Community Outreach Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 16,531 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Community Outreach Specialist to educate the public about food system sustainability and health. You will work with students, faculty, community organizations and volunteers to grow local food security and strengthen the community.

You will coordinate partnerships with area farms and food banks, recruit volunteers, lead tours, conduct outreach on nutrition and access, and report outcomes to stakeholders. This is a part-time on-site role at University Park.

Qualifications

• Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Able to work with underserved and/or underrepresented populations.
• Able to lift at least 40 pounds and operate a university vehicle.
• Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain programs.
• Recruit and provide support to volunteers serving with the program and community partners, including producing donations.
• Coordinate and lead Student Farm tours for students, youth, community members and others.
• Assist and support student leaders with farm and program tasks, trainings and events.
• Conduct educational and outreach initiatives on topics such as food security, gardening, nutrition and healthy food access.
• Coordinate with partners to plan county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system.
• Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders.
• Drive a university vehicle.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Lift 40 pounds

Driver's license

Job description

## Community Outreach SpecialistApplylocations: Penn State University Parktime type: Part timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: REQ\_0000080666# **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.** **JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS**Student Farm and Food Systems seeks a part-time member to build capacity to 1) educate people about food system sustainability and health, and 2) strengthen the local community through growing and donating local foods. Under supervision of the program director, the staff member will work with students, faculty, community organizations and volunteers to implement and evaluate programs that support local food security, economic development and personal engagement with our food system.**Responsibilities include:*** Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain programs.* Develop and coordinate partnerships between university faculty and courses, and local food and agriculture systems organizations, such as area food banks and local farms.* Recruit and provide support to volunteers serving with the program and community partners, including produce for donation to area food banks and pantries.* Coordinate and lead Student Farm tours for students, youth, community members and others.* Assist and support student leaders with farm and program tasks, trainings and events, including produce donations through Food Recovery Network, the Feed the People market stand, and other local food security programs.* Conduct educational and outreach initiatives on topics such as food security, gardening, nutrition and healthy food access.* Coordinate with partners to plan and carry out county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system, such as proposing a seed saving garden and a youth gardens network.* Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders. Drive a university vehicle.**Qualifications:*** Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.* Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.* Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.* Relevant ability working with underserved and/or underrepresented populations.* Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings, and lift at least 40 pounds.* Interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred. Valid driver’s license, own transportation. **BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES**Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.