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 Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

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
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

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