Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist - Part Time
At a glance
Mid-level Business Development role at Penn State. Penn State Scranton · part-time.
Pay not stated Business Development Specialist salary
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build ties with employers, community groups and public agencies, serving as their link to Continuing Education staff
- Attend local events and business meetings, then spot regional workforce and professional development needs
- Find grants, sponsorships and other funding, and help prepare related applications and partnership proposals
- Identify demand for custom training and professional programs, using community feedback to shape offerings
- Keep funding and community-contact records current while supporting outreach to grow enrollment
What you bring
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent background in a related field such as business, communications or education
- At least three years in community relations, business development, workforce development or another listed function
- Strong relationship-building, clear communication, independent work habits and the ability to juggle priorities
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Who this fits
This part-time role suits a self-directed relationship builder comfortable engaging business leaders, community organizations and public officials. The expected schedule is about twenty to twenty-four hours weekly, and the role requires Pennsylvania State Police, child-abuse history and FBI fingerprint clearances.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Center for Business Development and Community Outreach seeks an energetic, relationship-focused professional to serve as a Community Partnerships & Business Development Specialist. This position is responsible for building and maintaining strategic partnerships with businesses, healthcare organizations, school districts, workforce development agencies, nonprofits, government entities, and community leaders to support the growth of continuing education programs.
The successful candidate will actively engage with the community, identify new business and workforce training opportunities, seek external funding sources, and help position the department as a valuable educational resource across the region.
The position is part time and will work approximately 20-24 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
Community Outreach and Partnership Development
- 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.
Funding and Resource Development
- 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.
Business and Program Development
- 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.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, communications, education, public administration, nonprofit management, marketing, or 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.
Preferred
- 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.
The ideal candidate is:
- A natural connector who enjoys meeting new people.
- Comfortable engaging with executives, community leaders, and public officials.
- Strategic, creative, and highly self-motivated.
- Passionate about expanding educational opportunities for individuals and organizations.
- Results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to develop productive partnerships.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
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.
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