Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Academic Programs

The Academic Program Specialist develops, administers, and evaluates academic programs and processes including degree programs, internship and study abroad experiences, and accreditation and curriculum reviews; oversees academic program operations including enrollment and retention, student services, scheduling, data management, and marketing activities; develops and maintains relationships with academic partners.

• Identify, evaluate, develop, implement, and provide ongoing oversight of an academic or degree related program
• Oversee a portfolio of programs or courses; lead and strategize program components or functions including facilitating course development processes, managing enrollment projections, overseeing timelines, managing budgets, negotiating portfolio decisions, and directing course delivery methods and logistics
• Provide consultation to faculty and partner with academic units to plan and establish courses; identify new course creation and integration opportunities
• Evaluate the value and performance of program offerings; present and interpret findings in order to improve program effectiveness and impact
• Develop and manage cross-program components such as leadership immersion programs, student networking events, commencement, alumni engagement initiatives, student services, and other program portfolio student-centered initiatives
• Design and administer internship, residency, or mentorship programs related to degree requirements; collaborate with faculty to establish meaningful student experiences and curriculum
• Manage the administration of academic processes including curriculum review, accreditation, and academic integrity processes; review and submit course proposals; consult with faculty on proposal process and guidelines; facilitate the course approval process
• Advise students through the selection of study abroad and other international engagement opportunities; collaborate with overseas partner institutions; manage the selection and preparation of study abroad participants
• Partner with faculty to develop and implement embedded course program itineraries, curriculums, and logistics; serve as a resource for international policy questions; develop and submit course proposals, serve as a liaison between the academic unit and central offices; deliver information sessions and workshops for embedded course leader
• Consult and advise academic program staff on compliance issues; interpret and apply academic policies to students, faculty, and staff
• Foster relationships with central offices and other units; develop and maintain working relationships with alumni, donors, University officials; collaborate with academic leadership and staff to identify needs and create solutions
• Develop and implement marketing plans; identify potential marketing opportunities and implement strategies for gaining student interest; create informational resources and materials that promote the academic program
• May provide program advising to students; guide students in course selection and scheduling; monitor academic progress
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 9
• Minimum – $56,200.00
• MidPoint – $68,800.00
• Maximum – $81,500.00