Administrative Assistant Office for Research and Graduate Education

Administrative Assistant (Intermediate Support)

The Office for Research and Graduate Education (RGE) in the College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an Administrative Assistant (Intermediate Support) to assist in facilitating and coordinating activities for the Senior Director of Research Development and Initiatives, to serve on the administrative team for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station (AES), and to serve as back-up administrative support for the Associate Dean for Research Operations and Graduate Education.

The successful candidate will join the RGE Office as the first point of contact for walk-in guests at reception, provide assistance with calendar management, meeting preparation and logistics, and travel arrangements including reconciliation. As part of a 3-person team, this position will also share in the responsibilities of administering approximately one-half of the AES research project portfolio.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing general office support, including serving as the initial point of contact for RGE at reception, handling mail, maintaining office inventory and replenishing office supplies.
• Supporting the Senior Director of Research Development & Initiatives in coordinating and scheduling meetings and special events (ex. research symposia, seminars, outreach booths) and preparing materials for these activities.
• Coordinating the screening, assembling, and formatting of materials submitted for the establishment of local, state, or nationally focused research projects under the AES.
• Preparing correspondence and responses to inquiries regarding the AES and assisting with the administrative life cycle of research projects.
• Maintaining pertinent databases, including performing data entry, tracking research projects for the AES, and providing assistance with the development of reports.
• Provide assistance and support for the development and production of print and digital publications to promote the college's research enterprise, including updating the college research website, and assisting with the production of regular newsletters.

Required Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented while having professional written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and a teachable spirit.
• The staff member must be able to work as both a member of a team as well as independently when the supervisor and/or leadership is out of the office and must be able to answer questions and/or react appropriately to situations as they arise.
• This position requires the ability to follow established processes and procedures as well as being able to develop and enhance current and new processes.
• Experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive), and Zoom is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred skills include familiarity with SIMBA, SAP Concur, Adobe Creative Suite, and FileMaker.
• Familiarity with the USDA National Reporting System (NRS) and the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS).

Work Arrangements:

This position requires the successful candidate to work in person, on campus.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications:

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

Application Information:

Both a cover letter and resume must be submitted to be considered for this position.

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $40,608.00 - $58,836.00.

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 includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW:

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 814-865-1473.

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. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.