Invent Penn State Social Media Intern

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a student to support Invent Penn State social media. You will create and schedule content, write engaging copy, and identify opportunities around entrepreneurship and innovation while supporting events and stories across the Penn State ecosystem.

The role offers hands-on experience in marketing, digital content, and content creation, with in-person work at State College and flexible scheduling around classes. A Federal Work Study award may apply.

Qualifications

• Must be a current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.
• Strong written communication and attention to detail.
• Familiar 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 online.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development 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 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.

Skills

Written communication

Attention to detail

Creativity

Time management

Professionalism online

Storytelling

Education

Penn State student (undergrad/grad)

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Cloud

Social media management platforms

Video editing tools

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires you to have received a work-study award.To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account.A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available.

The Office of Entrepreneurship is seeking a creative, reliable and digitally savvy student workers to support social media for Invent Penn State. Working with the Marketing and Communications team, the student will help create, schedule and manage engaging content that highlights entrepreneurship, innovation, programs, events and success stories across the Invent Penn State ecosystem.

This position offers an opportunity for students interested in marketing, communications, social media or content creation to gain hands-on professional experience while helping tell the stories of Penn State entrepreneurs, students, alumni and communities across Pennsylvania.

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.

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.

The starting hourly rate for this job is $15.00.

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 joband perform related duties eitheron campus, orremotely, if possibleand 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.