Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Marketing and Communications Specialist. This role involves advancing communications strategies within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, promoting the university's research discoveries, and developing marketing materials to support funding advocacy. The specialist will collaborate with faculty and communications staff to create content including news releases, feature stories, web content, and social media posts while ensuring adherence to editorial and brand guidelines.

Highlights

Research, write, and distribute news releases and feature stories about peer-reviewed research.
Develop and manage integrated marketing and communications plans aligned with college and university branding.
Create content for promotional materials such as fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, and digital signage.
Write and manage social media posts and platforms.
Monitor media presence and analyze content metrics to inform future content decisions.
Optional photography and videography support for content creation.
Must have strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical research for diverse audiences.
Requires Bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent.
Position involves daily collaboration with faculty, staff, leadership, alumni, students, and donors.
Salary range $46,400 to $67,300 with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.

Marketing and Communications Specialist Full Description

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

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) at Penn State, is seeking a dynamic Marketing and Communications Specialist to advance the communications strategies for earth, energy, and environmental systems within the College. The main focus of the position is to promote Penn State as a top public research university by actively supporting the research discoveries of our EMS faculty.

This position will take a proactive approach to working with EMS faculty researchers to understand their priorities, research, and goals. They (with assistance from the Earth and Mineral Science's director of strategic communications) will translate that information into communications plans, collaborate with fellow communications staff on the publication of articles highlighting research successes, and develop marketing materials to use to help advocate for further funding.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will research, write, and distribute news releases about peer-reviewed research in addition to researching and writing feature stories that meet the College's strategic initiatives and engage the broader community.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Ensure all content adheres to Penn State's editorial and brand guidelines, including AP, and the Chicago Manual of Style.
Craft web content and update websites.
Develop and manage the production of integrated and strategic marketing and communications plans consistent with college, and University brand strategies, support outreach efforts to engage stakeholders with research efforts, and leverage marketing opportunities to enhance development efforts.
Develop content for promotional materials, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, and digital signage. Write social media posts and manage social media platforms.
Monitor news and media presences and review content analytics to make informed decisions about future content.
Possibly provide general photography and videography coverage to support content creation needs.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

acceptedRequired Certifications:None

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position that combines regular on-campus and remote work.

Application Materials: In addition to a cover letter and a resume, writing samples are required; please attach two writing samples or include a link to your portfolio or other samples in your cover letter.

What we are looking for: Strong writing and editing skills, excellent attention to detail, and a proven track record of translating faculty research and technical topics into content appropriate for a variety of communities and audiences are required.

This position works daily with faculty, staff, and leadership and communicates regularly with alumni, students, and donors. As such, the successful candidate must have a keen ability to work with diverse stakeholders and be able to prioritize multiple projects. They must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, stay current with emerging trends in the communication field, be a self-starter and work independently, and also be able to participate in and contribute to integrated, cross-functional teams.

Other qualifications:

Passion for promoting innovative science and learning
Ability to manage complex projects to successful completion in a timely manner
Excellent judgment, integrity, and exacting attention to detail
Ability to translate strategic goals and initiatives into compelling content across multiple formats
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities independently
Dedication to quality and customer service
Appreciation for working with a variety of audiences

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 $46,400.00 - $67,300.00.

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.

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Original Job Description