interview invitations, scholar selection, and award notifications. Analyze recruitment and enrollment data to assess effectiveness and guide improvements.
• Interview Weekend Leadership: Lead the planning and execution of MSP’s annual two-day Interview Weekend, involving approximately 90 prospective scholars and their families, with total participation of approximately 300 individuals. Coordinate faculty and staff interviews, college participation, family programming, and selection activities.
• Student Engagement: Serve as an active member of the MSP team, participating in the six-week residential Summer Bridge program, monthly scholar meetings, professional development activities, and other events that strengthen student engagement, community, and retention.
• Program Administration: Prepare recruitment reports and admissions analyses, coordinate recruitment budgets and expenditures, and represent MSP in university and external recruitment initiatives.

The Assistant Director plays a central role in identifying and recruiting the next generation of STEM researchers and leaders. Success in this position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, strategic thinking, strong collaborative relationships, and the ability to manage complex projects while contributing to a dynamic student-centered team.

In order to be considered for this position, please provide a copy of your resume/CV, a cover letter, and three references. Application review is anticipated to begin on November 13, 2026, with a target start date of January 18, 2027.

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

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 $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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 includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to…