Project Associate Part Time

Penn State is searching for a Part Time Program Manager for Innovation Partnership (IPart), Pennsylvania's Statewide SBIR/STTR Assistance Program

Location: Harrisburg, PA (Remote/Hybrid Work Options Available)

About IPart:
The Innovation Partnership (IPart) program is Pennsylvania's statewide initiative that assists small businesses and entrepreneurs in applying for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. The program is focused on helping technology-forward companies access critical federal funding to develop innovative solutions that address industry, government, and consumer challenges.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Program Manager to assist the IPart Executive Director with a variety of tasks, including marketing, communications, website maintenance, client surveying, newsletter development, data tracking and analysis, and client support. This role involves the management of multiple communication channels, ensuring IPart's message reaches the right audiences and supporting businesses with the resources they need to navigate the SBIR/STTR programs. The Program Manager will contribute to the program's success through effective marketing, outreach, and operational support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Marketing & Communications Support: Assist the Executive Director with developing and executing IPart's marketing strategies, including content creation for social media posts, newsletters, and website updates.

• Website Maintenance & Updates: Regularly update and maintain the IPart website to ensure it is current, user-friendly, and informative. Work with web development teams as needed for improvements.

• Social Media Management: Create and schedule social media posts to promote program activities, success stories, and industry trends. Engage with the IPart community on various platforms.

• Newsletter Articles & Content Development: Write and edit engaging articles for IPart's newsletters, providing updates, success stories, and key program information for stakeholders and clients.

• Data & Metrics Maintenance: Track and maintain program data, including metrics for client outreach, program participation, and success rates. Prepare reports and analyze data for program performance.

• PowerPoint Deck Development: Design and refine PowerPoint presentations to effectively communicate the program's goals, outcomes, and promotional materials to stakeholders.

• Client Vetting & Communications: Assist with the client vetting process, ensuring that small businesses and entrepreneurs meet eligibility requirements for IPart services and the SBIR/STTR programs. Assist with client onboarding, emails, and follow-up.

Qualifications:

• Education: B.S. in Marketing, Communications, English, Business, Government, Finance, or a related field.

• Preferred: MPA, MBA, or MA in Government, Economics, Business, Law, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field.

• Experience:Minimum of 10+ years of experience working with or in small businesses, entrepreneurs, government, start-ups, or innovation-driven companies.

• Familiarity with or direct experience in working with technology-forward companies focused on innovative solutions for industries, government, or consumer problems.

• A combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered for the right candidate.

• Skills & Abilities:

• Strong proficiency with the MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Experience working with data, understanding data relationships, and generating reports.

• Familiarity with website editing and content management systems (CMS).

• Strong ability to develop newsletters and execute social media marketing strategies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to proofread and apply current IPEd standards for copyediting.

• Ability to communicate effectively across various mediums, including written, digital, and in-person communication.

• Ability to follow instructions, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and as part of a team.

Additional Information:

• Work Environment: Flexible work options available. The position can be performed in a hybrid format, with in-person meetings in Harrisburg, PA.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.