Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Marketing and Communications Specialist (News Writer) to join the College of Agricultural Sciences. This role involves researching, writing, and editing news, feature, and research articles for various media outlets, managing media relations, tracking media engagement via Meltwater, and supporting college strategic initiatives.

Highlights

Write and edit news, feature, and research articles for internal and external media.
Research story ideas monthly and interview sources.
Manage relationships with local, state, and national media; coordinate interviews and media events.
Track media placement effectiveness using Meltwater monitoring platform and report to leadership.
Serve as a liaison during special events like tradeshows and community engagements.
Possibly oversee and mentor freelance writers and interns in story development and editing.
Collaborate with faculty, students, staff, and communications contacts within and outside the university.
Participate in designing and editing digital content, graphics, photography, and multimedia products.
Ensure compliance with accessibility, confidentiality, privacy policies, and style guidelines.
Requires Bachelor's degree; 1+ years experience for intermediate or 3+ years for advanced level; knowledge of AP style, strong editing skills, multiple media platform experience, preferred news/science writing experience, and Meltwater experience.
Salary range: $46,400 to $74,000, with competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
Full-time position with hybrid work arrangement requiring onsite presence 1-2 days per week at University Park campus.

Marketing and Communications Specialist (News Writer) 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 Agricultural Sciences at Penn State is seeking a Marketing Communications Specialist (News Writer).

Reporting to the associate director of communications, this member of the Marketing and Communications team will write and edit news, feature and research articles that will appear in Penn State News and other internal and external media outlets.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement, with the expectation of working onsite at the University Park campus in State College, PA, at least one to two days per week.

Responsibilities include:

Research story ideas monthly, interview sources, and write compelling press releases and features for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension.
Tailor messaging to advance the college's strategic initiatives.
Manage relationships with members of local, state, and national media in promoting college programs, respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and manage media events.
Track effectiveness and engagement of media placements through Meltwater monitoring platform and provide media reports to leadership; monitor consumer and industry trends.
Serve as a liaison to the public and media at special events, such as tradeshows and community engagement initiatives.
May oversee and direct the work of freelance writers and student interns, mentoring them on interview techniques, story development and organization, editing, and the use of style guides.
Develop and foster relationships with faculty, students and staff, as well as communications contacts across the university and external to the university.
May participate in the design and/or editing of digital content, graphics, photography, and other multimedia visualization and imaging products.
Ensure compliance with accessibility standards, contractual obligations, confidentiality and privacy policies, and style and standard guidelines.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

Qualifications:

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of AP style and strong editing skills.
Experience working with multiple media platforms.
Experience in news and/or science/technical writing preferred.
Experience with Meltwater.

Application Requirements:

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples.

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 - $74,000.00.

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.The Pennsylvania State University 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