Project Director, Education Program Specialist
Penn State UniversityAbout the role
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 6 months; continuation past 6 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The COPA-STEP PA Legislative Science & Technology (S&T) Fellowship project seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Project Director to lead and grow a nationally distinctive program that places science and technology experts within the Pennsylvania legislature. This position provides strategic leadership for the Fellowship, working closely with the advisory board and project leadership to guide program direction and long-term sustainability.
The Director engages with legislators, legislative staff, advisory bodies, and commissions; represents the Fellowship to external stakeholders; leads fundraising efforts; manages relationships with host agencies; and oversees the recruitment, placement, mentoring, and professional development of fellows and trainees. The position also oversees project budgets, reporting, evaluation, and coordination with internal and external partners to ensure successful delivery and continued growth of the program.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising
Secure and steward funding from foundations, individuals, alumni, donor-advised funds, and government sources.
Develop and execute fundraising strategies; represent the program to funders (some travel required).
Stakeholder Engagement
Lead and coordinate engagement with legislative offices, advisory bodies, internal partners, and alumni.
Recruit and maintain host office relationships.
Prepare and deliver proposals, presentations, and reports.
Program Leadership
Design and deliver orientation, training, and professional development for fellows and trainees.
Facilitate workshops and mentoring on S&T policy, legislative processes, science communication, and related topics.
Develop additional educational offerings aligned with program goals.
Communication & Outreach
Oversee program communications across web, events, and publications.
Use evaluation data to inform reporting and outreach.
Represent the program at conferences and meetings.
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