Program Advisor (Student Advocacy Specialist)

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Student Advocacy Specialist provides a variety of advocacy services for special student populations who may be experiencing emotional, educational and cultural challenges; interact with students and parents to address academic, educational or personal needs, make referrals as appropriate; assist in creating a supportive environment and offering high quality services on behalf of a diverse student population in collaboration with others in the work unit and University community; develop and coordinate recruitment and retention initiatives for target student populations; may select prospective students as recipients for college or University scholarships; assist students with acclimation to the University environment by designing and implementing support initiatives for a variety of special student populations that include but are not limited to: international, under-represented, low income, first generation, students with disabilities, women, LGBTA, and multicultural students.

Duties include:

• Design, oversee, and implement multifaceted programming and services that support the representation, engagement, retention, or success of target populations, underrepresented groups, or those experiencing barriers to success
• Responsible for a unit's recruitment, retention, and engagement plans to serve target student populations with an emphasis on goal setting, performance assessment, and strategy development
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for other units and student-centered offices throughout the University
• Analyze data to identify factors that affect the recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented students; apply findings to the management of policies, programs, and resources
• Develop, coordinate, and manage multiple complex projects; may develop and manage project budgets
• Build relationships with diversity organizations, on and off campus, that can enhance enrollment and student engagement goals
• May conduct unit or department wide cultural assessments and contribute to outreach and education efforts aimed at increasing cultural literacy diversity awareness; present and deliver awareness programs
• Serve as the college liaison with the University multi-cultural community
• May identify current and potential funding sources; prepare grant proposals; develop funding partnerships
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Education and experience:

Minimally requires a Bachelor's degree and one or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional level.

This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to clearances.

This is a limited-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of re- funding.

Penn State 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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: