Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy

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For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .POSITION SPECIFICSPenn 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 ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will:Lead all components of proactive top-tier media strategy, from planning to pitch development to media placementsDrive in-depth relationships with a variety of national, regional, and local media, as well as high-profile online influencers, to generate coverage to enhance the University’s appeal and prestigeIdentify current trends and topical issues that could potentially elevate the reputation of the University through visible engagementHelp position Penn State and its faculty as thought leaders in their respective fieldsHighlight the University’s commitment to research, working with the director of research communications to bring science to the forefront and creatively plan how to disseminate key research and commercialization efforts taking place at the UniversityPartner with colleagues throughout the University to identify storytelling opportunities and provide counsel on developing and delivering multimedia materials and targeted media outreach strategiesOversee media monitoring procedures and technologies and help prepare reports for senior leadershipMonitor performance metrics, track progress against targets, and adjust strategies to maximize impactWork closely with and support Strategic Communications’ crisis and issues team by developing reports and evaluating priority issues that may impact the UniversityDevelop comprehensive reports merchandizing results for senior leadership and the University’s Board of TrusteesAssist in creating communications materials, including but not limited to media statements, Q&As, backgrounders, communication plans, email responses, and messagesSupervise staff focusing on proactive top-tier media opportunities, expert positioning, and results monitoringPreferred Skills and ExperienceThe ideal person for this position will:Be a collaborative team player and inclusive leader who can articulate clear and meaningful goalsHave superior writing and editing skillsPossess an excellent media sense and be able to counsel teams on media relations strategies for an array of topicsHave experience managing strategic projectsHave an expert-level understanding of new and traditional media and a proven ability to develop and maintain key media contactsBe an authentic, self-motivated leader who has a confident style coupled with the sensitivity and flexibility to bring out the best in peopleBe able to build and execute crisis communications plans with a strong understanding of best practicesUnderstand issues management and a proactive approach to activitiesMINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneAbout 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/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structurePenn 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 STATISTICSPursuant 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 LAWPenn 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.Penn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlines #J-18808-Ljbffr