Invent Penn State Social Media Intern

Location: Penn State University Park

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available.

The Office of Entrepreneurship is seeking a creative, reliable and digitally savvy student workers to support social media for Invent Penn State. Working with the Marketing and Communications team, the student will help create, schedule and manage engaging content that highlights entrepreneurship, innovation, programs, events and success stories across the Invent Penn State ecosystem.

This position offers an opportunity for students interested in marketing, communications, social media or content creation to gain hands-on professional experience while helping tell the stories of Penn State entrepreneurs, students, alumni and communities across Pennsylvania.

Key Responsibilities

Create, adapt and schedule engaging social media content across Invent Penn State channels.

Write clear, audience-focused social media copy consistent with Penn State and Invent Penn State brand standards and voice.

Identify and develop content opportunities related to entrepreneurs, programs, events, educational opportunities and other initiatives.

Assist with maintaining the social media content calendar and coordinating posts around key events, campaigns and announcements.

Monitor social media channels for comments, mentions, messages and engagement opportunities, escalating questions when appropriate.

Capture photos and short-form video content at events and activities as needed.

Assist with basic photo and video editing and the creation of social media graphics using available tools and templates.

Research relevant social media trends and platform best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen content and engagement.

Review social media performance data and help identify trends and high-performing content.

Collaborate with members of the Marketing and Communications team and program partners to gather information, stories and content.

Assist with other digital marketing and communications projects as needed.

Qualifications

Current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.

Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.

Familiarity with major social media platforms and an understanding of how content and audiences differ across channels.

Creative mindset and an interest in storytelling and digital content.

Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively.

Good judgment and professionalism when representing a university organization online.

Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development is a plus.

Experience creating social media content for a student organization, employer, personal brand or other organization is helpful but not required. Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, social media management platforms or basic video editing tools is also a plus.

Hours, Work Location and Compensation

This is a part-time position of approximately 10–15 hours per week during the academic year Fall/Spring 2026, with scheduling flexibility around classes. The position requires full in-person attendance and is based at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College. Some availability to attend and capture content at events may be requested. The hourly rate for this position is $15.00 per hour.

Application Materials

Please submit a resume and a brief statement describing your interest in the position. Applicants are encouraged to include links or examples of social media, writing, photography, video or other relevant content they have created.

The starting hourly rate for this job is $15.00.

Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer.  Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.

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 proces