Digital Lead

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

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 a Digital Lead to serve as a strategic partner and primary liaison to assigned academic and administrative units and research institutes at Penn State. This role will play a critical part in shaping how the University delivers cohesive, high-performing digital experiences at scale and will work closely with assigned areas to align unit and institutional goals with modern digital platforms, governance standards, and marketing technology capabilities.

As a member of the central web and digital team, the successful candidate will serve as a confident strategist, trusted advisor, and strong collaborator who can translate complex digital systems into actionable guidance for senior leaders while helping Penn State advance enterprise-wide digital maturity.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus working.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership: Serve as the primary digital advisor to assigned units within the University, translating priorities into actionable digital strategies
• Issue Resolution and Coordination: Act as a first point of contact for digital needs, coordinating with designers, developers, content strategists, and analysts to resolve issues and advance initiatives
• Enterprise Alignment: Ensure websites, microsites, and digital tools align with university standards for design, accessibility, CMS usage, and governance while respecting local needs
• Digital Experience Enablement: Advise on effective use of Penn State's Digital Experience Platform (DXP), analytics, personalization, and content systems
• Marketing Technology Integration: Partner with CRM and marketing technology teams (e.g., Salesforce, Slate) to support lifecycle engagement, campaign attribution, and performance measurement

Preferred Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong understanding of modern digital ecosystems, including CMS platforms, analytics, CRM integration, and personalization
• Demonstrated ability to engage and advise senior stakeholders in complex organizations
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience in higher education, government, or large enterprise environments
• Experience working across decentralized teams or matrixed organizations
• Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Slate) and marketing automation tools

Desired competencies include:

• Digital strategy and systems thinking
• Stakeholder partnership and facilitation
• Governance and alignment
• Marketing technology fluency
• Analytics literacy
• Change navigation
• Executive communication

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 700,000-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 $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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.

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