Small Business Engagement Specialist (Eastern PA Region)

Penn State Lady Lions; Reading (Berks County); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State is seeking a dynamic Small Business Engagement Specialist (Eastern PA Region) to support RISE PA energy efficiency initiatives across Pennsylvania. The role emphasizes client engagement, technical guidance and program coordination to drive measurable energy savings for SMEs.

The position may operate across Pennsylvania campuses; remote work is not guaranteed and continuation beyond 1 year depends on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years relevant experience; or Master's degree and 6+ years relevant experience.
• Experience managing timelines, milestones, deliverables, and multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to collect, analyze, track, and report program outcomes; communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Engage with prospective, current, and former clients to assess energy efficiency project opportunities.
• Assist clients with grant applications and guide them through the RISE PA process.
• Provide technical consultation using program tools, calculators, and resources.

Skills

MS Office

Client engagement

Relationship building

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

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.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

PennTAP is seeking a dynamic and motivated Small Business Engagement Specialist (Eastern PA Region) to support the implementation of RISE PA energy efficiency initiatives across Pennsylvania.

This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about sustainability, energy efficiency, economic development, and supporting Pennsylvania's manufacturing and small-to-medium-sized business (SME) communities.

The Small Business Engagement Specialist will play a key role in advancing PennTAP's mission by building relationships with businesses and stakeholders, providing technical guidance, coordinating projects, and tracking program outcomes to ensure successful implementation and measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities

Client Engagement and Support

• Engage with prospective, current, and former clients to assess energy efficiency project opportunities and outcomes.
• Assist clients with grant applications and guide them through the RISE PA application and participation process.
• Provide technical consultation and support by utilizing program tools, calculators, and resources while maintaining current knowledge of program requirements and energy efficiency technologies.
• Monitor client progress toward project milestones, ensuring adherence to timelines, deliverables, and program expectations.

Measurement and Verification

• Conduct post-project evaluations to measure energy savings and verify project performance outcomes.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain project data to ensure initiatives meet anticipated efficiency benchmarks.
• Communicate findings and results to clients and stakeholders, supporting continuous improvement and program transparency.
• Develop tools and resources to enhance client project management and strengthen PennTAP's data collection and reporting capabilities.

Strategic Outreach and Relationship Building

• Develop and implement outreach strategies that increase awareness of and participation in RISE PA programs among SMEs.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with economic development organizations, industry associations, utilities, contractors, trade organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between PennTAP and external partners to foster collaboration, alignment, and program success.

Program Coordination and Reporting

• Collaborate with RISE PA Program Leadership, PennTAP Leadership, Regional Advisors, and other internal stakeholders to support program delivery.
• Track, analyze, and report participation metrics and performance indicators to measure progress toward strategic goals.
• Monitor project milestones and prepare comprehensive reports for leadership and program teams.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support program compliance, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in MS Office Applications especially Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience engaging and supporting clients throughout project lifecycles.
• Ability to build relationships with businesses, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience managing timelines, milestones, deliverables, and multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to collect, analyze, track, and report program and project outcomes.
• Independent thinking and ability to provide guidance, explain technical information, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of energy-saving technologies, sustainability programs, or environmental initiatives. CEM certification would be valuable.
• Familiarity with manufacturing operations, processes, or industrial customers.
• Experience assisting organizations with grant applications or funding programs.
• Background working with SMEs, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, or regional partnerships.
• Education or experience in engineering, energy management, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field.

Work Location:

This role may operate out of University Park or any of the Penn State campuses in the Eastern PA region - Abington, Berks, Brandywine, Great Valley, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, York.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Business Development Relationship Adviser - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Business Development Relationship Adviser - Senior Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

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. 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 $72,300.00 - $137,280.00.

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.

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