Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications (the University’s central public relations and marketing division) is seeking a public relations specialist to join its proactive media team and assist with reporter outreach, pitch development, journalist requests, and media monitoring/reporting to further boost Penn State’s visibility in influential local, regional, national, and international news outlets.

This is a 75% full-time equivalency (FTE) job, working 30 hours per week. Full Penn State benefits are included. See HR 105 for more information on salary rates, payment frequency, benefits, retirement contributions, educational privileges, vacation and sick leave, and holidays. This position also offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus working.

As Penn State’s central public relations and marketing division, Strategic Communications is a fully integrated, award-winning, best-in-class marketing and public relations division 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.

The person in this position will:

• Collaborate across teams in Strategic Communications, exploring effective storytelling around differentiating research and University strengths
• Monitor and interpret fast-moving story developments
• Develop and maintain key media contacts
• Communicate across internal and external channels
• Identify current trends and topical issues that could potentially elevate the reputation of the University though visible engagement
• Help manage larger projects that support the overall strategy of the unit

The ideal candidate will:

• Understand the multi-channel media environment
• Have excellent organizational, writing, editing, and verbal communications skills
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Be a collaborative team player with high ethical and professional standards who can interact effectively with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff

Education and experience:

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher plus four or more years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a similar discipline is preferred. Knowledge of communications planning and traditional and non-traditional media strategies is a plus. Previous experience in a university setting is not required.

More about Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications:

Spanning Penn State’s large-scale enterprise—including 20 campuses across Pennsylvania, more than 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 700,000—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.

Strategic Communications values and reflects Penn State’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and our DEI committee is actively involved in providing staff programming that helps incorporate DEI principles into the fabric of our communications.

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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, 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.

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