The posting
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- 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.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Dickinson Law is seeking a dynamic and student-centered professional to serve as its next Associate Director of Student Affairs at the Carlisle location. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced, collaborative team dedicated to enriching the law school experience through robust programming, inclusive community building, and comprehensive student services. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, the Associate Director will serve as a key point of contact orchestrating cohesion of academic and student services, general counseling support, accommodation coordination, and the planning and execution of signature law school events across both the Carlisle and University Park locations.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Associate Director plays a vital role in advancing the law school’s commitment to student success, wellness, and belonging. This position leads event programming, supports registered student organizations (RSOs) and the Student Bar Association (SBA), coordinates critical student services, and contributes to retention and inclusive community-building initiatives. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and brings a passion for student-centered service in a legal education setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Event and Programming Leadership: Serve as the lead coordinator for Student Affairs event programming, including wellness events, student organization collaborative programming, law school community building events, and other signature law school programming. Manage event contracts, budget allocation, invoice processing, and forecasting in collaboration with the Senior Assistant Dean and the finance department. Partner with the law school’s marketing and communications team to develop event promotion and advertising materials.
- New Student Orientation, Commencement, and Awards Events: Support the Senior Assistant Dean in planning and executing New Student Orientation (NSO) across both campuses, including hybrid and simultaneous programming, committee participation, and post-event assessment. Assist with Commencement planning and logistics—including ceremonies, graduation celebrations, program and script creation, regalia coordination, and communications. Plan and execute graduating student awards events in collaboration with Academic Affairs, MarCom, Financial Aid, and the SBA.
- RSO and SBA Support and Leader Training: Lead and facilitate support for Registered Student Organizations and the Student Bar Association to develop and execute robust extracurricular programming at both locations, promoting a strong culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellness. Collaborate with the University Park Assistant Director of Student Affairs on annual new leader training to ensure adherence to law school and university policies, event approval procedures, and best practices. Provide guidance to student organization leaders to encourage professionalism and civility within the law school community.
- Student Services and Retention Support: Provide care and concern support by directing students to appropriate internal and external resources and counseling services. Assist with accommodations support for classroom and exam requests, track documentation, and refer students to the Student Disability Resources office. Oversee proctoring of accommodated exams across both locations. Administer the student travel funding program, including managing the annual budget and application process. Support the student pantry and office supplies in Carlisle. Contribute to retention programming and community engagement initiatives that promote identity, belonging, and wellness.
- Inclusive Community Building and Pathway Programming: Assist the Senior Assistant Dean in building an inclusive community through targeted programming in collaboration with Antiracist Development Institute, Career Services, Admissions, and Alumni Relations. Support initiatives such as Diversity Mentorship Networking events, the Judicial Clerkship Program event, and access programming. Provide logistical and academic programming support for the law school’s pathway programs, including curriculum coordination and student networking opportunities.
- Supervision, Assessment, and Office Management: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student workers in Carlisle, including scheduling, performance monitoring, and timesheet approval. Provide office management oversight and support to the Administrative Assistant. Develop and administer surveys and assessment tools to evaluate Student Affairs programming, compile data for internal and external reporting, and share findings with the Senior Assistant Dean to drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Extensive experience in student affairs, student services, or admissions.
- Meaningful experience or demonstrated potential in presentations, student support, student life and activities, and event support is required.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate complex events, and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree with extensive relevant experience in student affairs, student services, or admissions.
- Experience in a law school or graduate/professional school setting with a strong understanding of the unique needs of law students.
- Proven track record in event management, budget administration, and developing inclusive programming in a higher education environment.
- Familiarity with disability services coordination, accommodation processes, and student retention strategies.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Student Engagement Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
If filled as Student Engagement Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
LOCATION
This is an in-person position based at the Carlisle, Pennsylvania location. The target start is as soon as possible. On occasion and through agreement with the Senior Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, the Associate Director may work remotely one day per week. Flexible work arrangement requests must be aligned with the needs of the department, the law school, and the essential duties of the position.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Interested candidates must submit the following materials for consideration:
- A cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest in the position.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
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 $49,188.00 - $78,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
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.
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.
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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