Pennsylvania State University logo

Pennsylvania State University

Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $49K - $71K 💻 Communications 🗓️ July 24th, 2026
PK Rive

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Assistant Director of Strategic Communications. This role involves leading strategic communications, public relations, media relations, and creative content for Penn State women’s soccer and softball teams while also supporting men’s basketball. The position includes managing social media, student-athlete branding, storytelling initiatives, media coordination, event staffing, and supervising supporting personnel.

Highlights
  • Lead overall communications, public relations, media relations, and creative content strategy for assigned teams.
  • Primary strategic communications and social media contact for women's soccer and softball; secondary contact for men's basketball.
  • Develop and implement student-athlete branding strategies and storytelling content including photos and videos.
  • Produce online team record books, news releases, and feature stories.
  • Coordinate media requests strategically and facilitate social media aligned with department goals.
  • Staff home and select away athletic events and supervise student assistants and event support personnel.
  • Proficiency required in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, Spark), website content management, social media platforms, and Statcrew/NCAA Live Stats.
  • Experience needed in photography, video recording, and editing; work-related communications or public relations experience essential.
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, or related field preferred; minimum of 1+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination accepted.
  • Salary range: $49,188.00 - $71,340.00 with a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition discounts.

Assistant Director of Strategic Communications Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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 Intercollegiate Athletics, a Division I and Big Ten Conference member, is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Assistant Director of Strategic Communications. The successful candidate will serve as the primary strategic communications and social media contact for the Penn State women's soccer and softball teams. This position will also be a secondary strategic communications contact for men's basketball. Assignments are subject to change. 

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the primary strategic communications and social media contact for assigned teams including leading the overall communications, public relations, media relations, and creative content strategy.
  • Enhance and collaborate on student-athlete branding strategies and execution.
  • Generate storytelling initiatives, feature content, photos, videos, and other unique coverage for team social and website channels.
  • Produce online team record books, news releases, and feature stories.
  • Coordinate media requests in a strategic manner.
  • Facilitate social media in line with department goals.
  • Staff home and select away events.
  • Supervise student assistants, statistical crews, and other event support personnel.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Work-related experience in communications or public relations.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance.
  • Strong initiative, creativity, and independence.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, Spark, and related tools.
  • Experience with website content management systems.
  • Proficiency with social media platforms and Statcrew/NCAA Live Stats.
  • Experience in photography, video recording, and video editing.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, or a related field.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

 

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

 

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.

 

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines