A Communications or Public Relations Specialist coordinates internal and external communications for a company or organization. Provides information to employees on company activities, such as the launch of a new product or a community service initiative. Writes and edits public communications; develops media contacts and prepares material for press and media distribution; monitors media coverage. May assist with events planning.
(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 location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications seeks a Student Advocacy Specialist to coordinate student retention and student success efforts. The Student Advocacy Specialist will assist in improving efforts around first year seminars as well as focus on student retention and student persistence within special student populations. This position will be filled at the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
Responsibilities:
Monitor undergraduate retention, persistence, and graduation rates, including key student populations such as 2+2 students, Pell Grant recipients, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation students. Design, implement, and assess programs and outreach initiatives that promote student success, with a focus on targeted populations. Oversee the College's Living-Learning Community in partnership with Residence Life, and develop programming and services that support first-year student success. Support undergraduate recruitment and enrollment initiatives, including events, communications, and prospective student outreach. Collaborate with student organizations and oversee student mentoring and federal work-study programs to enhance student engagement and retention. Partner with the scholarships coordinator to align scholarship resources with student success and graduation goals. Evaluate and enhance First-Year Seminars and curricular/co-curricular initiatives to improve retention and persistence, particularly for transfer and 2+2 students. Assist with Bellisario College undergraduate recruitment efforts, including attendance at recruitment events and outreach to prospective students. May supervise student employees.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Student Advocacy 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 Student Advocacy Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
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 $49,188.00 - $78,444.00. 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.
