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:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00