Pennsylvania State University
Community Connection and Belonging Specialist, College of the Liberal Arts
🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $62K - $90K
💻 Other
🗓️ December 18th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Community Connection and Belonging Specialist for the College of the Liberal Arts. This role reports directly to the Dean and leads strategic initiatives to cultivate student connection, inclusion, and belonging through chairing the Inclusion and Belonging Committee, developing inclusive programs, fostering partnerships, and managing budgets to support diverse student populations.
Highlights
- Lead the College's Inclusion and Belonging Committee to promote a culture of belonging.
- Build collaborative relationships with diverse student groups, campus partners, and community stakeholders to aid student retention and success.
- Partner with recruitment to attract a broad and diverse undergraduate and graduate student pool.
- Develop programs that affirm belonging, cross-cultural understanding, and student leadership.
- Administer the Office of Inclusion and Belonging budget and leverage data insights for programming and policy.
- Collaborate with the scholarships office to manage funding supporting access and opportunity for diverse students.
- Represent the College in university-wide and external initiatives fostering student connection and support.
- Required qualifications include a master’s degree, 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent, excellent communication, strong commitment to equity, and experience working with diverse populations.
- Position requires security clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
- Salary range is $61,800 to $89,600 with a comprehensive benefits package including a 75% tuition discount for employees and their eligible families.
Community Connection and Belonging Specialist, College of the Liberal Arts Full Description
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 College of the Liberal Arts is seeking a visionary Community Connection and Belonging Specialist to guide strategic priorities in cultivating student connection, inclusion, and a sense of belonging across the College of the Liberal Arts.
Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts, the Community Connection and Belonging Specialist will champion student engagement and belonging through comprehensive and equity-driven initiatives including the following key responsibilities:
- Serve as Chair of the College's Inclusion and Belonging Committee, leading strategic initiatives that cultivate a culture of belonging
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with broad and diverse groups, student organizations, campus partners in student services, and community stakeholders to support student retention and success through inclusive programming and strategic partnerships
- Partner with the Liberal Arts recruitment office to attract a broad and diverse pool of undergraduate and graduate students
- Develop programs that affirm student belonging, promote cross-cultural understanding, and empower student leadership
- Administer the Office of Inclusion and Belonging budget and use data insights to inform programming and policy
- Collaborate with the scholarships office to manage funding that supports access and opportunity for our broad and diverse student population
Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Represent the College in University-wide and external initiatives that foster student connection and support
- Facilitate access to resources and programs that enhance students' sense of belonging and engagement
- Monitor trends in student experiences and use findings to enhance support services
Qualifications:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
- Excellent relationship-building and collaboration skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead strategic initiatives
- Experience working with diverse student populations and community partners
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSMaster's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
acceptedRequired Certifications:None
Application Instructions:
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter.
Additional Information:
This position requires flexibility which may include some evenings and weekends, primarily to accommodate the availability of students and recruitment events.
Please note that this is not a fully remote position. In accordance with College guidelines, this position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.
The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESThis 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
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 discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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