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:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, 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
– 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 and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00