Small Business Engagement Specialist (Eastern PA Region)

Penn State University•Scranton, PA

1d•$72,300 - $137,280

About The Position

PennTAP is seeking a dynamic and motivated Small Business Engagement Specialist to support implementation of RISE PA energy efficiency initiatives across Pennsylvania. The role is suited to someone interested in sustainability, energy efficiency, economic development, and supporting Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and small-to-medium-sized business communities. The specialist advances 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. The position may operate out of University Park or any Penn State campus in the Eastern Pennsylvania region: Abington, Berks, Brandywine, Great Valley, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or York. The position is funded for one year; continuation beyond that period depends on university need, performance, and/or funding availability. The role requires operating a motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check and standard background checks. The position may be filled at either of two levels: Business Development Relationship Adviser - Advanced Professional, requiring a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination; or Business Development Relationship Adviser - Senior Professional, requiring a master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination. No certifications are required. The salary range, including all possible grades, is $72,300–$137,280.

Requirements

Proficiency in Microsoft 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.
For the Advanced Professional level: bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For the Senior Professional level: master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.
Successful completion of required background checks.
Authorization to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of staff employment visas.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Engage 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 using program tools, calculators, and resources, and maintain current knowledge of program requirements and energy-efficiency technologies.
Monitor client progress toward project milestones and ensure adherence to timelines, deliverables, and program expectations.
Conduct post-project evaluations to measure energy savings and verify project performance outcomes.
Collect, analyze, and maintain project data to assess whether initiatives meet anticipated efficiency benchmarks.
Communicate findings and results to clients and stakeholders to support continuous improvement and program transparency.
Develop tools and resources to improve client project management and PennTAP’s data collection and reporting capabilities.
Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase SME awareness of and participation in RISE PA programs.
Build and maintain relationships with economic development organizations, industry associations, utilities, contractors, trade organizations, and other stakeholders.
Serve as a liaison between PennTAP and external partners to foster collaboration, alignment, and program success.
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 against strategic goals.
Monitor project milestones and prepare comprehensive reports for leadership and program teams.
Maintain accurate records and documentation for program compliance, evaluation, and continuous improvement.