Penn State University

Administrative Assistant

Penn State University$60K — $100K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project)
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
  • Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information
  • Secret Security Clearance or eligibility to obtain a government security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Plan and coordinate division activities and events, including sponsor visits
  • Support administrative functions in business operations and infrastructure planning
  • Proofread documents ensuring compliance with security and formatting standards
  • Oversee and manage files, records, databases, and reports
  • Update and prepare monthly financial reports for leadership and investigators
  • Assist in managing security policies and procedures
  • Handle visitor check-ins and manage classified material

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents
  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment
Full Job Description
We are searching for a versatile and experienced Administrative Assistant to join the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University in our San Diego, CA location. This position provides administrative support to a fast-paced research office environment, supporting faculty, staff, engineers, and student employees, all from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and will contribute to a wide variety of moderately complex business and financial operations. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: • Plan, organize, coordinate, and oversee division activities and events including Sponsor visits • Support administrative functions in business operations, infrastructure planning, and coordination • Proofread documents for appropriate security markings, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and basic formatting • Oversee files, records, databases, and reports • Develop new processes or procedures relevant to the needs of the office • Update and provide financial reports monthly to leadership and principle investigators • Assist in the management and implementation of security policies and procedures • Assist with visitor sign-in, visit requests, and check notifications and security credentials • Log classified material and prepare classified mailings and courier as needed • Perform as recruiting coordinator for all new hires • Assist in the preparation of reports and memorandum • Handle and generate classified information • Maintain division files and calendar • Arrange domestic and international travel and meetings and file travel claims • Facilitate communications within the Research and Enterprise Offices, as well as external communications • Manage office resources and supplies • Assist with requisition/purchasing paperwork and coordinate candidate reviews • Take notes and track items during meetings Required Skills/Experience areas include: • Intermediate Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project) experience • Interest in learning job related software • Knowledge of standard office procedures • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Agility in managing multiple priorities concurrently • Ability to resolve issues and prioritize work, both independently and as a team member, in support of multiple unit and program leaders • Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality • Candidates for consideration must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume • Secret Security Clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance Preferred Skills/Experience areas include: • Knowledge of security procedures and requirements • SAP Concur, PSU Buy, Simba, ProPricer and Workday experience • Active Top Secret security clearance Your working location will be in On Site in San Diego, CA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Office Assistant (ARL) - Senior Support, this position requires:Associate Degree4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Office Assistant (ARL) - Intermediate Support, this position requires:General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None Candidates for consideration must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $60,840.00 - $100,500.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location. 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.

About Penn State University

Penn State University Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at Penn State University—the hub of innovation and professional growth.

Opportunities Await

Join Penn State University's dynamic team to assist in shaping the future of education and research. With a variety of positions available, from administrative roles to research-focused appointments, Penn State is at the forefront of fostering leadership and professional development. Transform your career trajectory with the best minds at Penn State University, where the culture of diversity and innovation thrives. This institution stands unique in the marketplace, offering a blend of academic excellence and real-world impact. Engage with a network of professionals dedicated to groundbreaking work and collaborative success across various disciplines.

Penn State University Job Opportunities

The team is actively building a market-leading workforce to support some of the most significant and innovative projects in academia and beyond.

Innovate and Lead

Join the largest network of academic and industry professionals at Penn State University, where over 17,000 dedicated individuals work at the intersection of education, research, and community service.

Drive Change

Deliver targeted solutions and educational advancements through a depth and breadth of expertise that is unmatched in the academic sector.

Be Part of a Great Team

Work with a diverse team leveraging Penn State University's extensive resources and global connections to develop solutions that make a real-world difference.

Future-Proof Your Career

Advance your career with limitless opportunities supported by unmatched training, development programs, and certification support from Penn State University.

Explore

Discover how Penn State University leads in sustainable practices and innovative research projects that pave the way for future generations.

The Penn State University Employment Experience

The combined expertise, global reach, and collaborative environment at Penn State University help overcome challenges and lead transformation in the academic and professional world. Candidates around the globe look to Penn State for new strategies and robust career paths to drive growth and success in the digital era.

Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Penn State University seeks passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. SEARCH PENN STATE JOBS

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who are part of Penn State.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Penn State University.
Learn more about Penn State University

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Penn State University

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Administrative Assistant jobs: