Program Design & Development Lead – Local Government Services

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This position is funded for 7 months; continuation past 7 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. ​ POSITION SPECIFICS ​ Penn State Outreach is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial leader to design and develop a new program supporting local governments across the Commonwealth. This role will lead the creation of a comprehensive initiative focused on training, assistance, and service delivery to support elected officials, municipal staff, and community partners. The Program Design & Development Lead will guide a structured design process that integrates stakeholder engagement, research and benchmarking, program architecture, and enterprise model development. The outcome of this work will be a scalable, implementation-ready program that positions Penn State as a trusted resource for local government services. This is a unique opportunity to shape and build a community serving high-impact program, leveraging Penn State’s academic strengths, outreach mission, and commitment to community engagement and support. Reporting to Penn State Outreach’s Senior Strategy and Innovation Officer and working closely with the Vice President for Outreach and other Outreach leadership, Program Design & Development Lead will: Lead development of the overall program vision, framework, and service model for local government services Define core service lines, including training, workforce development, and advisory services Engage and build relationships with elected officials, municipal staff, and statewide associations to inform program design Conduct market analysis and benchmarking of peer programs to identify gaps, opportunities, and differentiators Develop a high-level curriculum framework for target audiences including various delivery models (in-person, hybrid, and online) Develop revenue strategies, pricing approaches, and partnership opportunities Develop a phased implementation roadmap and pilot program design with key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluation methods Prepare recommendations for long-term program leadership and sustainability MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Community Engagement Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Community Engagement Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None The successful candidate will have: Demonstrated experience working in and with local governments Experience in program design, strategic planning, or organizational development Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills A robust network of local government contacts throughout Pennsylvania Experience working with local government related professional organizations in Pennsylvania Knowledge of public sector training and workforce development practices and opportunities Experience designing hybrid or online learning programs This is a hybrid role based at the University Park campus in University Park, PA. About Penn State Outreach Penn State Outreach is a leading provider of lifelong learning and community engagement, connecting the University’s resources to the needs of individuals, organizations, and communities across Pennsylvania and beyond. Outreach is committed to expanding access to education, supporting economic and workforce development, and delivering high-impact programs that make a difference. Additional Information This is a fixed-term, 7-month position focused on program design and development. Continuation beyond the initial term is contingent upon program approval, funding availability, and organizational needs. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. 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 & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $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 . 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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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines