Community Engagement Specialist - SSRI
Penn State University, University Park, Texas, United States
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 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). This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional or the Advanced Professional level, based on the successful 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 working 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 CEnR 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 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.
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 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 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). 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 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). This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional or the Advanced Professional level, based on the successful 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 working 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 CEnR 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 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.
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 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 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). 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr