Small Business Engagement Specialist (Eastern PA Region)

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 1 year(s); continuation past 1 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 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.
Key Responsibilities
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.
Required Skills and Experience
Proficiency in MS Office Applications especially Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Experience engaging and supporting clients throughout project lifecycles.
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.
Preferred Skills and Experience
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.
Work Location: 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.
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 $72,300.00 - $137,280.00.
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 dis