Education Program Specialist

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d

About The Position

The Penn State Center for Energy Law and Policy (CELP) is seeking an experienced Education Program Specialist – Advanced Professional to lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of non-credit educational programs supporting reliable energy siting and planning as part of the Pennsylvania R‑STEP Collaborative. This role focuses on statewide outreach and technical assistance to local officials and community members, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities, to strengthen decision-making around large-scale energy projects including solar, wind, and energy storage. The position will collaborate with the PI housed in Penn State Extension and partners at EMS/CELP, translating complex technical and policy concepts into accessible, research-based resources, and delivering workshops, webinars, and community engagement sessions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Experience with energy project siting, municipal planning, or local government support.
• Knowledge of applied research methods, evaluation, or survey design.
• Experience supervising staff or coordinating project teams.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, educational outreach, or community engagement.
• Experience designing and delivering educational materials or workshops to diverse audiences.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with stakeholders across multiple organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver non-credit educational programs, including workshops, webinars, and technical assistance activities for municipal officials and community stakeholders.
• Translate complex reliable energy, policy, and land-use concepts into accessible, fact-based resources.
• Lead outreach efforts to expand awareness and participation across Pennsylvania communities.
• Conduct applied research and needs assessments to inform program improvements and best practices.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, track participation, and prepare reports to support continuous improvement.
• Support the development and maintenance of the R‑STEP Resource Hub and other statewide educational resources.
• Build and sustain partnerships with academic units, government agencies, industry partners, and community organizations.
• Assist with grant-related administrative tasks, including reporting and documentation.
• Supervise and mentor staff or students supporting program operations, as assigned.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees