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 additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Outreach seeks a highly collaborative and community-focused Community Engagement Specialist to support partnerships that advance Penn States land-grant mission across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This role connects University expertise with community priorities by facilitating partnerships coordinating multi-stakeholder engagement initiatives and supporting collaborative projects that strengthen communities and expand educational access.

Reporting to the Senior Brand and Partnership Officer the Community Engagement Specialist supports the development coordination and implementation of engagement initiatives by applying community engagement strategies stakeholder facilitation techniques and project management practices. The specialist plays a key role in translating strategic engagement priorities into actionable projects that benefit Penn State and communities across Pennsylvania across a variety of programs activities and campuses.

Impact of the Role

Through partnership coordination and collaborative engagement the Community Engagement Specialist helps Penn State Outreach strengthen its role as a connector between campuses across the University and communities across Pennsylvania. The position contributes to advancing the Universitys land-grant mission by expanding educational opportunities supporting workforce development and fostering initiatives that improve community vitality throughout the Commonwealth and drive meaningful change in the lives of Pennsylvanians.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between the Outreach Partnership Team Penn State units and external stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and partnership opportunities.

• Co-conduct community asset and stakeholder mapping to identify strengths resources and key leaders in communities.

• Assist with community needs assessments using surveys interviews and community listening sessions.

• Compile community profiles ecosystem maps and partnership inventories to inform engagement strategies.

• Coordinate community engagement initiatives events and collaborative programs.

• Coordinate logistics and communication for engagement programs and initiatives.

• Facilitate meetings working groups and planning sessions with community partners and internal stakeholders.

• Assist with preparation of reports presentations meeting summaries and follow-up documentation for leadership and stakeholders.

• Maintain ongoing communication with partners to sustain strong relationships.

• Support management of partnership-related projects from initiation through completion.

• Track timelines milestones deliverables and project documentation.

• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure successful implementation of engagement initiatives.

• Identify risks barriers or opportunities and communicate recommendations to leadership.

• Maintain records of partnerships engagement activities and community initiatives.

• Support implementation and use of CRM systems and partnership tracking tools.

• Collect data and partnership and community testimonials and stories to support impact reporting.

MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education outreach community engagement or nonprofit settings

• Project management certification (e.g. PMP CAPM) or equivalent experience

• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) tools

• Experience conducting community assessments asset mapping or stakeholder analysis.

This position is based in University Park PA and follows a hybrid work model. Candidates should expect a combination of onsite and remote work as part of their regular schedule.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional 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 .

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines