Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Operations Office Director, SERS (Administrative Officer 4)

Hybrid$78,925 - $119,844/yrPosted 5 days ago

Job details

Location
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Work type
Hybrid
Compensation
$78,925 - $119,844/yr
Posted
5 days ago
Apply on
governmentjobs.com

About this role

About the Department



The State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is seeking a talented manager to oversee the agency's Operations Office. In this role, you will lead a team that provides critical operations support functions to personnel and facilities at seven locations throughout the state. The ideal candidate will possess supervisory and managerial experience in procurement, planning, and facilities management. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today!

Position Duties

As Operations Office Director, this position coordinates, establishes, and monitors goals, objectives, and performance outcome measures for the SERS Operations Office. The position provides high-level procurement and contracting guidance; oversees agency invoicing, print productions, security badging, records retention, and facilities management activities; and supervises the employee safety and agency Continuity of Operations (COOP) programs for SERS, a quasi-independent agency with delegated procurement authority and independent legal counsel.  
 
Key responsibilities as the SERS Operations Office Director include the following:

  • Office Leadership: Oversee daily operations, supervise staff, and guide development of goals and performance measures for the SERS Operations Office
  • Program Management: Coordinate training; support major projects; and prepare reports, budgets, and recommendations for senior management
  • Procurement Oversight: Direct procurement activities including complex solicitations, payment processing, and management of purchasing programs and contracts
  • Facilities Coordination: Manage agency leases, facility maintenance, relocation activities, and contractor responsibilities across all SERS locations
  • Safety and Security: Support COOP planning, oversee security access processes, and ensure safety procedures and systems are maintained
  • Records and Inventory: Guide record retention, surplus procedures, and inventory tracking to ensure compliance with Commonwealth requirements

Interested in learning more? Additional details can be found in the position description. 

About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 246,000 employees and retirees for 96 public sector employers. In 2025, SERS paid more than $4.0 billion in benefits and managed nearly $50 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov.
 
Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work. 
 
SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday.
  • A work schedule beginning and ending between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., inclusive, with a half-hour or one-hour unpaid meal period will be considered, depending on operational requirements. The requested work schedule may not end prior to 4:00 p.m. 
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home part-time (i.e., hybrid telework schedule), depending on operational needs. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you must work on-site at the work location specified in this job posting. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • One year as an Administrative Officer 3 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • Six years of experience in progressively responsible and varied office management or staff work, including experience in personnel management, budgeting, or procurement; and such training as may have been gained through graduation from a four-year college or university; or
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

  • You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.


Legal Requirements: 

  • You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
  • All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

  • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

  • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.


The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Other Qualifications

  • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
  • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
  • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
  • You must provide complete and accurate information or:
    • your score may be lower than deserved.
    • you may be disqualified.
  • You may only apply/test once for this posting.
  • Your results will be provided via email.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!


See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*


Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Administrative Officer 3 for one or more years full-time?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Do you possess progressively responsible and varied office management or staff work which includes experience in personnel management, budgeting, or procurement?
  • Yes
  • No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many years of full-time experience in progressively responsible and varied office management or staff work in public or private organization do you possess?
  • 6 years or more
  • 5 but less than 6 years
  • 4 but less than 5 years
  • 3 but less than 4 years
  • 2 but less than 3 years
  • 1 but less than 2 years
  • Less than 1 year
  • None
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
What level of college coursework have you completed in business administration, public administration, human resources, strategic leadership, or other related areas? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
  • Master's degree or higher
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Some coursework
  • None
08
If you have not completed college coursework in one of the fields listed in the previous question, how much college coursework have you completed in another field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
  • 120 credits or more
  • 90 but less than 120 credits
  • 60 but less than 90 credits
  • 30 but less than 60 credits
  • Less than 30 credits
  • None
09
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
  • Yes
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Provides technical assistance and consultative services to organizational program managers, staff, and senior level management regarding the development, implementation, and evaluation of procurement contracts. Advises staff, senior level managers, and vendors on procurement regulations, policies, and methods. Assesses and defines needs or problems and recommends possible solutions. Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to staff and vendors to identify needs and answer questions. I was also responsible for recommending possible solutions to problems or concerns.
  • B. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to staff and vendors to identify needs and answer questions but did NOT recommend possible solutions to problems or concerns.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public relations, counseling, public speaking, psychology, or sociology.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The actual duties you performed related to the technical assistance you provided.
  3. Your level of responsibility.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no coursework related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – CONTRACT NEGOTIATION AND EVALUATION Negotiates contract terms and conditions such as cost, delivery, performance, and technical requirements. Evaluates vendor performance to determine necessity for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts. Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience NEGOTIATING contract terms and conditions. I was also responsible for EVALUATING vendor performance to determine the need for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts.
  • B. I have experience EVALUATING vendor performance to determine the need for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to contract negotiation, contract management, or data analysis.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The actual duties you performed related to contract negotiation or evaluating vendor performance.
  3. The types of contracts you negotiated or evaluated.
  4. Your level of responsibility.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no coursework related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – SUPERVISION Supervises staff by assigning work and establishing priorities and timeframes for completion. Reviews employee performance and prepares evaluation reports. Interviews prospective employees and recommends selection. Receives and resolves grievances and complaints. Counsels employees when necessary. Provides guidance to staff on complex issues and approves or denies leave requests. Identifies training needs and provides training to staff. Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience SUPERVISING subordinate staff. I have interviewed and hired staff, rated work performance, established priorities, counseled employees, identified training needs, and approved leave.
  • B. I have experience as a LEAD WORKER OR SENIOR STAFF MEMBER. I have provided training to newly hired staff, reviewed their work, or served as a team or group leader, but I was NOT responsible for employee performance reviews or discipline.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to supervisory development, labor relations, or human resource management, but I do not have at least six months of supervisory lead work experience.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework/training related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The actual duties you performed related to supervision.
  3. Your level of responsibility.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no coursework/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. Training Source
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
19
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Oversees all of the programs areas within the agency’s Operations Office. Provides oversight/guidance in the program areas of procurement, contracting, invoicing, safety, COOP, print production, records retention, purchasing card, US Bank Card, badging, and facilities management. Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience developing and overseeing all program objectives, plans, policies, and procedures.
  • B. I have experience implementing and overseeing all program objectives, plans, policies, and procedures developed by someone else.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program management.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior
20
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The actual duties you performed related to program management.
  3. Your level of responsibility.
21
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no coursework related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov
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About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
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