Small Business Engagement Specialist

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.

This position is funded for 5 year(s); continuation past 5 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.​

POSITION SPECIFICS​

PennTAP is seeking a dynamic and motivated Small Business Outreach Representative (Western PA Region) to support the implementation of the RISE PA energy efficiency projects across Pennsylvania. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic development—particularly within the manufacturing sector and small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Outreach Representative will play a critical role in executing PennTAP's strategic goals by engaging directly with businesses, partners, and stakeholders to promote participation in energy efficiency programs. This position involves relationship-building, technical consultation, project coordination, and performance tracking to ensure successful implementation and measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities: Following are the key responsibilities of this position:

Client Engagement and Support:

• Actively engage with potential, current, and past clients to assess energy efficiency project outcomes.
• Assist clients with implementation grant applications and guide them through the RISE PA application process.
• Provide technical consultation to prospective customers, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of program requirements and energy efficiency technologies.
• Monitor and support progress toward client milestones, ensuring clients stay on track with project timelines and deliverables.

Measurement and Verification:

• Conduct post-project evaluations to measure energy savings and verify performance outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data to ensure projects meet expected efficiency benchmarks.
• Communicate findings to clients and stakeholders to support continuous improvement and program transparency.

Strategic Outreach and Relationship Building:

• Develop and execute outreach strategies to increase SME participation in RISE PA programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with economic development partners, industry organizations, utilities, trades, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between PennTAP and external partners to foster collaboration and program alignment.

Program Coordination and Reporting:

• Coordinate with internal teams including RISE PA Program Leadership, PennTAP Leadership, and Regional Advisors.
• Track and report program participation metrics, forecasting progress toward strategic goals.
• Ensure client project milestones are met and provide comprehensive reporting to the larger team.

Work Location: This role can operate out of University Park, or any of the Penn State campuses in Western PA - Altoona, Dubois, Beaver, Erie, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Business Development Relationship Adviser - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Business Development Relationship Adviser - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Master's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68, $129,500.00.

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.

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

The Pennsylvania State University 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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