Associate Director of College Relations

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d

About The Position

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State is seeking an Associate Director of College Relations (Industry Relations Coordinator). This role supports the College of Agricultural Sciences by identifying, developing, and maintaining relationships with key external partners — including industry leaders, commodity groups, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders — to advance the College of Agricultural Sciences’ teaching, research, and Extension missions. The position promotes the college’s capabilities and impact, supports college relations and issues management, coordinates major stakeholder engagement efforts, and serves as the primary operational lead for the Penn State Agricultural Council and the Dean's Leadership Council. The coordinator designs and implements engagement strategies, provides consultation to internal partners, and represents the college at industry and governmental events to support economic and workforce development in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Experience in Relationship Management and Strategic Event Management is required.

Nice To Haves

• CVENT Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement the college’s external engagement strategy in partnership with the Director of College Relations.
• Identify, evaluate, and facilitate interactions with external partners, including companies, commodity groups, government leaders, funders, and non-profit organizations, to advance research, outreach, and Extension priorities.
• Manage communication and operations for the Penn State Agricultural Council; support planning and engagement for the Dean’s Leadership Council.
• Build, cultivate, and maintain strategic relationships that expand the college’s sphere of influence and support research commercialization, outreach impact, and legislative engagement.
• Conduct environmental scanning and benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities, and emerging issues affecting agriculture and the college’s stakeholders.
• Assist in developing and delivering college relations strategies that elevate the college’s visibility and demonstrate measurable impact.
• Assist in packaging talking points, briefing packets, stakeholder messaging, presentations, reports, and leadership communications.
• Monitor issues and trends related to agriculture, higher education, economic development, and Extension to support strategic outreach and proactive messaging.
• Represent the college at industry events, trade shows, meetings, workshops, and conferences; communicate capabilities, research strengths, and partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate schedules, logistics, outreach, and communications for Dean-led engagement with industry leaders, legislators, and partner organizations across Pennsylvania.
• Prepare briefing materials, background research, talking points, and stakeholder profiles to support strategic objectives.
• Manage follow-up communications, relationship tracking, and action items to strengthen ongoing collaboration and steward long-term partnerships.
• Provide external engagement, communications, and stakeholder coordination for key events, including: Penn State Ag Council meetings, Dean’s Leadership Council meetings, College Capitol Days, Ag Progress Days, Pennsylvania Farm Show, Keystone Farm Show, Stakeholder roundtables, department visits, and special events.
• Collaborate with the College Relations team and the Office of Conferences and Short Courses to ensure alignment, message consistency, and impact reporting.
• Develop and deliver presentations, facilitate discussions, and support programmatic content as needed.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director