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
The College of Agricultural Sciences (CoAS) at Penn State is a world leader in agricultural research and learning, driving discovery and solutions that make life better. The Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center (RELARC) located along state Route 45 consists of 2200 acres and is integral to facilitating cutting-edge transformative agronomic and horticultural crop research as well as serves as a living laboratory for the teaching and extension missions of the college. As part of the RELARC, Penn State hosts the annual Ag Progress Days (APD) event, the largest outdoor agricultural exposition and educational event on the east coast with over 400 exhibitors and an attendance of over 45,000. Additionally, this site hosts the biannual Timber Show as well as a number of smaller events throughout the year.
The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to serve as a Program and Event Specialist for the Ag Progress Days Office. Position requires advanced knowledge of event management, expertise in finance operation and will be responsible for coordination of various components of the exhibitions, overseeing business operations and providing administrative support to the APD Manager.
Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Develop event budgets, track expenses, and create reports within the master account system and process financial transactions using university systems such as SIMBA and SAP Concur
Manage the exhibitor registration process, sponsorships, and donations using a specialized vendor registration system and track payment
Develop official event program content, oversite of event promotion in print and digital formats using university systems such as Workfront and updating the APD website
Schedule and coordinate use of APD facility and meeting spaces with internal and external groups year-round, executing indemnification agreements and facility reservation contracts following university policies
Provide administrative support for the farm residences managed by CoAS by tracking payments and lease agreements
Process part-time wage payroll employees in Workday
Coordinate committee meetings, aid in agenda setting and recording minutes in support of program initiatives
Work Arrangements:
This position requires the successful candidate to work in person, on-site.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
Qualifications:
The successful candidate must be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented while having professional written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, experience with event management including business administration and a teachable spirit. The staff member must be able to work as both a member of a team as well as independently to support program and event coordination at the Ag Progress Days Facility.
Experience and proficiency in SAP Concur, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint/OneDrive/Teams) and Zoom is required. This position will require the development of skills to become proficient in the APD specialized vendor registration system. Knowledge of AutoCAD is preferred.
Application Information:
Both a cover letter and resume must be submitted for consideration for this position.
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 $46,400.00 - $67,300.00.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University 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.