Corporate Engagement Specialist (Temporary) - Penn Engineering

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Corporate Engagement Specialist (Temporary) - Penn Engineering

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The temporary Corporate Engagement Specialist supports Penn Engineering's industry engagement initiatives by serving as a primary point of contact for corporate partners and facilitating meaningful connections between companies, faculty, students, and university programs. Working closely with the Executive Director for Corporate Engagement, this role helps identify, cultivate, and manage relationships that advance research collaboration, talent pipelines, educational partnerships, and strategic engagement opportunities.

The position combines relationship management, business development, program coordination, and event execution. The successful candidate will possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, professional business acumen, and the ability to represent Penn Engineering effectively to external stakeholders. This role requires a proactive, self-directed individual who can manage multiple initiatives, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and operate successfully in a dynamic environment.

Job Description

Corporate Engagement & Partner Relations

• Serve as an initial point of contact for companies interested in engaging with Penn Engineering.

• Assess corporate interests and facilitate introductions to appropriate Penn Engineering faculty, programs, and resources.

• Coordinate and host virtual and in-person meetings, campus visits, and laboratory tours.

• Document meetings and engagement activities, ensuring timely follow-up and communication with stakeholders.

• Support planning and execution of corporate engagement events, workshops, and networking activities.

• Represent Penn Engineering at conferences and external events as appropriate.

Faculty & Research Engagement

• Develop familiarity with Penn Engineering research strengths, centers, programs, and faculty expertise.
• Assist in preparing materials that showcase Penn Engineering capabilities to corporate audiences.
• Support outreach efforts that connect faculty research interests with industry needs and opportunities.
• Coordinate faculty participation in strategic engagement activities, conferences, and partner meetings.

Relationship Management & Operations

• Maintain accurate records of engagements and partner interactions within CRM systems.
• Develop engagement plans and regular touchpoints for strategic corporate partners.
• Coordinate with entrepreneurship, innovation, alumni relations, and development teams to align outreach efforts.
• Track key metrics and prepare reports for leadership review.

Special Projects

• Support the development and implementation of new corporate engagement initiatives and pilot programs.
• Conduct research and benchmarking to identify emerging opportunities for industry collaboration.
• Assist with strategic projects that advance Penn Engineering's corporate engagement goals.​

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, business, technology, or a related field and two to three years of experience in business development, corporate partnerships, industry engagement, technology commercialization, program management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with corporate, academic, nonprofit, or entrepreneurial stakeholders.
• Experience managing programs, projects, or initiatives in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong customer-facing skills, including opportunity assessment, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management.
• Experience using CRM platforms and tracking engagement activities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.
• Experience in a university, research institution, startup ecosystem, or technology-focused environment preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Office-based role with occasional events requiring evening or weekend hours.
• Frequent use of computer systems and software, including social media and marketing tools.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science

$7.25 - $35.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.