Events Assistant, School of Global Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
PennState • United States of America, Penn State University Park,
Posted: May 26, 2026
Job Description
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.
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
The School of Global Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SGLLC) is seeking an Events Assistant to ensure the success of the multiple events its five departments and additional centers, programs, and institutes host each year.
The five academic departments within SGLLC are Asian Studies; Comparative Literature; French and Francophone Studies; Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures; and Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
This position will work with faculty, graduate students, guest speakers, and vendors to plan and oversee events, such as lectures, conferences, and award ceremonies, throughout the year (including during the summer semester).
The Events Assistant will also handle event promotion and financial submissions for related expenses.
Responsibilities:
The Events Assistant will work both independently and collaboratively in a shared office space to complete this position’s responsibilities, which include but are not limited to:
Work with faculty and graduate students on event logistics (e.g., coordinate dates and itineraries, discuss potential speakers and event space)
Reserve event venues and necessary equipment
Secure travel arrangements (which can include international travel) and create itineraries for guest speakers and other visitors
Process all travel reimbursements for event visitors and work with department management on the events' budgets
Effectively work with outside vendors on registration, secure the necessary contracts for event space use
Execute pre-event checklists and address or elevate issues as needed
Process post-event surveys and evaluations; identify and recommend areas for improvement
Maintain contacts, agreements, and event records; prepare summary and status reports
Promote events and relevant news utilizing social media, including content creation, audience engagement, inquiry response, and content calendar management
Create graphics, posters, banners, and other promotional materials in Canva; obtain necessary design approvals prior to distribution
Maintain websites for multiple units, working with IT on more complex website edits
Process honorariums as requested by faculty, which may include detailed communication with speakers and coordination with purchasing and finance teams
Review invoices for accuracy and address any discrepancies with vendors
Important Note: The Events Assistant is expected to attend the start of conferences/events to ensure all arrangements are in place, register attendees, ensure room is presentable, food has arrived, take photographs of the event, and assist with any IT needs for presentations. Travel around the local area may be required to pick up supplies necessary for events.
As such, this position requires a flexible schedule to work infrequent evenings to support events and awards ceremonies.
The Events Assistant will utilize various software to complete the above responsibilities, including Adobe Illustrator; Microsoft Word for professional documentation; Microsoft Excel for data organization, analysis, and reporting; and Microsoft PowerPoint for creating clear, engaging presentations to support communication and decision making.
Qualifications:
Excellent communication and customer service skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
Committed to fostering a positive and efficient working environment for coworkers and collaborators
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment
Ability to stay organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy while multi-tasking
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or comparable software.
Experience in creating content for social media platforms in a professional setting
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
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
Important Application Instructions:
Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.
The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Important Note:
In accordance with College guidelines, this position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.
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.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Additional Content
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.
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
The School of Global Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SGLLC) is seeking an Events Assistant to ensure the success of the multiple events its five departments and additional centers, programs, and institutes host each year.
The five academic departments within SGLLC are Asian Studies; Comparative Literature; French and Francophone Studies; Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures; and Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
This position will work with faculty, graduate students, guest speakers, and vendors to plan and oversee events, such as lectures, conferences, and award ceremonies, throughout the year (including during the summer semester).
The Events Assistant will also handle event promotion and financial submissions for related expenses.
Responsibilities:
The Events Assistant will work both independently and collaboratively in a shared office space to complete this position’s responsibilities, which include but are not limited to:
Work with faculty and graduate students on event logistics (e.g., coordinate dates and itineraries, discuss potential speakers and event space)
Reserve event venues and necessary equipment
Secure travel arrangements (which can include international travel) and create itineraries for guest speakers and other visitors
Process all travel reimbursements for event visitors and work with department management on the events' budgets
Effectively work with outside vendors on registration, secure the necessary contracts for event space use
Execute pre-event checklists and address or elevate issues as needed
Process post-event surveys and evaluations; identify and recommend areas for improvement
Maintain contacts, agreements, and event records; prepare summary and status reports
Promote events and relevant news utilizing social media, including content creation, audience engagement, inquiry response, and content calendar management
Create graphics, posters, banners, and other promotional materials in Canva; obtain necessary design approvals prior to distribution
Maintain websites for multiple units, working with IT on more complex website edits
Process honorariums as requested by faculty, which may include detailed communication with speakers and coordination with purchasing and finance teams
Review invoices for accuracy and address any discrepancies with vendors
Important Note: The Events Assistant is expected to attend the start of conferences/events to ensure all arrangements are in place, register attendees, ensure room is presentable, food has arrived, take photographs of the event, and assist with any IT needs for presentations. Travel around the local area may be required to pick up supplies necessary for events.
As such, this position requires a flexible schedule to work infrequent evenings to support events and awards ceremonies.
The Events Assistant will utilize various software to complete the above responsibilities, including Adobe Illustrator; Microsoft Word for professional documentation; Microsoft Excel for data organization, analysis, and reporting; and Microsoft PowerPoint for creating clear, engaging presentations to support communication and decision making.
Qualifications:
Excellent communication and customer service skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
Committed to fostering a positive and efficient working environment for coworkers and collaborators
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment
Ability to stay organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy while multi-tasking
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or comparable software.
Experience in creating content for social media platforms in a professional setting
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
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
Important Application Instructions:
Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.
The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Important Note:
In accordance with College guidelines, this position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.
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.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.