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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications—the University’s central public relations and marketing division—seeks an experienced public relations leader to serve as the Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy and help promote Penn State as a top, global public research university.
The director will help develop and implement a proactive media strategy as a part of an overarching strategic communications plan that supports the University’s mission and objectives. This role is responsible for driving high-profile media placements in influential local, regional, national, and international news outlets and helping to protect the brand through issues monitoring and response. The director will serve as part of the cross-leadership team in Strategic Communications, providing counsel on media relations to communications leaders across Penn State.
This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus working.
Reporting to the assistant vice president of media and external engagement, this position will lead a high-performing team responsible for developing storytelling opportunities around student success, thought leadership, and general expertise; assist in managing larger strategic projects for the unit related to Presidential priorities; and advise on optimal media monitoring and reporting practices, including thoughtful analysis and feedback on results.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
Preferred Skills and Experience
The ideal person for this position will:
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications:
As Penn State’s central public relations and marketing division, the Office of Strategic Communications is a fully integrated, award-winning, best-in-class marketing and public relations team defined by innovative strategy and breakthrough creative driven by measurable goals. We advance the University by strengthening and protecting the institution’s reputation in regional, national and international spheres of influence in ways that serve recruitment, resource and leadership goals.
Spanning Penn State’s large-scale enterprise—including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 800,000—the Office of Strategic Communications’ work encompasses all forms of communications and engagement, ranging from branding, marketing, and trademark and event management to internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, and crisis and issues management. We’ve attracted talented and diverse team members from private and public sectors at all levels of our division, giving us the ability to build a strategic program of excellence recognized throughout the University.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
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.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.