About this role
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
The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program seeks an innovative, energetic professional to fill the position of an Assistant Program Director. This position provides academic coaching and support to about 150 undergraduate students participating in the Millennium Scholars Program, with a special focus on first-year students and their unique needs. The mission of the Penn State Millennium Scholars Program (MSP) is to cultivate a broad group of undergraduate scholars who are highly motivated to ultimately pursue doctoral degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. This program is managed through the Office of the Provost.
The Assistant Program Director assists students in meeting program requirements through specialized counseling and instruction regarding professional development, obtaining research experience, participation in professional conferences, and preparing for strong academic outcomes. The Assistant Program Director also plans, prepares, and implements a series of ongoing workshops, programs and events including the 6-week, residential, math-intensive summer bridge, scholarly visits to research facilities, and individualized advising, counseling and mentorship. Throughout the academic year, the Assistant Program Director provides weekly seminars and instruction on topics relevant to academic and summer research preparation such as selection of labs/programs, interview skills, personal statement preparation and the REU/internship application process. This position will also assist in managing the MSP tutoring program with responsibility to identify and match tutors with MSP scholars and provide support and training for tutors.
This position works with students, advisors, associate deans and faculty in six colleges (Eberly College of Science, Agricultural Sciences, Information Sciences and Technology, Engineering, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Health and Human Development.) This position is also engaged with residence life, financial aid, and the Millennium Scholars Program Steering Committee. The Millennium Scholars Program is one of a national collaborative of eight institutions doing similar work. The Assistant Program Director visits, works with, and shares best practices with counterparts at other universities, enabling all programs to be more effective in increasing the number of undergraduate students academically prepared to become Ph.D. scholars. External engagement also extends to an additional 10 to 15 institutions where student research partnerships are developed.
All Assistant Program Directors for the MSP (each with a specific focus on first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year scholars), positively and directly impact the retention and graduation rate of students in STEM at Penn State. The graduation rate for Penn State Millennium Scholars is at 92%, with most going on to Ph.D. programs. This success can be directly attributed to the Assistant Program Directors who together invest in all four years of the student experience at Penn State.
This position requires a master’s degree in STEM education, a STEM field, counselor education, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related fields. A Ph.D. is preferred with experience in STEM intervention programming and a demonstrated understanding educational access.
In order to be considered for this position, please provide a copy of your resume/CV, a cover letter, and three references. Application review will begin on February 20, 2026, with a target start date of March 30, 2026.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
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 $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.
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.
Other facts
About Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
What you'll do
- This role involves providing academic coaching and support to approximately 150 undergraduate Millennium Scholars, focusing on first-year students' needs related to professional development, research experience, and academic outcomes. The Assistant Program Director will also plan and implement workshops, manage a residential summer bridge program, provide instruction on research preparation, and assist in managing the MSP tutoring program.
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