Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist - Part Time

Penn State University•Scranton, PA

About The Position

The Center for Business Development and Community Outreach seeks an energetic, relationship-focused professional to build and maintain strategic partnerships with businesses, healthcare organizations, school districts, workforce development agencies, nonprofits, government entities, and community leaders. The role supports the growth of continuing education programs by engaging with the community, identifying business and workforce training opportunities, seeking external funding, and positioning the department as a valuable educational resource across the region. This is a part-time position working approximately 20–24 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, communications, education, public administration, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of experience in community relations, business development, workforce development, fundraising, outreach, or partnership management.
Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Required clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check, in addition to applicable background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, workforce development, economic development, healthcare outreach, or nonprofit organizations.
Knowledge of grant funding processes and proposal development.
Established connections within the regional business and community environment.
Experience working with chambers of commerce, workforce boards, or economic development agencies.
Enjoys meeting new people and is comfortable engaging with executives, community leaders, and public officials.
Strategic, creative, highly self-motivated, and passionate about expanding educational opportunities for individuals and organizations.
Results-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to develop productive partnerships.

Responsibilities

Represent the Continuing Education Department at community events, professional meetings, business networking functions, and workforce development activities.
Develop and maintain relationships with employers, industry leaders, community organizations, and government agencies.
Identify emerging workforce and professional development needs within the region.
Serve as a liaison between community partners and Continuing Education staff.
Research and identify grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities aligned with departmental goals.
Assist in developing partnerships that support workforce training, credential programs, and community initiatives.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support grant applications and partnership proposals.
Maintain a database of funding opportunities and community contacts.
Identify opportunities for customized training, professional development programs, and workforce education initiatives.
Gather market intelligence and community feedback to inform new program development.
Support outreach efforts to increase enrollment and participation in Continuing Education offerings.
Assist in developing strategic initiatives that expand the department's reach and impact.