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:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex 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:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, 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 complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 14
• Minimum – $97,100.00
• MidPoint – $121,400.00
• Maximum – $145,700.00