Community Engagement Specialist - SSRI
About The Position
The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) at Penn State University is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist with experience in collaborative, community-engaged research (CEnR). This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional or the Advanced Professional level , based on the successful candidate's qualifications. The successful candidate will support CERAP’s mission by strengthening community-engaged research capacity and building meaningful university–community partnerships. They will play a central role in training, technical assistance, and coordination of CEnR projects while fostering community trust and collaboration. The ideal candidate will have direct experience working in and with communities, as well as experience working on social science and/or interdisciplinary research projects.
Requirements
- Ability to be detail-oriented and multi-task
- Excellent organizational, oral and written communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office 365
- Basic knowledge of community engaged research and scholarship
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement trainings
- Experience with collaborative projects, including coordination, meeting planning and implementation, and group facilitation
- If filled as Community Engagement Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
- If filled as Community Engagement Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Nice To Haves
- Experience with applied research or working with direct service providers offering housing, education, health or social services, youth programming, or other related sectors is preferred
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work effectively on multiple projects at once
- Ability to create infographics, power point presentations, and other compelling visual materials
- Familiarity with NVivo, Dedoose, R and/or similar analytical software or programming experience is preferred
Responsibilities
- Facilitate community-university partnerships between Penn State investigators and community members and organizations
- Coordinate efforts to develop community capacity to co-create CEnR projects
- Provide CEnR support to faculty and community partners
- Develop and facilitate CEnR trainings, and provide CEnR consultation to individuals, groups, and organizations
- Support collaborations with other SSRI units (e.g., Survey Research Center)
- Contribute to a Community Research Advisory Board
- Lead and participate in workshops and CERAP meetings
- Develop and facilitate CEnR presentations
- Contribute to CEnR dissemination efforts and facilitate community involvement in CEnR dissemination
- Participate in community outreach events and build and maintain a presence of CERAP in Pennsylvania communities
- Provide strategic leadership, management, planning, and implementation of CEnR projects
- Assist with CERAP general operations and events
Benefits
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
