📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Assistant
🔹 Company: Penn State University
🔹 Location: Penn State University Park, PA
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-Site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing customer relationship management (CRM) system and segmented contact lists
- Developing and scheduling professional email campaigns and automated program sequences
- Creating social media content to highlight events, team updates, and program opportunities
- Monitoring and responding to general inquiries via email, website forms, and internal community platforms
- Collaborating with the team to draft and refine messaging for email, newsletters, and digital outreach
ASSUMPTION: This role is part-time and requires some evening and weekend work due to the nature of the programming needs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage customer relationship management (CRM) system and segmented contact lists across programs, cohorts, alumni, and partners, ensuring up-to-date information and targeted outreach.
✅ Develop and schedule professional email campaigns and automated program sequences (launch notices, drip campaigns, newsletters, reminders).
✅ Create social media content that highlights Happy Valley LaunchBox events, team updates, and program opportunities.
✅ Monitor and respond to general inquiries via Happy Valley LaunchBox email inbox, website forms, and internal community platforms (e.g., Discord).
✅ Collaborate with the team to draft and refine messaging for email, newsletters, and digital outreach.
✅ Support Happy Valley LaunchBox’s digital community presence by maintaining communications on Discord and researching potential engagement tools (e.g., Slack, Circle).
✅ Track analytics for email and social campaigns; recommend strategies to improve engagement and open/click rates.
✅ Maintain internal communication templates, session reminders, and participant onboarding content across programs.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication and marketing skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in CRM systems and email marketing platforms
- Basic knowledge of social media platforms
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Familiarity with Discord and other community platforms
- Basic knowledge of analytics tools
ASSUMPTION: While a degree is not required, relevant coursework or certifications in marketing, communications, or a related field may be beneficial.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $17.00 per hour (based on the provided information)
Benefits:
- Paid appointment for the Summer 2025 session with the potential to continue on
- Full in-person attendance required
- Based at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College
Working Hours: 20 hours per week on a regular schedule aligned with LaunchBox programming needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an hourly rate, and the position is part-time. Benefits may include access to university facilities and resources, depending on the specific terms of the appointment.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Penn State University is a public research university with a strong focus on education, research, and service. The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) that supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application.
Company Size: Penn State University has over 100,000 students and employs over 21,000 faculty and staff members across its 24 campuses. The Applied Research Laboratory has over 500 employees.
Founded: 1855 (Penn State University), 1945 (Applied Research Laboratory)
Company Description:
- Penn State University is a land-grant, state-related research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania.
- The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is an integral part of the university, supporting national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application.
- ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of the nation's priorities, free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
Company Specialties:
- Research Engineering
- University Collaboration
- Communications, Information, and Navigation
- Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics
- Materials and Manufacturing
- Undersea Systems
Company Website: arl.psu.edu
ASSUMPTION: Penn State University and the Applied Research Laboratory offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment with a strong focus on innovation and research.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing & Communications Manager at Happy Valley LaunchBox.
Work Arrangement: This is a part-time, on-site position with a regular schedule aligned with LaunchBox programming needs. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain experience in marketing and communications within a university setting
- Develop skills in CRM management, email marketing, and social media content creation
- Potential for full-time or permanent positions based on performance and organizational needs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers an excellent opportunity for entry-level professionals to gain experience in marketing and communications within a university environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, PA
Office Location(s): Penn State University Park, PA
Geographic Context:
- Penn State University Park is located in Centre County, Pennsylvania, with a population of approximately 43,000 residents.
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a vibrant college town atmosphere.
- State College is home to Penn State University, which is the largest employer in the region and a significant driver of the local economy.
Work Schedule: 20 hours per week on a regular schedule aligned with LaunchBox programming needs
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork. The office is located in a modern, state-of-the-art facility that supports innovation and research.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Applicants must apply through the Penn State University job portal.
- Initial screening and resume review by the hiring manager.
- Phone or video screening interview with the hiring manager.
- On-site or virtual final interview with the hiring manager and team members.
- Background check and onboarding for successful candidates.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to create engaging content
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks
- Familiarity with CRM systems and email marketing platforms
- Basic knowledge of social media platforms and analytics tools
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organization by researching Penn State University and the Applied Research Laboratory.
- Showcase your creativity and ability to think outside the box in your responses to interview questions.
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, CRM, Email Marketing, Social Media, Analytics, Customer Service, Organizational Skills, Fast-Paced Environment
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the hiring timeline for the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the organization's preferences and the role's requirements.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and Research
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Excellence in Education and Service
- Integrity and Accountability
- Diversity and Inclusion
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Strong focus on collaboration and teamwork
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Supportive and inclusive work culture
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively with a diverse team?
- Do you have strong organizational skills and attention to detail?
- Are you able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively?
ASSUMPTION: Penn State University and the Applied Research Laboratory value diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in their work environment. Candidates who share these values and are eager to contribute to a dynamic and innovative team will thrive in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
- Managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively
- Adapting to changes in programming needs and schedules
- Working some evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a willingness to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique to the university setting and offers an excellent opportunity for entry-level professionals to gain experience in marketing and communications within a research-focused organization.
- Compared to roles in commercial marketing agencies or corporate communications departments, this role offers a more academic and research-focused environment.
- Career path opportunities may include progression to full-time or permanent positions within the university or related organizations, as well as potential advancement to management or leadership roles.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of marketing and communications experience within a university setting, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a targeted email campaign to promote an upcoming event or program
- Creating engaging social media content to highlight recent research findings or achievements
- Managing the CRM system to ensure accurate and up-to-date contact information for targeted outreach
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and tasks associated with this role, highlighting the importance of strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the marketing and communications team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing and communications strategy for Happy Valley LaunchBox and the Applied Research Laboratory?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the organization?
- How does the team collaborate and support each other in a fast-paced environment?
- What is the typical work schedule for this role, and how flexible is it with regards to evening and weekend work?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to contributing to the organization's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Penn State University job portal at this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for your interview by researching Penn State University, the Applied Research Laboratory, and the specific requirements of the role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
