Community Engagement Specialist

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

CURRENT

PENN STATE EMPLOYEE

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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

Penn State Outreach seeks a highly collaborative and community-focused Community Engagement Specialist to support partnerships that advance Penn State's 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 University's 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

If filled as Community Engagement Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications:

None If filled as Community Engagement Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications:

None 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 on‑site and remote work as part of their regular schedule.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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 $51,000.00 - $81,500.00. 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There's a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world's universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom - it's the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania's sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters - more than half a million strong - driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.