Administrative Assistant - Division Administrative Lead

Posted:
2/17/2026, 10:09:26 PM

Location(s):
Pennsylvania, United States ⋅ College Township, Pennsylvania, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Customer Success & Support

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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

We are searching for a versatile and experienced Administrative Assistant to join the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. USO serves as a research center of excellence in undersea weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and advanced sonars supporting our national security and undersea warfare sponsors through the development and demonstration of science and technology with the expertise, tools, and processes to take concepts from the early developmental phase through transition to industry and the fleet.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Coordinate a large volume of complex domestic and international travel in support of program engineers (researching visit requirements, booking reservations, arranging schedules, and reconciling travel expenses)

  • Provide support for a wide variety of meetings (scheduling rooms, preparing agendas/ meeting materials, overseeing meeting logistics including audio-visual setups, security, refreshments, and vendor-delivered meals)

  • Manage data, files, and calendars

  • Provide coordination and oversight for external visitors, ensuring that security guidelines and requirements are followed

  • Communicate with and provide exceptional customer service for  internal and external stakeholders (government, industry, University, and ARL-specific)

Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:

  • Prepare classified and unclassified material including presentations, engineering documents, reports, and mailings

  • Proofread documents for appropriate security markings, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and basic formatting

  • Assist with all aspects of hiring and onboarding of new hires

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook)

  • 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

  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Candidates must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume in order to be considered. Your working location will be fully onsite, located in State College, PA. 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 Administrative Assistant - Senior Support, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Administrative Assistant - 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 accepted Required Certifications: None

 

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). 

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.

 

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation.  You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.  Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $61,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

 

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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