POSITION SPECIFICSPenn State is currently seeking an Employee Training Specialist to support and facilitate key functions of the embedded Talent Team within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Building on a strong and successful foundation, this role provides critical support to evolving and strengthening DDAR's talent strategies in support of Penn State's fundraising success in an increasingly competitive market. The position contributes across staff retention, professional and organizational development, talent acquisition, and data analysis and reporting areas.
Reporting to DDAR's Director of Talent and working closely with DDAR leadership and all units within the division, as well as other partners, this position will:
- Support the design, coordination, and delivery of professional development and organizational development programs, including the division's fundraiser mentorship program.
- Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications.
- Develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and training sessions on talent-related topics for a variety of audiences across DDAR.
- Provide talent acquisition support by augmenting DDAR Talent Acquisition Specialists' sourcing activities and sharing responsibility with the embedded recruiter for managing activity within LinkedIn Recruiter.
- Develop, update, and maintain recruitment and employer-branding content for raise.psu.edu/careers and DDAR's LinkedIn presence.
- Coordinate resources, materials, and communications for LaunchPad Talent Team Resources.
- Partner with DDAR Human Resources Strategic Partners (HRSP), Human Resources Consultants (HRC), and the Director of Talent to collect, analyze, and apply data and analytics to inform talent strategies, assess performance, and improve organizational outcomes.
- Assist with reporting, dashboards, and presentations that communicate talent insights and trends to stakeholders.
- Support continuous improvement of talent management processes, programs, and tools.
The successful candidate will have:
- Demonstrated experience supporting talent management, learning and development, organizational development, human resources, or a related function.
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues.
- A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team.
- A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.
- Strong presentation, facilitation, and written communication skills.
- Experience using data and analytics to inform decisions, track outcomes, and tell a story with data.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate across teams, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with common workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office and LinkedIn Recruiter or similar sourcing tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education, fundraising, advancement, or a complex organizational environment.
- Experience supporting mentorship programs, leadership development, or cohort-based learning initiatives.
- Familiarity with talent acquisition, employer branding, and recruitment marketing strategies.
- Experience building or maintaining dashboards, reports, or visualizations for HR or talent data.
DDAR 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 arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.
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 STATISTICSPursuant 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.
