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The Pennsylvania State University

Strategic Business Development Content Specialist (Part-Time)

The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, United States

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Application Instructions

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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.

Job Description and Position Requirements The Office of Research Business Development within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) is seeking a highly strategic marketing and business development content specialist to shape high-impact content that elevates Penn State's research enterprise. This part-time position (10-20 hours per week) will support top-priority business development initiatives across OSVPR, including major new units such as the Penn State National Security Institute.

This role is centered on developing content that drives business development outcomes-attracting partners, donors, philanthropic investors, sponsors, and industry collaborators-while advancing Penn State's visibility and competitiveness as a leading research institution.

Key Responsibilities

Develop high value, strategically aligned content that positions Penn State's research strengths for industry partners, donors, sponsors, and philanthropic or strategic collaborators.

Create marketing assets that enhance partner engagement, support fundraising and sponsorship strategies, and elevate the profile of emerging centers and strategic research initiatives.

Translate research capabilities into clear value propositions designed to foster new partnerships and strategic alliances.

Market Research Integration & Trend Analysis

Apply market research and competitive intelligence insights to shape content that reflects current and emerging industry and philanthropic trends.

Identify external drivers-such as shifting industry priorities, technology investment patterns, emerging market sectors, and partner demand signals-and embed these insights into Penn State's strategic narratives.

Use market intelligence to recommend new storylines, messaging priorities, or content opportunities that support business development and institutional growth.

Required Capabilities

Demonstrated expertise in strategic marketing, business development content creation and focused storytelling in research, technology, higher education, or innovation-driven environments.

Strong ability to translate complex scientific or interdisciplinary information into clear, compelling narratives tailored to industry partners, donors, and sponsors.

Skill in incorporating market research and trend data into content strategies to align with external interest and opportunity landscapes.

Ability to identify enterprise-level themes and articulate Penn State's value and differentiation across interdisciplinary areas.

Proven capability to distill broad, complex information into concise, high-impact content.

Highly self‑directed, organized, and able to manage shifting priorities while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in marketing, business development, communications, or a STEM/life science discipline.

Familiarity with the Penn State research enterprise or experience working in a research, innovation, agency or higher education environment.

Experience producing strategic announcements, business development collateral, partner-focused content, or research-aligned storytelling.

Experience working for (or with) government agencies is a plus.

Work Environment & Expectations This role may be performed remotely or on-site. Local candidates may join periodic in‑person meetings and collaborative sessions. Availability during standard business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) is expected for meetings, while most deliverables can be completed on a flexible schedule. Estimated commitment:

10-20 hours per week .

Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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.

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