Administrative Support Manager
The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
POSITION SPECIFICS
Are you a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment? The Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) is seeking an Administrative Support Manager to serve as a key partner to the Department Head and help lead the day-to-day operations of the department.
In this role, you'll combine high level administrative support, HR coordination, and operational leadership, playing a critical role in keeping departmental activities running smoothly while supporting faculty, staff, and students.
What You'll Do
Partner closely with the Department Head to manage priorities, communications, and key initiatives, including coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and tracking follow-up actions
Lead and coordinate HR and academic administrative processes, including onboarding, faculty lifecycle activities (promotion & tenure, sabbaticals, annual reviews), and maintaining personnel records
Oversee and manage faculty and academic search processes from start to finish, including postings, candidate coordination, interview logistics, and compliance requirements
Serve as a central point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and external partners, helping to navigate processes and resolve complex administrative issues
Support departmental planning and operations by tracking deadlines, improving processes, and developing systems that enhance efficiency and organization
Supervise and guide administrative staff, ensuring effective coordination of workload, priorities, and departmental support functions
Assist with operational needs such as event coordination, facilities planning, and administrative aspects of budgeting and resource tracking
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Bachelor's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None
Why This Role Matters
You’ll be at the center of departmental operations—helping ensure that teaching, research, and outreach activities run efficiently while supporting a collaborative and high‑performing environment. Your work will directly impact the experience of faculty, staff, and students.
What We’re Looking For
Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate with discretion
Experience in administrative operations, HR coordination, or project management
Comfort working with a wide range of stakeholders in a dynamic environment
Why Join EME?
Be part of a department making an impact in energy, environment, and resource sustainability—while working in a collaborative, supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Background Checks/Clearances
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Salary & Benefits
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 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.
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.
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Are you a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment? The Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) is seeking an Administrative Support Manager to serve as a key partner to the Department Head and help lead the day-to-day operations of the department.
In this role, you'll combine high level administrative support, HR coordination, and operational leadership, playing a critical role in keeping departmental activities running smoothly while supporting faculty, staff, and students.
What You'll Do
Partner closely with the Department Head to manage priorities, communications, and key initiatives, including coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and tracking follow-up actions
Lead and coordinate HR and academic administrative processes, including onboarding, faculty lifecycle activities (promotion & tenure, sabbaticals, annual reviews), and maintaining personnel records
Oversee and manage faculty and academic search processes from start to finish, including postings, candidate coordination, interview logistics, and compliance requirements
Serve as a central point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and external partners, helping to navigate processes and resolve complex administrative issues
Support departmental planning and operations by tracking deadlines, improving processes, and developing systems that enhance efficiency and organization
Supervise and guide administrative staff, ensuring effective coordination of workload, priorities, and departmental support functions
Assist with operational needs such as event coordination, facilities planning, and administrative aspects of budgeting and resource tracking
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Bachelor's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None
Why This Role Matters
You’ll be at the center of departmental operations—helping ensure that teaching, research, and outreach activities run efficiently while supporting a collaborative and high‑performing environment. Your work will directly impact the experience of faculty, staff, and students.
What We’re Looking For
Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate with discretion
Experience in administrative operations, HR coordination, or project management
Comfort working with a wide range of stakeholders in a dynamic environment
Why Join EME?
Be part of a department making an impact in energy, environment, and resource sustainability—while working in a collaborative, supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Background Checks/Clearances
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Salary & Benefits
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 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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr