Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist - Part Time

The Pennsylvania State University; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University, Scranton campus, is seeking a Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist to advance strategic partnerships with local employers, healthcare organizations, schools, and nonprofits. This part-time role focuses on growth of continuing education programs and community engagement.

You will represent the Center for Business Development and Community Outreach at events, identify opportunities, help secure funding, and support program development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, communications, education, public administration, nonprofit management, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in community relations, business development, workforce development, fundraising, outreach, or partnership management.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills; excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Continuing Education Department at community events, professional meetings, business networking functions, and workforce development activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, industry leaders, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Identify emerging workforce and professional development needs within the region.
• Serve as a liaison between community partners and Continuing Education staff.
• Research and identify grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities aligned with departmental goals.

Skills

Networking

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist - Part Time### Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist - Part TimeApply: Penn State Scranton: Part time: Posted Today: REQ\\_0000083750# **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**The Center for Business Development and Community Outreach seeks an energetic, relationship-focused professional to serve as a Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist. This position is responsible for building and maintaining strategic partnerships with businesses, healthcare organizations, school districts, workforce development agencies, nonprofits, government entities, and community leaders to support the growth of continuing education programs. The successful candidate will actively engage with the community, identify new business and workforce training opportunities, seek external funding sources, and help position the department as a valuable educational resource across the region. The position is part time and will work approximately 20-24 hours per week. **Key Responsibilities****Community Outreach and Partnership Development*** Represent the Continuing Education Department at community events, professional meetings, business networking functions, and workforce development activities.* Develop and maintain relationships with employers, industry leaders, community organizations, and government agencies.* Identify emerging workforce and professional development needs within the region.* Serve as a liaison between community partners and Continuing Education staff. **Funding and Resource Development*** Research and identify grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities aligned with departmental goals.* Assist in developing partnerships that support workforce training, credential programs, and community initiatives.* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support grant applications and partnership proposals.* Maintain a database of funding opportunities and community contacts. **Business and Program Development*** Identify opportunities for customized training, professional development programs, and workforce education initiatives.* Gather market intelligence and community feedback to inform new program development.* Support outreach efforts to increase enrollment and participation in Continuing Education offerings.* Assist in developing strategic initiatives that expand the department's reach and impact. **Qualifications****Required*** Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, communications, education, public administration, nonprofit management, marketing, or related field.* Minimum of three years of experience in community relations, business development, workforce development, fundraising, outreach, or partnership management.* Strong networking and relationship-building skills.* Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.* Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.* Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. **Preferred*** Experience in higher education, workforce development, economic development, healthcare outreach, or nonprofit organizations.* Knowledge of grant funding processes and proposal development.* Established connections within the regional business and community environment.* Experience working with chambers of commerce, workforce boards, or economic development agencies. The ideal candidate is:* A natural connector who enjoys meeting new people.* Comfortable engaging with executives, community leaders, and public officials.* Strategic, creative, and highly self-motivated.* Passionate about expanding educational opportunities for individuals and organizations.* Results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to develop productive partnerships. **BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES**This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.