Community Success and Belonging Specialist

Application Instructions

Current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) should log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Current Penn State students who have not been previously employed by the university should also log in to Workday to complete the student application process. External applicants should click “Apply” and complete the external application process. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see the Notice to Out‑of‑State Applicants.

About the Role

The Community Success & Belonging Specialist (CSBS) within the Paul Robeson Cultural Center serves as an advocate, educator, and program leader focused on advancing student success, wellbeing, engagement, and retention. The CSBS develops, implements, and assesses programs and services that foster community, belonging, leadership development, and academic persistence—especially for students who seek connection through the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and its affiliated communities. The role collaborates with campus partners to ensure students have access to resources, support networks, and leadership opportunities that contribute to holistic success, using data‑informed strategies to assess impact, identify emerging needs, and strengthen institutional practices.

Responsibilities

Student Support & Advocacy

• Serve as a resource and advocate for students seeking community, connection, and support through the PRCC.
• Meet with student leaders and organizations to assess needs, identify challenges, and provide consultation, referrals, and guidance.
• Facilitate the development of student support networks and leadership pathways.
• Act as liaison to campus committees and initiatives aligned with student success and belonging.

Program Development & Implementation

• Design, implement, and assess academic, cultural, leadership, and community‑building programs that promote engagement, retention, and student success.
• Coordinate logistics, secure resources, and manage operational planning for programs and signature initiatives (e.g., heritage month programming and related educational events).
• Develop sustainable program models that contribute to institutional goals related to recruitment, retention, and student engagement.

Leadership Development & Student Organization Advising

• Advise student organizations and leadership groups affiliated with the PRCC.
• Support leadership development, organizational sustainability, policy navigation, and resource management.
• Assist student leaders in aligning programming with institutional policies and best practices.

Data, Assessment & Strategy

• Conduct needs assessments and collect relevant data to inform program development and strategic planning.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and report on measurable outcomes related to student engagement and success.
• Contribute to unit‑level planning efforts focused on continuous improvement and impact assessment.

Campus Collaboration & Education

• Partner with campus units to support pre‑college, orientation, research, and co‑curricular initiatives that enhance student success and community engagement.
• Provide consultation and educational workshops to faculty, staff, and student groups on fostering inclusive learning and engagement environments.
• Serve as a subject‑matter resource to university stakeholders.

Supervision & Operations

• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate undergraduate student staff and volunteers supporting PRCC initiatives.
• Maintain program‑related resources, supplies, and operational materials in collaboration with PRCC leadership.

Collaboration

• Work closely with PRCC community support areas and campus partners to advance coordinated efforts that enhance student engagement, persistence, and sense of belonging.
• Contribute to broader Student Affairs initiatives aligned with student wellbeing, leadership development, and institutional success goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Three or more years of relevant experience.
• Required certifications: None.

Background Checks & Clearances

This position requires a PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and a Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Pay

Salary range: $49,188.00 – $71,340.00 (all possible grades). Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a generous 75 % tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children. For full details, see the Penn State Benefits Page.