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Administrative Assistant, Liberal Arts Academic Advising

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Liberal Arts Academic Advising Office is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide essential support to the Director of Academic Advising and the advising unit as a whole. This position will act as the first point of contact for individuals connecting with the Director and/or the Advising Office.

The Administrative Assistant will offer exceptional customer service, provide accurate and timely information, and refer inquiries to appropriate staff as necessary.

Additionally, this role involves managing spreadsheets, generating reports, overseeing daily office operations, assisting with the processing and communication of student awards and scholarships, and providing assistance with college-wide events within Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies.

Responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant include but are not limited to:

  • Greet and assist staff, faculty, students, and visitors

  • Handle front-line communications (phone, email, Teams, social media, and mail)

  • Manage calendars, directories, databases, and websites

  • Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and take minutes

  • Administer purchasing, track spending, and ensure budget alignment

  • Process student awards and scholarships

  • Coordinate logistics for programs and events (reserve space, organize materials, manage tech needs, order supplies, and submit finance forms)

  • Arrange travel and process reimbursements

  • Provide facilities support (report maintenance issues, manage office supplies, oversee room/key access)

  • Maintain advising rosters, update adviser assignments, and track course enrollments

  • Support the peer adviser program

  • Assist with hiring (process human resources forms, manage interview schedules, and support training and onboarding)

After training, the Administrative Assistant will also work with various software including SAP Concur, Starfish (student success platform), CollegeNet/25Live (scheduling platform), and the following which are specific to Penn State:

  • LionPATH (Penn State’s student information system)

  • eSteward (database related to alumni gifts and endowments)

  • WorkLion (collection of general HR information and resources, along with an inquiry system)

Benefits include (visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information):

  • Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans

  • 75% tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26)

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • 15 paid holidays/campus closure days

Education and Experience:
This position will be filled as an Administrative Assistant at the level of Intermediate Support, which requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for education and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required skills and knowledge:

  • High level of organization and professionalism

  • Excellent attention to detail with the ability to problem-solve and multitask

  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

  • Outstanding customer service skills, fostering a sense of community and belonging

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (particularly Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)

  • Willingness to learn job-related processes, skills, and software

  • Capacity to build trust and sustain mutually respectful relationships across constituencies


Application Instructions: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume.

Additional Information:

The Administrative Assistant will report to the Director of Academic Advising.
 

The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

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

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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.

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

$38,300.00 - $55,500.00

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

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

University Park, PA

Average salary estimate

$46900 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$38300K
$55500K

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What You Should Know About Administrative Assistant, Liberal Arts Academic Advising, PSU

Are you ready to launch your career as an Administrative Assistant in the vibrant Liberal Arts Academic Advising office at Penn State University Park? This is an exciting opportunity where you'll become a vital support system for the Director of Academic Advising and the advising team. In this role, you will be the friendly first point of contact for students, faculty, and staff, providing exceptional customer service and timely information. Your day-to-day will include managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and helping organize events that make a difference in students’ academic journeys. You'll also spend time supporting student awards and scholarships, overseeing daily office operations, and engaging with various software like LionPATH and Microsoft Office 365, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. We're looking for someone with strong organizational skills and a knack for problem-solving who can juggle multiple tasks with ease. If you enjoy building relationships and fostering a sense of community, this position may be your perfect fit! Plus, you'll enjoy fantastic benefits like tuition discounts, generous leave, and a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion. Seize this chance to be part of something meaningful at Penn State, where you will contribute to the success of countless students while developing your professional skills along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Administrative Assistant, Liberal Arts Academic Advising Role at PSU
What are the primary responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant at Penn State's Liberal Arts Academic Advising?

The Administrative Assistant at Penn State's Liberal Arts Academic Advising is responsible for managing communications, assisting with scheduling, overseeing office operations, and supporting student-related activities. This role includes greeting students, staff, and faculty, managing databases and calendars, coordinating events, and processing student awards and scholarships, making it essential for the smooth functioning of the Advising Office.

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What qualifications are required for the Administrative Assistant role at Penn State University Park?

To qualify for the Administrative Assistant position at Penn State University Park, you need a minimum of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two years of relevant experience. Candidates with strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 will have an advantage. Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are also crucial.

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What software tools will the Administrative Assistant at Penn State work with?

The Administrative Assistant at Penn State will work with various software systems including LionPATH, eSteward, and SAP Concur, along with Microsoft Office 365. Familiarity with these tools will help streamline tasks such as scheduling, data management, and coordination of events, enhancing overall productivity in the Liberal Arts Academic Advising office.

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Can the Administrative Assistant at Penn State expect flexible work arrangements?

Yes, the Administrative Assistant role at Penn State allows for flexible work arrangements, which can be discussed during the interview process. The College of Liberal Arts values the well-being of its team members and strives to align flexible work with the needs of the office and its essential duties.

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What benefits does the Administrative Assistant position offer at Penn State University?

The Administrative Assistant position at Penn State University comes with a range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, a generous vacation policy, 15 paid holidays, and significant tuition discounts for employees and their dependents. These offerings support a balanced work-life experience and promote personal development within the Penn State community.

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Common Interview Questions for Administrative Assistant, Liberal Arts Academic Advising
How do you prioritize your tasks as an Administrative Assistant?

When answering this question, it's crucial to demonstrate your organizational skills. You might say that you prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, maintaining a daily to-do list, and utilizing calendar tools to manage deadlines effectively. Discussing your experience with scheduling and multi-tasking can showcase your capability to handle the demands of the role.

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What experience do you have with customer service in an academic setting?

In your response, highlight any previous roles where you interacted with students, faculty, or staff. Explain how you managed inquiries and ensured a positive experience. Share specific examples where your customer service skills resolved issues or enhanced the academic environment.

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How do you handle difficult situations or conflicts among colleagues?

Demonstrating your conflict resolution skills is key here. Discuss a specific instance where you faced a challenging situation, emphasizing your approach to communication and collaboration to address the issue while maintaining a professional environment.

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Can you describe a time when you had to learn a new software or tool quickly?

Employers appreciate adaptability. Share a story where you were required to learn new software swiftly. Discuss the steps you took to familiarize yourself with it, including any tools or resources you utilized, and how you applied your newfound knowledge to improve efficiency in your work.

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What role do you think an Administrative Assistant plays in supporting academic advisors?

Your answer should outline how Administrative Assistants provide essential support by managing communications, organizing events, processing awards, and facilitating smooth office operations. Emphasize how this role helps advisors focus on student engagement and academic success.

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How do you ensure confidentiality in your role as an Administrative Assistant?

Emphasize your understanding of the importance of confidentiality when handling sensitive information, particularly in an academic setting. Discuss practices you implement, such as limiting information sharing to authorized personnel only and being mindful of privacy regulations.

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What tools do you prefer to use for organization and task management?

Mention specific tools, like digital calendars or project management applications, that you find useful for keeping track of your tasks and deadlines. Describe how you utilize these tools to enhance productivity and manage your time effectively.

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How do you approach working as part of a team in an office environment?

Share your experiences collaborating with others and how you contribute positively to a team dynamic. Talk about your communication strategies, willingness to assist colleagues, and initiatives you might take to foster teamwork and camaraderie.

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Why do you want to work as an Administrative Assistant at Penn State?

Your response should reflect your passion for higher education and the mission of Penn State. Discuss what excites you about the opportunity to work in academic advising and how you believe your skills will contribute to the university's goals.

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What strategies do you use to stay organized in a busy office setting?

Describe your methods for organization, such as keeping a tidy workspace, using checklist apps, or maintaining structured filing systems. Share specific strategies that help you manage deadlines and track progress to ensure no detail is overlooked.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 30, 2025

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