Employer Engagement Specialist, Smeal College of Business

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Smeal Employer Engagement Specialistplays a pivotal role in advancing employer partnerships that result in curated internships, research, and post-graduation employment opportunities for undergraduate students in the Smeal College of Business.

This role combines strategic outreach, data-driven sales and recruitment tactics, and relationship management to promote student talent to a diverse range of organizations. This position contributes to the College's commitment to career readiness by meeting measurable growth and engagement goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Employer Outreach and Relationship Development

• Manage employer outreach using consultative sales techniques to increase high-quality experiential learning and job opportunities for students.

• Build and sustain a diverse network of employers through hybrid engagement tactics (e.g., site visits, campus events, cold outreach, and alumni networks).

• Advocate for the Smeal talent pipeline by aligning student undergraduate majors with market hiring needs.

• Execute and manage a strategic travel schedule to promote student value to prospective partners.

• Partner with Chambers of Commerce and professional associations to build recruiting pipelines (SHRM, NABA, etc.).

• Teaming with the office's Employer Relations group for cross constituent updates and planning.

Industry Trend Analysis and Knowledge Base Management

• Maintain a dynamic knowledge base of employment trends, alumni outcomes, and industry talent needs relevant to undergraduate business majors.

• Analyze internal and external data sources to inform strategy and identify areas for opportunity growth.

• Collaborate across departments to ensure insights are integrated into employer engagement and student programming.

Communications and Sales Strategy

• Develop and implement an outreach and communications plan to attract and retain employers.

• Create customized pitch materials, sector-specific messaging, and engagement menus in partnership with Strategic Communications.

• Collaborate with Alumni Relations and Development to engage alumni as connectors and advocates.

Assessment and Reporting

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics in coordination with College leadership.

• Track sales funnel activity, employer engagement outcomes, and hiring conversion metrics.

• Produce reports and presentations for stakeholders to highlight impact, trends, and return on investment.

• Maintain customer relationship management (CRM) tools to document touchpoints and manage pipelines effectively.

The Employer Engagement Specialist will be required to travel for employer and alumni visits, events, and strategic outreach. The majority of the travel will be within a 3 to 4-hour driving distance from Penn State's University Park campus (e.g., New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.) with additional interest in building relationships in Chicago, Boston, and Charlotte. The position may require occasional work on nights and/or weekends for business related meetings and events.

Work Arrangement:The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

Individuals working fully remotely may be asked to travel to Penn State to participate in certain on-campus activities, including alumni activities and career fairs. Such travel costs will be covered by Penn State.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in business development, employer engagement/relations, sales, recruitment, talent acquisition, consultative sales, or B2B relationship management.

• Demonstrated ability to manage outreach pipelines and achieve measurable engagement goals.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, sales, and persuasion skills.

• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; comfort interacting with senior professionals and stakeholders.

• Outstanding data analysis, strategic planning, analytical and reporting abilities.

PreferredQualifications:

• Experience in higher education, workforce development, business development, or related fields.

• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce, Handshake, or Symplicity.

• Demonstrated success implementing and managing outreach/sales strategies.

• Experience developing promotional content and employer-facing communications.

Application Process: For full consideration, applicants are asked to submit a resume/CV and cover letter.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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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.

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