Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy

## APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

**CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE** (faculty, staff, technical service, or student): please log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. *Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.*

**CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT** (not previously employed at the University) seeking employment with Penn State: please log in to Workday to complete the student application process. *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*.

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## 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 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 work.

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.

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## Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

– Lead all components of proactive top‑tier media strategy, from planning to pitch development to media placements
– Drive in‑depth relationships with national, regional, and local media, as well as high‑profile online influencers, to generate coverage that enhances the University’s appeal and prestige
– Identify current trends and topical issues that could elevate the University’s reputation through visible engagement
– Help position Penn State and its faculty as thought leaders in their respective fields
– Highlight the University’s commitment to research, working with the director of research communications to bring science to the forefront and creatively disseminate key research and commercialization efforts
– Partner with colleagues throughout the University to identify storytelling opportunities and provide counsel on multimedia materials and targeted media outreach strategies
– Oversee media monitoring procedures and technologies and help prepare reports for senior leadership
– Monitor performance metrics, track progress against targets, and adjust strategies to maximize impact
– Work closely with and support Strategic Communications’ crisis and issues team by developing reports and evaluating priority issues that may impact the University
– Develop comprehensive reports merchandizing results for senior leadership and the University’s Board of Trustees
– Assist in creating communications materials, including media statements, Q&As, backgrounders, communication plans, email responses, and messages
– Supervise staff focusing on proactive top‑tier media opportunities, expert positioning, and results monitoring

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## Preferred Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will:

– Be a collaborative team player and inclusive leader who can articulate clear and meaningful goals
– Have superior writing and editing skills
– Possess excellent media sense and be able to counsel teams on media relations strategies across a wide range of topics
– Have experience managing strategic projects
– Have an expert‑level understanding of new and traditional media and a proven ability to develop and maintain key media contacts
– Be an authentic, self‑motivated leader with a confident style and the sensitivity to bring out the best in people
– Be able to build and execute crisis communications plans with a strong understanding of best practices
– Understand issues management and take a proactive approach to activities

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## MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

**Education:**
Bachelor’s Degree

**Experience:**
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

**Required Certifications:**
None

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## 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’s work encompasses all forms of communications and engagement, including branding, marketing, trademark and event management, internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, and crisis and issues management. The division includes talented and diverse team members from private and public sectors, enabling a strategic program of excellence recognized throughout the University.

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## 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.

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## SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is **$68,200 – $102,300**.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; and substantial paid time off. A standout benefit is the **75% tuition discount** available to employees, eligible spouses, and children. For more information, visit the Benefits Page.

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## 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, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and more. The ASR is available for review online.

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## 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 the online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact **814‑865‑1473**.

Penn State is committed to advancing equity, respect, and belonging. The University embraces individual uniqueness and a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion, and provides opportunities for engagement to help all community members thrive.