Community Engagement Specialist - SSRI
The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, United States
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Application Instructions
Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) – log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
Current Penn State student (not previously employed at the university) – log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
Non-current employee or student – click "Apply" and complete the external applicant process.
Remote and hybrid work approval is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
Position Specifics The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI)
at Penn State University is seeking a
Community Engagement Specialist
with experience in collaborative, community-engaged research (CEnR). The position will be filled at the
Intermediate Professional
or
Advanced Professional
level, based on the candidate’s qualifications.
The successful candidate will support CERAP’s mission by strengthening community‑engaged research capacity and building meaningful university‑community partnerships. They will play a central role in training, technical assistance, and coordination of CEnR projects while fostering community trust and collaboration. The ideal candidate will have direct experience working in and with communities, as well as experience on social science and/or interdisciplinary research projects.
Responsibilities
Facilitate community‑university partnerships between Penn State investigators and community members and organizations.
Coordinate efforts to develop community capacity to co‑create CEnR projects.
Provide CEnR support to faculty and community partners.
Develop and facilitate CEnR trainings, and provide CEnR consultation to individuals, groups, and organizations.
Support collaborations with other SSRI units (e.g., Survey Research Center).
Contribute to a Community Research Advisory Board.
Lead and participate in workshops and CERAP meetings.
Develop and facilitate CEnR presentations.
Contribute to CEnR dissemination efforts and facilitate community involvement in dissemination.
Participate in community outreach events and build and maintain a presence of CERAP in Pennsylvania communities.
Provide strategic leadership, management, planning, and implementation of CEnR projects.
Assist with CERAP general operations and events.
This position requires a flexible schedule to include occasional evenings and weekends. Please note that this is not a remote work position.
Skills and Experience
Ability to be detail‑oriented and multi‑task.
Excellent organizational, oral and written communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
Basic knowledge of community‑engaged research and scholarship.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement trainings.
Experience with collaborative projects, including coordination, meeting planning and implementation, and group facilitation.
Experience with applied research or working with direct service providers offering housing, education, health or social services, youth programming, or other related sectors is preferred.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work effectively on multiple projects at once.
Ability to create infographics, PowerPoint presentations, and other compelling visual materials.
Familiarity with NVivo, Dedoose, R, and/or similar analytical software or programming experience is preferred.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications Advanced Professional:
Bachelor's Degree + 3+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination) – no required certifications.
Intermediate Professional:
Bachelor's Degree + 1+ year of relevant experience (or equivalent combination) – no required certifications.
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.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time) and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members. For more detailed information, please visit the 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) that includes crime statistics and institutional policies. 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 and a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion, 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.
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Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) – log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
Current Penn State student (not previously employed at the university) – log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
Non-current employee or student – click "Apply" and complete the external applicant process.
Remote and hybrid work approval is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
Position Specifics The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI)
at Penn State University is seeking a
Community Engagement Specialist
with experience in collaborative, community-engaged research (CEnR). The position will be filled at the
Intermediate Professional
or
Advanced Professional
level, based on the candidate’s qualifications.
The successful candidate will support CERAP’s mission by strengthening community‑engaged research capacity and building meaningful university‑community partnerships. They will play a central role in training, technical assistance, and coordination of CEnR projects while fostering community trust and collaboration. The ideal candidate will have direct experience working in and with communities, as well as experience on social science and/or interdisciplinary research projects.
Responsibilities
Facilitate community‑university partnerships between Penn State investigators and community members and organizations.
Coordinate efforts to develop community capacity to co‑create CEnR projects.
Provide CEnR support to faculty and community partners.
Develop and facilitate CEnR trainings, and provide CEnR consultation to individuals, groups, and organizations.
Support collaborations with other SSRI units (e.g., Survey Research Center).
Contribute to a Community Research Advisory Board.
Lead and participate in workshops and CERAP meetings.
Develop and facilitate CEnR presentations.
Contribute to CEnR dissemination efforts and facilitate community involvement in dissemination.
Participate in community outreach events and build and maintain a presence of CERAP in Pennsylvania communities.
Provide strategic leadership, management, planning, and implementation of CEnR projects.
Assist with CERAP general operations and events.
This position requires a flexible schedule to include occasional evenings and weekends. Please note that this is not a remote work position.
Skills and Experience
Ability to be detail‑oriented and multi‑task.
Excellent organizational, oral and written communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
Basic knowledge of community‑engaged research and scholarship.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement trainings.
Experience with collaborative projects, including coordination, meeting planning and implementation, and group facilitation.
Experience with applied research or working with direct service providers offering housing, education, health or social services, youth programming, or other related sectors is preferred.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work effectively on multiple projects at once.
Ability to create infographics, PowerPoint presentations, and other compelling visual materials.
Familiarity with NVivo, Dedoose, R, and/or similar analytical software or programming experience is preferred.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications Advanced Professional:
Bachelor's Degree + 3+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination) – no required certifications.
Intermediate Professional:
Bachelor's Degree + 1+ year of relevant experience (or equivalent combination) – no required certifications.
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.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time) and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members. For more detailed information, please visit the 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) that includes crime statistics and institutional policies. 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 and a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion, 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.
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