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 World Campus Work Management and Planning team is seeking a Project Manager to join our team. In this role, you will collaborate with multiple levels of leadership and staff to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects that align with World Campus's strategic and operational priorities. This role serves as the primary point of contact for project facilitation and communication, ensuring project goals, deliverables, timelines, and outcomes are clearly defined and successfully achieved.
Required Qualifications
Experience managing projects using established project management methodologies
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders concurrently
Experience developing and maintaining project documentation
Preferred Qualifications
Formal training in project management methodology
Project management certification strongly preferred (e.g., CAPM, PMP or other PMI credential)
Experience with enterprise work management tools (Adobe Workfront preferred)
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
Reporting to the Director of Work Management and Planning, the Project Manager supports the intake, assessment, and initiation of new project requests by partnering with units to clarify requirements, define scope and objectives, identify stakeholders, and develop project charters and plans. The role applies project management and business analysis best practices to ensure initiatives are appropriately aligned, prioritized, and positioned for successful execution.
Throughout the project life cycle, the Project Manager leads planning, execution, monitoring, and closure activities; coordinates cross-functional and cross-unit project teams; tracks milestones and deliverables; manages risks and issues; and ensures consistent communication with sponsors and stakeholders. The role produces and maintains project documentation such as charters, project plans, schedules, budgets, reports, meeting agendas, and minutes.
This position also serves as a Group Administrator for Adobe Workfront, the University’s work management tool for Strategic Insights Operations and Planning. Responsibilities include system administration, user support and training, documentation, reporting, and guidance on effective use of project management tools and processes.
The Project Manager contributes to continuous improvement by recommending and implementing project management best practices, supporting process enhancements, and participating in project management communities within World Campus and the University. The role may serve as a liaison with internal and external partners and may provide guidance or supervision to staff as appropriate.
This position has the potential to be performed fully remote, or as a hybrid of remote and on-site work at the University Park campus. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
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 $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
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
- The Project Manager will collaborate with leadership and staff to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects aligned with strategic priorities. They will lead project life cycle activities, ensuring goals and deliverables are achieved.
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