Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Penn State Sustainability is seeking a Coordinator to manage and lead the 2026-2027 Tailgate Ambassadors Program sponsored by PepsiCo. Come help us grow and develop the Penn State Tailgate Ambassadors program! This part-time position requires excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills.
The Tailgate Ambassador Coordinator can expect to work approximately eight hours every home football game day leading the student workers. Additional hours will be required before gameday to prepare and after most home games to help establish shaker collection program. Post-football season, Tailgate Ambassadors will support recycling efforts at select wrestling, hockey, and basketball events.
In the tailgate fields, tasks include, but are not limited to:
Lead efforts to engage directly with fans at their tailgates to answer questions and discuss recycling practices
Distributing blue recycling bags to tailgating fans in tailgating lots and ensuring fans know what to put in them
Taking pictures and creating social media materials to market the activities
Nominating tailgates for Recycling Tailgate of the Game award
During the football season, a Tailgate Ambassadors booth sponsored by Pepsi close to the stadium will be set up for fans to provide engaging and educational activities around recycling. We are recruiting up to 20 Tailgate Ambassadors to engage fans at the booth and in the tailgate fields. At the booth, engagements will include activities such as:
Modeling and leading positive fan engagement, answering questions and promoting a welcoming Penn State environment
Helping with interactive games
Promoting and helping nominate tailgaters for the new "Pepsi's Recycling Tailgate of the Game" award
Responsibilities
Work seven home games for the fall 2026 season, select basketball/hockey/wrestling events, and the 2027 Blue and White game
Lead a team of staff, student interns, and Tailgate Ambassador student staff to plan, execute, and assess recycling efforts
Plan, organize and lead game day work by the team (schedules, refreshments, materials, etc.)
Coordinate logistics for the football gameday booth
Manage team of student workers
Coordinate communication and training for Tailgate Ambassadors
Train student ambassadors
Track Ambassador and intern time and fan engagements
Communicate updates to PepsiCo sponsor
Deliver and facilitate friendly, helpful and positive fan communication
Communicate with Office of Physical Plant team for blue and clear bags
Facilitate "Pepsi's Recycling Tailgate of the Game" award
Ensure social media materials are created and shared
Other duties as assigned
Salary
$20/hour
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit both a resume and cover letter to be considered for an interview.
Minimum Qualifications
This position requires a highly organized and motivated leader with excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills. Proficient with email, text, and phone communication and scheduling platforms. Must be experienced and comfortable managing and training student employees and speaking with game day fans about recycling. This is an in-person job: successful applicant must be available for all home football game days during the Fall 2026 season, select hockey, wrestling and basketball games, and the spring Blue & White game.
Preferences
Open to all majors and degree programs. Bachelor’s Degree preferred but not required. Ideal candidates have experience coordinating groups of volunteers. Must be available for entire program duration, beginning no later than August 17th through the Blue and White Game in Spring 2027.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.