Vantaggi
In many respects it is an open environment where you have some freedom to try new things, and experiment. As a university there is a culture that values deliberation, so if you can make your case you might have a shot at getting to implement a new way of doing things. In my experience there hasn't been a whole lot of micromanagement or harsh treatment of employees, and deadlines are generally aspirational instead of firm. That sort of treatment varies from department to department, though.
Svantaggi
Starved for resources, both people-wise and money-wise. There is more work to be done than is possible to accomplish, and leadership often fails to set priorities that let lower-level staff know what should be left behind. The pay is abysmal compared to industry, but this is technically the non-profit sector so that is to be expected. Compared to other public universities, salaries are pretty good. Unless you are a 18-25 and single, State College is kind of a crappy place to live, and the cost of living is outrageous compared to other communities 20 miles away.