Office Manager

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• 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 Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory (AASL) within the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State is seeking an experienced and highly organized Office Manager (Administrative Assistant - Supervisor) to oversee administrative operations and support the laboratory's mission of providing accurate and timely analytical services to clients. The Office Manager plays a critical role in managing office functions, supervising staff, and ensuring efficient financial and administrative processes. This position requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, service-oriented environment.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee daily administrative operations and office workflows to ensure efficiency and compliance with university policies.

• Supervise, train, and evaluate administrative staff; provide leadership and support that cultivates and sustains a positive, collaborative work environment.

• Manage financial activities, including invoicing, purchasing, expense tracking, and reconciliation.

• Monitor budgets, support financial planning, and prepare financial reports.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

• Maintain and enhance administrative systems, including relational databases and recordkeeping processes.

• Maintain content for the laboratory website.

• Co-create and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures, including documentation and records management.

• Prepare summary reports, correspondence, and other administrative materials.

• Support strategic and operational initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.

• Experience in office or business administration.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Adobe Acrobat.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the capacity to remain composed in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This role requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism under pressure, and navigate sensitive or complex situations with discretion and clarity. The Office Manager must be able to assess priorities effectively, adapt to changing needs, and make well-reasoned decisions that support both staff and client needs.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with Penn State's financial and budget management systems (e.g., SIMBA and SAP Concur) and procedures.

• Experience working with relational databases and data management systems (e.g., FileMaker).

• Working knowledge of agriculture, horticulture, and laboratory operations.

Application Information:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Please submit a cover letter summarizing your training and relevant experience, a current resume, and the email and phone number of three professional references. Inquiries about the position can be addressed to the search committee chair, Kyle Elkin (kre5000@psu.edu).

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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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