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.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of Health and Human Development at The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Student Advocacy Specialist. This position advocates for and advances the University's commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for all students. It focuses on developing and supporting initiatives and programs that provide resources and services to students within the College. The role includes advocating for students on issues related to recruitment, retention, and academic success, while working collaboratively with student groups, campus partners, administrative units, and the broader University to build a strong sense of belonging and enhance the college community. Additionally, the position promotes student success through community-building efforts and provides appropriate responsive support. It also includes administering training for students, faculty, and staff on topics related to inclusion, equity, and community awareness.

The successful candidate will:

• Design, implement, and assess programs and services that support representation, engagement, identity development, belonging, and community celebration for all students within HHD.

• Meet with students and scholars and those experiencing barriers to success that may be related to belonging concerns and issues, program eligibility requirements, or retention concerns. Participate in the creation of a remedial action plan and student advocacy efforts.

• Assess student needs and identify challenges along with providing support, resources and referrals. Conduct individual and group student meetings as needed.

• Serve as a visible and accessible resource for all students seeking support within the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), while also providing individualized services, advocacy, and support for students from specialized backgrounds.

• Deliver educational opportunities through sustained programming, presentations, workshops, training sessions, focus groups, and other engagement formats to ensure student voices inform institutional practices.

• Design, implement, and oversee strategic programs that promote student engagement, development, retention, and success for all student populations within the College of Health and Human Development (HHD).

• Participate in the development of a strategic vision for belonging efforts within the assigned area. Compile data related to enrollment, graduation rates, student population demographics, and completion rates, and support leadership in the development and implementation of strategic objectives and initiatives.

• Work within the established budget for the assigned area, ensuring resources are used effectively and in alignment with departmental priorities.

• Support the management of the student center and as directed, assist with staff supervision, including hiring, training, professional development, and performance management.

• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, research, and best practices in student advocacy, particularly within higher education and student affairs and regularly update leadership on strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

• Serve as a college liaison, advocating for shared goals related to student support and success. Participate in committees at the unit, college, and university levels as assigned.

• Support and contribute to the development and maintenance of a strong web, print, and social media presence for the office to enhance communication and outreach efforts.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Application Instructions:

For full consideration, candidates must include a cover letter and resume with their application.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

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.

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