Program Specialist

Summary

Program Coordinator The Penn State College of Medicine Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement seeks a highly organized and collaborative Program Coordinator to support educational pathway and workforce development programs. This position will coordinate program operations, logistics, communications, participant engagement, budget tracking, data collection, evaluation, and continuous improvement activities. The Program Coordinator will work with internal stakeholders, academic and community partners, speakers, volunteers, participants, and program graduates to ensure programs are well organized, accessible, compliant with University and campus policies and procedures, and aligned with office and institutional priorities.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Coordination and Logistics: Coordinate on- and off-site program logistics, including reserving meeting space, managing registrations, preparing materials and supplies, arranging campus visits, supporting event set-up and close-out, and serving as a day-of-event contact for campus and community programs. Track expenses, monitor budgets, maintain program documentation, compile reports, and help ensure effective implementation.Communication and Outreach: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal teams, external partners, speakers, presenters, volunteers, applicants, participants, and program graduates. Develop communication systems that support participant engagement and progression. Prepare program-related emails, phone communications, agendas, itineraries, printed materials, marketing content, exhibit booth materials, and presentations. Implement outreach strategies and create informational resources to promote programs and generate interest.Program Development, Delivery, and Assessment: Support the development, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of educational pathway and workforce development programs. Research and benchmark best practices, recommend program enhancements, participate in and lead meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and use participant feedback, program data, and evaluation findings to assess effectiveness and impact.Administration and Compliance: Maintain participant, partner, volunteer, and stakeholder records; manage contact information; communicate with vendors; order program supplies and printed materials; and complete administrative duties as assigned. Help ensure program activities follow University and campus policies and procedures.Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal units, academic partners, central offices, community partners, volunteers, speakers, program graduates, and other collaborators. Support student-centered pathway initiatives, including networking events, mentorship experiences, alumni engagement, and related activities.Special Projects: Support Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement programs and special events as assigned, including logistics and coordination for visiting scholars, guest presenters, and other special events.QualificationsExperience coordinating programs, events, educational initiatives, community engagement activities, or workforce development efforts is preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills; attention to detail; the ability to manage multiple priorities; and proficiency using Microsoft Office and related technology tools. Experience working with academic, healthcare, community-based, or student-focused programs is beneficial.This is an in-person position at the Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey PA.MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESThis position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: 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 standard background checks. 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00. 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.

Job Description

Program Coordinator The Penn State College of Medicine Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement seeks a highly organized and collaborative Program Coordinator to support educational pathway and workforce development programs. This position will coordinate program operations, logistics, communications, participant engagement, budget tracking, data collection, evaluation, and continuous improvement activities. The Program Coordinator will work with internal stakeholders, academic and community partners, speakers, volunteers, participants, and program graduates to ensure programs are well organized, accessible, compliant with University and campus policies and procedures, and aligned with office and institutional priorities.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Coordination and Logistics: Coordinate on- and off-site program logistics, including reserving meeting space, managing registrations, preparing materials and supplies, arranging campus visits, supporting event set-up and close-out, and serving as a day-of-event contact for campus and community programs. Track expenses, monitor budgets, maintain program documentation, compile reports, and help ensure effective implementation.Communication and Outreach: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal teams, external partners, speakers, presenters, volunteers, applicants, participants, and program graduates. Develop communication systems that support participant engagement and progression. Prepare program-related emails, phone communications, agendas, itineraries, printed materials, marketing content, exhibit booth materials, and presentations. Implement outreach strategies and create informational resources to promote programs and generate interest.Program Development, Delivery, and Assessment: Support the development, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of educational pathway and workforce development programs. Research and benchmark best practices, recommend program enhancements, participate in and lead meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and use participant feedback, program data, and evaluation findings to assess effectiveness and impact.Administration and Compliance: Maintain participant, partner, volunteer, and stakeholder records; manage contact information; communicate with vendors; order program supplies and printed materials; and complete administrative duties as assigned. Help ensure program activities follow University and campus policies and procedures.Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal units, academic partners, central offices, community partners, volunteers, speakers, program graduates, and other collaborators. Support student-centered pathway initiatives, including networking events, mentorship experiences, alumni engagement, and related activities.Special Projects: Support Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement programs and special events as assigned, including logistics and coordination for visiting scholars, guest presenters, and other special events.QualificationsExperience coordinating programs, events, educational initiatives, community engagement activities, or workforce development efforts is preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills; attention to detail; the ability to manage multiple priorities; and proficiency using Microsoft Office and related technology tools. Experience working with academic, healthcare, community-based, or student-focused programs is beneficial.This is an in-person position at the Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey PA.MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESThis position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: 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 standard background checks. 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00. 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.