Small Business Engagement Specialist; Eastern PA Region

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 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

PennTAP is seeking a dynamic and motivated Small Business Engagement Specialist (Eastern PA Region) to support the implementation of RISE PA energy efficiency initiatives across Pennsylvania.

This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about sustainability, energy efficiency, economic development, and supporting Pennsylvania's manufacturing and small-to-medium-sized business (SME) communities.

The Small Business Engagement Specialist will play a key role in advancing PennTAP's mission by building relationships with businesses and stakeholders, providing technical guidance, coordinating projects, and tracking program outcomes to ensure successful implementation and measurable impact.

Client Engagement and Support

• Engage with prospective, current, and former clients to assess energy efficiency project opportunities and outcomes.
• Assist clients with grant applications and guide them through the RISE PA application and participation process.
• Provide technical consultation and support by utilizing program tools, calculators, and resources while maintaining current knowledge of program requirements and energy efficiency technologies.
• Monitor client progress toward project milestones, ensuring adherence to timelines, deliverables, and program expectations.

Measurement and Verification

• Conduct post-project evaluations to measure energy savings and verify project performance outcomes.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain project data to ensure initiatives meet anticipated efficiency benchmarks.
• Communicate findings and results to clients and stakeholders, supporting continuous improvement and program transparency.
• Develop tools and resources to enhance client project management and strengthen PennTAP's data collection and reporting capabilities.

Strategic Outreach and Relationship Building

• Develop and implement outreach strategies that increase awareness of and participation in RISE PA programs among SMEs.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with economic development organizations, industry associations, utilities, contractors, trade organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between PennTAP and external partners to foster collaboration, alignment, and program success.

Program Coordination and Reporting

• Collaborate with RISE PA Program Leadership, PennTAP Leadership, Regional Advisors, and other internal stakeholders to support program delivery.
• Track, analyze, and report participation metrics and performance indicators to measure progress toward strategic goals.
• Monitor project milestones and prepare comprehensive reports for leadership and program teams.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support program compliance, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Proficiency in MS Office Applications especially Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience engaging and supporting clients throughout project life cycles.
• Ability to build relationships with businesses, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience managing timelines, milestones, deliverables, and multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to collect, analyze, track, and report program and project outcomes.
• Independent thinking and ability to provide guidance, explain technical information, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

• Knowledge of energy-saving technologies, sustainability programs, or environmental initiatives. CEM certification would be valuable.
• Familiarity with manufacturing operations, processes, or industrial customers.
• Experience assisting organizations with grant applications or funding programs.
• Background working with SMEs, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, or regional partnerships.
• Education or experience in engineering, energy management, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field.

This role may operate out of University Park or any of the Penn State campuses in the Eastern PA region
- Abington, Berks, Brandywine, Great Valley, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, York.