Community Success and Belonging Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Community Success & Belonging Specialist within the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. This role advocates for students, develops programs to foster belonging, and partners with campus units to enhance engagement and academic persistence.

Responsibilities include advising student organizations, coordinating leadership development, and using data to assess program impact, all while ensuring compliance with university policies and maintaining strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Check.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Advise student organizations and leadership groups affiliated with the PRCC.
• Support leadership development, policy navigation, and resource management.
• Assist student leaders in aligning programming with institutional policies and best practices.
• Design, implement, and assess programs that promote engagement and student success.

Skills

Student advocacy

Program development

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Community Success & Belonging Specialist (CSBS) within the Paul Robeson Cultural Center serves as an advocate, educator, and program leader focused on advancing student success, wellbeing, engagement, and retention. This position develops, implements, and assesses programs and services that foster community, belonging, leadership development, and academic persistence - with particular attention to students who seek connection through the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and its affiliated communities. The CSBS collaborates with campus partners to ensure students have access to resources, support networks, and leadership opportunities that contribute to their holistic success. This role uses data-informed strategies to assess impact, identify emerging needs, and strengthen institutional practices that support student engagement and achievement. This position reports to the Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Primary Responsibilities

Student Support & Advocacy

• Serve as a resource and advocate for students seeking community, connection, and support through the PRCC.
• Meet with student leaders and student organizations to assess needs, identify challenges, and provide consultation, referrals, and guidance.
• Facilitate the development of student support networks and leadership pathways.
• Serve as liaison to campus committees and initiatives aligned with student success and belonging.

Program Development & Implementation

• Design, implement, and assess academic, cultural, leadership, and community-building programs that promote engagement, retention, and student success.
• Coordinate logistics, secure resources, and manage operational planning for programs and signature initiatives (e.g., heritage month programming and related educational events).
• Develop sustainable program models that contribute to institutional goals related to recruitment, retention, and student engagement.

Leadership Development & Student Organization Advising

• Advise student organizations and leadership groups affiliated with the PRCC.
• Support leadership development, organizational sustainability, policy navigation, and resource management.
• Assist student leaders in aligning programming with institutional policies and best practices.

Data, Assessment & Strategy

• Conduct needs assessments and collect relevant data to inform program development and strategic planning.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and report on measurable outcomes related to student engagement and success.
• Contribute to unit-level planning efforts focused on continuous improvement and impact assessment.

Campus Collaboration & Education

• Partner with campus units to support pre-college, orientation, research, and co-curricular initiatives that enhance student success and community engagement.
• Provide consultation and educational workshops to faculty, staff, and student groups on fostering inclusive learning and engagement environments.
• Serve as a subject matter resource to University stakeholders.

Supervision & Operations

• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate undergraduate student staff and volunteers supporting PRCC initiatives.
• Maintain program-related resources, supplies, and operational materials in collaboration with PRCC leadership.

Collaboration

• This position works closely with PRCC community support areas and campus partners to advance coordinated efforts that enhance student engagement, persistence, and sense of belonging.
• The role contributes to broader Student Affairs initiatives aligned with student wellbeing, leadership development, and institutional success goals.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

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.
• 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 $49,188.00 - $71,340.00. 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 There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom - it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.