Penn State Global seeks a collaborative and innovative professional to serve as Program Manager, EDGE (Experiential Digital Global Engagement) within the Global Learning unit. Reporting to the Associate Director for Global Academic Engagement, this position provides advanced programmatic leadership and exercises a high level of independent judgment in shaping the direction, priorities, assessment, and long-term growth of Penn State’s project-based international virtual exchange initiatives. 

The EDGE Program Manager works independently and in partnership with faculty, academic units, and international institutions to guide the design, integration, and evaluation of structured, faculty-led virtual collaborations across colleges and campuses. The role emphasizes consultative leadership, subject-matter expertise, program assessment, and strategic influence rather than coordination of individual activities, supporting scalable and sustainable global learning opportunities that advance Penn State’s broader global engagement and instructional goals. 
 

This appointment is a 75% full-time equivalent (FTE), with a work schedule of 40 hours per week during the academic year (August 15 through May 15). The role does not require work during the summer period and is benefits-eligible on a prorated basis.
  

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the design, implementation, and growth of the EDGE program (a project-based international virtual exchange initiative aligned with Penn State's global learning priorities)

• Serve as subject matter expert in virtual exchange pedagogy

• Work closely with faculty to design and implement EDGE projects into Penn State courses

• Design and deliver training, workshops, and consultations related to project-based international virtual exchange and global learning best practices

• Build, maintain, and strengthen international institutional partnerships that support virtual exchange

• Develop and use clear assessment strategies to evaluate student learning outcomes and overall program impact

• Lead program reporting efforts by documenting outcomes, key metrics, and lessons learned for internal leadership, faculty, and external partners

• Serve as an advocate for EDGE by promoting its value, outcomes, and pedagogical approach across Penn State and with external partners to faculty participation and encourage broader adoption

• Oversee program operations, including planning, reporting, and budget coordination in collaboration with the Associate Director

• Collaborate across Penn State Global and academic units to support program quality, alignment, and long-term sustainability

• Contribute to broader global academic engagement efforts within Penn State Global, as appropriate, including participation in cross-unit initiatives, working groups, or events

• Support special projects, pilot initiatives, and related responsibilities as assigned

• Respond to evolving program and institutional needs

Required Qualifications​

• Proven experience working independently and partnering with faculty on curriculum or course development

• Experience managing cross-institutional or international partnerships

• Strong project management, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously

• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable approaches to global learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, International Education, Educational Technology, Global Studies, or related field

• 5 years of relevant experience in global education, virtual exchange, COIL, or international academic programming

• Demonstrated ability to influence and persuade faculty, staff, and partners to adopt innovative teaching practices and new pedagogical approaches

• Teaching experience in higher education or related settings

• Experience implementing at least two EDGE/COIL projects in the classroom

• Experience implementing or scaling project-based virtual exchange at a research-intensive or decentralized institution

• Familiarity with global learning or intercultural learning assessment frameworks

• Experience managing program budgets, grants, or external funding

• Experience working effectively across complex academic and administrative environments