• Job Description

  Req#: REQ_0000044485

  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.

  JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  Do you love connecting people through art, nature, and science?

  We seek a Public Programs Manager for the Arboretum at Penn State. The Arboretum strives to fulfill our 21st Century Land Grant University mission to connect plants, people, and gardens together in our community.

  It’s an exciting time! We are building our team’s capacity to complement our 6-Acre Pollinator and Bird Garden (2021) and the integration of the new $85M Palmer Museum of Art this fall. Partnership possibilities abound thanks to a vibrant and engaged community of supporters in Happy Valley, throughout Pennsylvania, and beyond.

  As the Public Programs Manager, you’ll develop and implement a suite of engaging programs that emphasize memorable experiences with people and plants. Supporting and reflecting the latest scientific research and community service goals of the Arboretum and PSU Outreach, you’d collaborate with both on- and off-campus partners to promote programs that reflect a culture where diversity, belonging, and environmental consciousness are appreciated and welcomed.

  PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  Provides leadership and strategic direction for outward-facing programs

  • Initiates, promotes, markets, and manages both new and existing educational and experiential programs for the Arboretum at Penn State

  • Develops and directs innovation-related strategies and projects, including significant new program opportunities involving new collaborations, and/or new festivals and exhibits

  • Manages, and refines budgets/business plans to accomplish goals that sustains and builds earned revenue opportunities while ensuring all audience have access to their benefits.

  • Monitors the planning and execution of events and programs in compliance with University/Arboretum policies.

  Collaborations and Partnership Development

  • Coordinate and collaborate with key established partners for garden-specific programming (ex. The Center for Pollinator Research and Insect Biodiversity Center at the Pollinator and Bird Garden, Palmer Museum of Art joint programs and exhibits, etc.).

  • Collaborate within Penn State University to implement non-credit and credit programs that connect degree-based, certificate, and other innovative programs that promote audience accessibility and a sense of belonging/success long after

  • Connects stakeholders from throughout the Penn State System (University Park, Commonwealth Campuses, Extension, etc.) and the greater community to develop opportunities with an eye toward programming that consistently builds, diversifies, and engages learners*
    *This directly fulfills Penn State’s 21st Century Land-Grant Mission as well as the Arboretum’s strategic goals as a vital unit of Penn State Outreach.

  • Represents the Arboretum on select University committees (e.g., University Museum Consortium).

  • Integrates proposed or active research/demonstration projects taking place at/with the Arboretum to transform outcomes into outreach opportunities for awareness, engagement, and appreciation.

  • Seeks grant funding, sponsorships, philanthropic opportunities, etc. for further consideration in collaboration with the Director of Development and other Staff members

  • Researches programming infrastructures at other arboreta and gardens to keep abreast of latest trends in audience engagement

  Execution of Programs, Events, and Exhibitions

  • Coordinates Arboretum unit and other University Staff availability to support successful onsite programming; designates self or others as on-site contacts

  • Oversees schedules in conjunction with the Special Events and Rentals Manager

  • Coordinates offsite and virtual Arboretum program events using best practices to secure contracted and partner venues, speaker expertise, supplies, and other contractual support

  • Helps plan and may lead seasonal exhibitions and related events (ex. Pumpkin Festival) directly overseeing event elements in close partnership with other arboretum staff

  Contracts, Coordination, Registration, and Scheduling

  • Primary Arboretum liaison for program instructor contracts, supplies, and logistical support

  • Directly procures supplies necessary for programming using approved methods Communicates, evaluates, and ensures that those engaged in instruction carry appropriate clearances, certifications, and risk coverage where needed.

  • Creates and maintains partner agreements (ex. MOU’s) of mutually-agreed upon deliverables where warranted to ensure partnership program sustainability

  • Oversees course registration process from guest user experience perspective (does not handle financial transactions)

  Communications and Outreach

  • Collaborates with PSU Outreach Marketing and Communications team members to ensure cohesive messaging

  • Authors and coordinates social media posts and other media to market arboretum programs in collaboration with others and within university brand guidelines

  • May deliver guest lectures for internal University audiences, including undergraduate courses, departmental seminars, OLLI programs, and Ag Extension events.

  • May deliver their own on-site and off-site public presentations for external constituents and/or serve as content expert for media inquiries and media interviews.

  Supervisory, Administrative, and Professional Development

  • Uses inclusive practices and evaluation criteria to recruit, select, and guide instructors, interns, and part-time/contract employees involved in program delivery

  • Develops and manages budget and expenses related to program efforts; reconciles approved expenses with Arboretum and University finance operations

  • Participates in long-range master planning, strategic business plans, and other work to address future Arboretum growth and development.

  • Works with Arboretum Director to identify and prioritize mission-related goals and objectives related to education, outreach, and public programming; and staff capacity-building.

  • Leads and/or participates in interviewing, selecting, orienting and recommending Arboretum interns and takes a leadership role in coordinating their professional development experiences to ensure they are well-prepared and sought-after professionals

  • Seeks, recommends, and participates in their own professional development to advance their skills and the collective set of skills present in Arboretum Staff

  Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging

  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University such as in their ability to use inclusive language in recruitment efforts and to encourage diversity in the types of opportunities offered

  • Promotes a culture that is conducive to effective relationships, builds consensus among diverse team members to establish/maintain a shared vision of welcoming and belonging that advances Arboretum team and PSU Outreach DEIB goals

  • Models safe behavioral practices and environmental consciousness in their decisions and actions

  The successful applicant will embody Penn State's values, particularly the value of Respect , which encourages us to "respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a diverse and inclusive community." They will model this in their relationships and actions to assist in the horticultural and professional growth of their team members and themselves. They will be open to Discovery and will support the Community , yet also embrace their need to operate with Integrity and Responsibility while they strive for horticultural and other forms of Excellence at the Arboretum, throughout the University, and the greater community.

  ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY AND THE ARBORETUM AT PENN STATE:

  The Pennsylvania State University is a 21st Century land-grant university that educates students from around the world, supports individuals, and unites communities fulfilling its mission of teaching, research, and service. Penn State provides unparalleled access to education and public service to support the citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond. Every day, we live out our values of Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Excellence, Discovery, and Community.

  The Arboretum at Penn State is a treasured portion of the University campus that every day provides a place of purpose, beauty, and nature-based connection only a 15-minute walk from the center of campus. It hosts over a hundred educational programs and public/private events throughout the year in incredible settings such as the new Pollinator and Bird Garden (2021). Currently under construction within the Arboretum is the new home of the Palmer Museum of Art, a state-of-the-art $85M LEED-Certified facility. Featuring education/event spaces and nearly twice the exhibition space of the current museum, it will integrate indoor and outdoor spaces to provide a crucial cultural destination in the center of Pennsylvania

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • A proven self-starter who combines their knowledge with a drive/desire to provide excellent service to others at all levels

  • Displays attention to detail and proactive organizational skills. Situationally analytical but also able to think outside the box and actively solve problems

  • Capable of prioritizing multiple tasks while committed to responding in agreed upon time frames in a fast-paced environment; works independently with minimal supervision

  • Is both a leader and a learner who works harmoniously in a team environment with a shared positive outlook to achieve and celebrate team goals whether following, organizing, collaborating, directing, and/or motivating others

  • Clear and persuasive written communication skills. Ability to issue instructions understood by multiple readers, including academic/professional audiences, donors and funders, technicians (e.g. manuals, handbooks, and training documents), and public/community members.

  • Motivational and congenial oral communication skills. Communicates messages easily comprehended by multiple audiences, including academics/professionals, technicians and technical service staff, visitors, students, and external media.

  • Displays diplomacy and negotiation tactics needed to represent and advance Arboretum interests while forging new partnerships and collaborations.

  • Represents the Arboretum in a positive light and fosters stakeholder enthusiasm and support for the organization.

  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite Software (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Sharepoint, Teams, etc.) is required.

  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite Software (Acrobat, Photoshop, In-Design, etc.), bulk email communications software (Constant Contact, Emma, or similar) and social media communications are a plus

  TRAVEL

  Limited, COVID permitting, no more than 5% of the time primarily for the purpose of professional development and/or outreach and engagement related to the Arboretum.

  This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  Requires a Bachelor’s Degree plus 4 years of related experience. Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's Degree is preferred.

  Individuals with demonstrated work experience in public horticulture, agriculture, nature-based education, as well as arts- or science-based outreach programs are encouraged to apply.

  Additional Information: This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

  INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY:

  Please submit a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae/portfolio of achievements.

  Applications will be accepted and processed as received through June 30, 2023 or until a successful candidate is found.

  DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING

  The Pennsylvania State University recognizes that diversity, inclusion, and equity are fundamental to the University’s values and mission to support all members of our Commonwealth and beyond. We strive to assertively incorporate these values into our research, teaching, learning, outreach, assessment, operations, and decision making at all levels of the University. More information can be obtained here.

  The Arboretum at Penn State, a unit of Penn State Outreach, has a foundational focus goal that inclusion, equity, and diversity are advanced in our workplaces, and with the audiences whom we support, through fostering belonging, open discourse, mutual respect, genuine care, equal opportunity, and different perspectives.

  We are committed to providing inclusive access, being welcoming to all, and creating a sense of belonging while cultivating a safe and thriving community

  LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  Penn State is located on the ancestral lands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee, Lenape, Shawnee, Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe Nations. Penn State's land grant was funded by the sale of land expropriated from 112 tribal nations in 50 land cessions across 16 states.

  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.

  Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

  EEO IS THE LAW

  Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

  Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

  PA State Labor Law Poster

  Affirmative Action

  Penn State Policies

  Copyright Information

  Hotlines

  University Park, PA

• About the company

  The Pennsylvania State University is a state-related, land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania.

Notice