Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Market Research

The Market Research Specialist purchases and/or designs, analyses, and implements a broad array of primary and secondary market research protocols; assesses the overall efficacy of marketing strategies; provides marketing research consultation and services to ensure that marketing and business decision-making are supported by timely, accurate, and cost-effective data and analyses; supports the development and implementation of strategies targeted at the acquisition of prospects, students, alumni, donors, customers, viewers, listeners, fans, or clients.

• Conduct competitive/industry/market trend research in specific segments, markets, and delivery modes using appropriate specialized data sources
• Provide guidance and consultation to clients in identifying and articulating problems and/or opportunities to be investigated
• Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative market research based on client project intake
• Conceptualize, design, and deliver timely research based on appropriate market research practices, client needs, and strategic goals; identify and use cost-effective, efficient, and reliable research resources, techniques, and vendors
• Manage market research projects, which includes preparing research plans, establishing timelines, managing research project budgets, managing vendors, coordinating data collection and entry, preparing written reports, giving presentations, and developing appropriate research methodologies
• Perform quantitative data collection studies, using paper, mail, electronic surveys; focus group interviews; and /or other quantitative research methods; analyze and interpret data using basic and advanced statistical procedures and methodologies; determine and utilize appropriate analytical tools and methodologies for the project
• Provide technical assistance and recommendations on questionnaire design and data organization to ensure quality of research
• Communicate research findings and provide relevant and actionable insight to clients for decision-making around identified needs and opportunities; identify and use appropriate tools to convey information
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00