Visitor Services Program Coordinator

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POSITION SPECIFICS

Shaver's Creek Environmental Center within Penn State Outreach is looking for an organized, energetic, dedicated, and responsible individual to fill the role of our Visitor Services Program Coordinator. This position is the front-line staff for our visitor center, Weidemann bookstore and gift shop, and Litzinger Herpetarium, and is a primary liaison to our community of members. The Shaver's Creek visitor services program enhances the educational mission of Shaver's Creek for visitors looking to learn more about the natural world.

This position is an integral part of those day-to-day operations by performing the following duties:

• Facilitate the administration of an educational program to ensure program quality and effectiveness

• Process course/program registrations; identify and recommend efficient workflows

• Coordinate budget preparation, monitor budgets, analyze data, and initiate payments

• Coordinate the recruitment and hiring of instructors/presenters

• Participate in the development of marketing strategies to promote programs; oversee the creation and distribution of marketing materials, advertising, etc.

• Design layout and format of project-related documents, web content, and materials

• Make recommendations on changes/additions to both policies and portfolio of offerings based on customer feedback, evaluations, historical data, and systems capabilities

• Recommend innovative plans for design or quality improvement of unit programs/procedures

• Assist in developing operational goals, objectives, and standards for unit, programs, projects, etc.

• Represent unit at internal and external meetings with stakeholders

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

The VSPC independently coordinates, develops, and maintains the Weidemann Bookstore and Lobby as a welcoming space for 20,000 yearly drop-in visitors and facilitates a positive, educational program experience. The VSPC has daily interactions in this non-formal setting with the visiting public, answering questions and offering educational information about the natural world and our resident animals. Shaver's Creek is open seven days a week, and the typical work week for this position will be Thursday through Monday to support our vibrant weekend visitation and programming.

The VSPC manages bookstore operations by developing the yearly bookstore budget, making sales, updating inventory, managing the online store, placing orders and maintaining vendor relationships, training interns and staff on bookstore processes, coordinating local art consignment, and completing weekly reconciliations.

The VSPC also collaborates with our Program Registration Coordinator and other colleagues to manage the Shaver's Creek membership program and assist with seasonal spikes in registration management, including Summer Camp. Other duties include helping with intern hiring, facilitating internal communications, and assisting with program marketing through website updates, community calendars, and email lists.

On the phone, through email, and in person the expectation is to provide excellent customer service to our diverse population of visitor center participants, including Penn State students, nature center visitors, program attendees, camp parents, work-study students, volunteers, sta, and interns.

Preferred Qualifications:

Successful candidates should have excellent interpersonal skills, past retail experience, and must feel comfortable answering phones and enjoy interacting with the public. Experience with natural history interpretation is a plus. Candidates must be proficient with database management, e-mail, and word processing. Candidates should also possess a strong environmental ethic consistent with the mission of Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, situated 12 miles from University Park campus within Penn State's 7,000 acre Stone Valley Forest.

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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