Community Engagement Specialist
The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
Job Overview
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.
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 For the Community Engagement Specialist – Advanced Professional tier: Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience. No certifications required.
For the Community Engagement Specialist – Intermediate Professional tier: Bachelor’s Degree and 1+ year of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience. No certifications required.
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.
Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University requires 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 personal and professional well‑being, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and substantial paid time off. Employees also receive a generous 75% tuition discount for themselves, spouses, and eligible children.
Location This position is based in University Park, PA and follows a hybrid work model. Candidates should expect a combination of onsite and remote work as part of their regular schedule.
EEO Statement 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. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of belonging, and provide opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.
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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 For the Community Engagement Specialist – Advanced Professional tier: Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience. No certifications required.
For the Community Engagement Specialist – Intermediate Professional tier: Bachelor’s Degree and 1+ year of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience. No certifications required.
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.
Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University requires 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 personal and professional well‑being, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and substantial paid time off. Employees also receive a generous 75% tuition discount for themselves, spouses, and eligible children.
Location This position is based in University Park, PA and follows a hybrid work model. Candidates should expect a combination of onsite and remote work as part of their regular schedule.
EEO Statement 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. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of belonging, and provide opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.
#J-18808-Ljbffr