New

Community Engagement Specialist - SSRI

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 21, 2026
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, seeNotice 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 for this position include, but are not limited to the following: Facilitate community-university partnerships between Penn State investigators and community members and organizations Coordinate efforts to develop community capacity to co-create CEnR projects ProvideCEnRsupport to facultyand community partners Develop and facilitate CEnR trainings, and provide CEnR consultation to individuals, groups, and organizations Supportcollaborations withother 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, power point 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. 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