Invent Penn State Social Media Intern

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

On-campus role at Innovation Hub

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a part-time social media assistant to create and schedule engaging content across Invent Penn State channels, writing audience-focused copy aligned with brand voice. You will identify content opportunities, coordinate posts around events, and monitor engagement.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team, basic photo/video editing, and staying current with social media trends. On-campus, in-person at State College.

Qualifications

• Current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.
• Strong written communication and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms and audience differences.
• Creative mindset with interest in storytelling and digital content.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Professional online presence and good judgment online.
• Interest in entrepreneurship and innovation is a plus.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or basic editing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create, adapt and schedule engaging social media content across Invent Penn State channels.
• Write clear, audience-focused social media copy consistent with Penn State and Invent Penn State brand standards and voice.
• Identify and develop content opportunities related to entrepreneurs, programs, events, educational opportunities and other initiatives.
• Assist with maintaining the social media content calendar and coordinating posts around key events, campaigns and announcements.
• Monitor social media channels for comments, mentions, messages and engagement opportunities, escalating questions when appropriate.
• Capture photos and short-form video content at events and activities as needed.
• Assist with basic photo and video editing and the creation of social media graphics using available tools and templates.
• Research relevant social media trends and platform best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen content and engagement.
• Review social media performance data and help identify trends and high-performing content.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team and program partners to gather information, stories and content.
• Assist with other digital marketing and communications projects as needed.

Skills

Strong writing

Social media savvy

Creative storytelling

Time management

Professional online presence

Entrepreneurship interest

Education

Penn State student (undergrad/grad)

Tools

Canva

Adobe CC

Social media platforms tools

Basic video editing

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Create, adapt and schedule engaging social media content across Invent Penn State channels.
• Write clear, audience-focused social media copy consistent with Penn State and Invent Penn State brand standards and voice.
• Identify and develop content opportunities related to entrepreneurs, programs, events, educational opportunities and other initiatives.
• Assist with maintaining the social media content calendar and coordinating posts around key events, campaigns and announcements.
• Monitor social media channels for comments, mentions, messages and engagement opportunities, escalating questions when appropriate.
• Capture photos and short-form video content at events and activities as needed.
• Assist with basic photo and video editing and the creation of social media graphics using available tools and templates.
• Research relevant social media trends and platform best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen content and engagement.
• Review social media performance data and help identify trends and high-performing content.
• Collaborate with members of the Marketing and Communications team and program partners to gather information, stories and content.
• Assist with other digital marketing and communications projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms and an understanding of how content and audiences differ across channels.
• Creative mindset and an interest in storytelling and digital content.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Good judgment and professionalism when representing a university organization online.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development is a plus.
• Experience creating social media content for a student organization, employer, personal brand or other organization is helpful but not required.
• Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, social media management platforms or basic video editing tools is also a plus.

Hours, Work Location and Compensation

• This is a part-time position of approximately 10-15 hours per week during the academic year Fall/Spring 2026, with scheduling flexibility around classes.
• The position requires full in-person attendance and is based at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College.
• Some availability to attend and capture content at events may be requested.
• The hourly rate for this position is $15.00 per hour.
• The starting hourly rate for this job is $15.00.

Application Materials

• Please submit a resume and a brief statement describing your interest in the position.
• Applicants are encouraged to include links or examples of social media, writing, photography, video or other relevant content they have created.

Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer. Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.

Background checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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.

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.