What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marketing Strategist - Research Commercialization & Event Support position at The Pennsylvania State University?
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Office of Research Business Development, Marketing & Communications within OSVPR (Office of the Senior Vice President for Research) is seeking a part-time marketing strategist to support efforts related to research commercialization and intellectual property marketing. This individual will play a key role in driving revenue generation through targeted marketing efforts, planning commercialization-focused events, and supporting strategic initiatives tied to Penn State's overarching commercialization roadmap. The position will require approximately 10-20 hours per week.
Assignments will include:
- Strategic marketing for research commercialization:
- Promote Penn State's intellectual property and research innovations to external audiences (industry, investors, economic development partners).
- Develop marketing collateral and digital content tailored to commercialization goals.
- Work with the Office of Technology Transfer unit to translate technical content into compelling marketing narratives.
- Support commercialization campaigns to increase licensing, partnerships, and sponsored research.
- Event planning and coordination:
- Support and manage logistics for commercialization-focused events including networking sessions, investor forums, pitch events, and panel discussions.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to manage invitations, space, catering, run-of-show, speaker support, and post-event follow-up.
- Contribute to the development of event-related marketing assets and promotions (emails, landing pages, social content).
- Support for the Commercialization Roadmap:
- Assist in the execution of tactics that advance Penn State's commercialization roadmap.
- Participate in cross-functional planning sessions and contribute to tracking progress of strategic initiatives.
- Analytics and reporting:
- Analyze marketing and engagement metrics to refine campaigns and event strategies.
- Report outcomes related to lead generation, partner engagement, and IP interest.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience in marketing strategy, preferably in research, technology transfer, or startup/innovation ecosystems.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical information into compelling, market-facing messages.
- Familiarity with CRM tools (HubSpot preferred) and event management platforms.
- Experience planning and executing professional events (virtual or in-person).
- Strong project management, writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Preferred:
- Experience in a university or research-intensive organization.
- Understanding of intellectual property marketing or B2B sales cycles for emerging tech.
- Proficiency with platforms such as PowerBI, Adobe Creative Suite, or Canva.
This is a remote (or on-site) position with opportunities for local hires to join in-person meetings and team gatherings. Candidates should plan to be available for meetings during business hours (8-5, M-F), but a bulk of the work can be completed on a flexible schedule. The candidate should be self-directed with an ability to organize and prioritize their work to meet established deadlines. Expected hours per week are 10-20.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.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.
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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.