Community Success and Belonging Specialist

Location: University Park

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.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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. This position develops, implements, and assesses programs and services that foster community, belonging, leadership development, and academic persistence - with particular attention to students who seek connection through the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and its affiliated communities.

The CSBS collaborates with campus partners to ensure students have access to resources, support networks, and leadership opportunities that contribute to their holistic success. This role uses data-informed strategies to assess impact, identify emerging needs, and strengthen institutional practices that support student engagement and achievement.

This position reports to the Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Primary 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 student organizations to assess needs, identify challenges, and provide consultation, referrals, and guidance.

* Facilitate the development of student support networks and leadership pathways.

* Serve 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

This position works closely with PRCC community support areas and campus partners to advance coordinated efforts that enhance student engagement, persistence, and sense of belonging. The role contributes to broader Student Affairs initiatives aligned with student wellbeing, leadership development, and institutional success goals.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required

Certifications:

None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and 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 U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary…