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POSITION SPECIFICS
The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program (MSP) seeks an innovative, energetic, and highly organized professional to serve as an Assistant Director for Recruitment and Engagement . Administered through the Office of the Provost, MSP is a comprehensive undergraduate STEM initiative dedicated to preparing talented, highly motivated students to pursue doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program provides a supportive four-year learning community emphasizing academic excellence, undergraduate research, mentoring, and professional development.
The Assistant Director provides leadership for the recruitment, admissions, and selection of each incoming cohort of Millennium Scholars. This position develops and implements strategic recruitment initiatives, manages a competitive admissions process, and coordinates major recruitment events. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with Undergraduate Admissions, Schreyer Honors College, the six partnering STEM colleges, and external educational organizations to attract outstanding students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment and Outreach: Develop and implement annual recruitment strategies, including high school visits, college fairs, campus events, targeted communications, and partnerships with school counselors and community-based organizations. Collaborate with university recruitment partners to expand the applicant pool and strengthen enrollment outcomes.
Admissions and Selection: Manage the annual application and selection process involving approximately 1,200 applicants. Oversee applicant communications, database management, application reviews, interview invitations, scholar selection, and award notifications. Analyze recruitment and enrollment data to assess effectiveness and guide improvements.
Interview Weekend Leadership: Lead the planning and execution of MSP's annual two-day Interview Weekend, involving approximately 90 prospective scholars and their families, with total participation of approximately 300 individuals. Coordinate faculty and staff interviews, college participation, family programming, and selection activities.
Student Engagement: Serve as an active member of the MSP team, participating in the six-week residential Summer Bridge program, monthly scholar meetings, professional development activities, and other events that strengthen student engagement, community, and retention.
Program Administration: Prepare recruitment reports and admissions analyses, coordinate recruitment budgets and expenditures, and represent MSP in university and external recruitment initiatives.
Position Impact
The Assistant Director plays a central role in identifying and recruiting the next generation of STEM researchers and leaders. Success in this position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, strategic thinking, strong collaborative relationships, and the ability to manage complex projects while contributing to a dynamic student-centered team.
Additional Information
In order to be considered for this position, please provide a copy of your resume/CV, a cover letter, and three…