Student Engagement Specialist, School of Public Policy

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Full benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s School of Public Policy seeks a Student Engagement Specialist to lead student engagement initiatives, community-building, programming, leadership development, career readiness, and student-focused events. This role supports graduate and undergraduate programs with experiential learning and partnerships across campus.

Travel is required locally and regionally, including to government offices and events with local leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 1+ years of relevant experience or equivalent
• Required Certifications: None

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate the School’s Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., career exploration trips
• Develop and facilitate Next Gen Leadership Academy programming
• Provide support for the School’s Local Government Initiative
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, alumni, and friends of the School
• Develop and facilitate the School’s fall and spring policy simulation events
• Participate in SPP leadership meetings, committee meetings, and faculty meetings
• Attend SPP student and public engagement events
• Participate in Board of Visitors meetings to discuss student engagement efforts and support strategies to cultivate alumni partnerships
• Participate in college and university meetings
• Identify opportunities for the School to strengthen its campus leadership in public service career pathways and education

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Problem solving

MS Office

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Overview

The School of Public Policy is seeking a Student Engagement Specialist to lead student engagement initiatives and support student success through community-building, programming, leadership development, career readiness, and student-focused events. The School of Public Policy (SPP) seeks to develop professionals who have the skills to identify, analyze, and solve our major policy issues. Professional development opportunities extend beyond the classroom to career days in Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; the Local Government Expo; policy simulations; and the Next Gen Leadership Academy. The Student Engagement Specialist is at the heart of academic operations for the School’s graduate and undergraduate programs, with experiential learning opportunities, community engagement, and career exploration enhancing student success and career readiness.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate the School’s Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., career exploration trips
• Develop and facilitate Next Gen Leadership Academy programming
• Provide support for the School’s Local Government Initiative
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, alumni, and friends of the School
• Develop and facilitate the School’s fall and spring policy simulation events
• Participate in SPP leadership meetings, committee meetings, and faculty meetings
• Attend SPP student and public engagement events
• Participate in Board of Visitors meetings to discuss student engagement efforts and support strategies to cultivate alumni partnerships
• Participate in college and university meetings
• Identify opportunities for the School to strengthen its campus leadership in public service career pathways and education

Collaboration skills are vital for this role as the Student Engagement Specialist will also serve a liaison to numerous university partners. This includes the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and Employer Engagement Specialist, Chaiken Center for Student Success, Office of Digital Pedagogies and Initiatives, Alumni Relations and Development, Office of Government and Community Relations, and Penn State Outreach.

Travel

Important Note: Travel is also required in this role, mainly in the local area (e.g., to government offices, nonprofit organizations, or events with local leaders). Infrequent regional travel (2 to 3 times a year on average) is also expected, including to Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg.

Qualifications

• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Ability to stay organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy while multi-tasking
• Outstanding problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 or comparable software used to support communication, recordkeeping, document preparation, and spreadsheet management
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree 1+ 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 $44,628.00 - $64,668.00. 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.

EEO Statement

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.

Company Culture

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.