New

Senior Administrative Assistant - SSRI

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 09, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Social Science Research Institute is currently seeking an Administrative Assistant - Senior Support Level. The Administrative Assistant supports the general administrative functions of a wide variety of academic or administrative units. SSRI's strategic mission is to foster interdisciplinary research that addresses critical human and social problems at the local, national, and international levels. This role will report to the SSRI Research Operations Manager. Responsibilities: The Administrative Assistant will have the following responsibilities: Coordinate business functions for the Institute's Operations Core, various units, advisory boards, committees and workgroups. This includes functions such as scheduling meetings, maintaining information, coordinating calendars and preparing agendas, documents and reports. Greet visitors and provide information; review, respond to, and direct inquiries. Organize and coordinate the events and academic workshops for the Institute. These events include open houses, workshops, faculty talks, annual unit events and other events as scheduled. Manage, coordinate and track the Institute's various research programs, such as seed grants, fellowships, and endowments. This includes advertising research opportunities, managing the process of requests, application reviews, award distributions/tracking, annual progress reports, and collecting outcome data. Work with the Institute's leadership and operations staff to collect information, create and distribute information for internal and external stakeholders, such as the Unit and Administrative reports. Assist with managing SSRI's listservs and contribute content to website updates, as needed. Collect, organize, research, and analyze information and data to prepare reports, presentations, summaries, contracts, and proposals. Create and maintain files and databases. Monitor and maintain budget, process financial transactions, track expenditures, process budget revisions, and assist with budget preparation and projections. Assist with coordination of various human resource activities. These activities include the co-fund and non-tenure line faculty reviews. Assist with coordination of facilities management within SSRI. Ensure compliance with work unit and/or University policies and procedures May perform non-routine and confidential administrative duties, and proxy responsibilities as authorized. Compose, review, and distribute internal and external communications. Other duties as assigned. Skills: Proficient use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Teams, etc. is required. Experience in other databases and systems (such as financial system SIMBA) is preferred. The successful candidate will also have the following: Excellent interpersonal, organization skills, and attention to detail. A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with broad communities. Strong proofreading, written/oral communication and customer service skills. The ability to work on several projects at once, while prioritizing appropriately in a fast-paced, research-focused academic environment. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team. A commitment to professional development, learning and being mentored. Prior experience in an academic research context/unit and familiarity with research grants is highly desired. The successful candidate will be able to coordinate and complete a range of business functions within the operations core, as well as across the Institute's units and workgroups, research support programs, and events. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None 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 $42,100.00 - $61,000.00. 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines