Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Part Time - Strategic Communications - Specialist. This role manages and creates daily written and visual social media content aligned with campus goals, oversees multiple social media channels, supports YouTube and web content, and assists with writing and multimedia coverage of campus events. The specialist works approximately 20-25 hours weekly with flexibility for events, collaborating across departments and the community.

Highlights

Manage and create daily social media content for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, aligning with campus strategic goals.
Collaborate on YouTube channel content and assist with web content management.
Support campus community by writing projects and news stories and ensuring photos and videos are captured for events.
Use social media scheduling tools, analytics, and best practices to produce innovative content.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, Express), Canva, Hootsuite, and Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Teams, Forms, Planner).
Write for marketing and public relations, following Penn State Brand Book, Chicago Manual of Style, and AP Stylebook guidelines.
Develop comprehensive communication plans including social media content calendars and news schedules.
Monitor performance metrics to evaluate communication strategy effectiveness and adjust based on data analysis.
Basic web content management skills; experience with Drupal CMS is a plus.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or related field preferred; combination of education and experience considered.

Part Time - Strategic 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State York's Strategic Communications office is seeking a creative storyteller and conceptual thinker to fill the role of part-time Strategic Communications Specialist.

This candidate will be responsible for day-to-day written and visual social media content creation and management that aligns with campus strategic goals. This role oversees the campus social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X) and will serve as a collaborator for the YouTube channel and web content management. Additionally, this candidate will assist the campus community with writing projects/news stories and ensure photos and video are obtained for campus events.

This opening will typically work in-person 20-25 hours per week, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with a basic schedule determined by the employee and supervisor; however, there will need to be some flexibility when campus events and responsibilities require hours outside the norm.

The person in this opening must be a self-motivated and detail-oriented team player, willing to work collaboratively with departments across campus as well as throughout the community.

Requirements and Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Responsibilities

Knowledge of social media platforms (see above), best practices, scheduling tools and analytics, as well as the ability to create innovative and engaging content.
Solid photo/video-taking and editing skills, including visual content creation.
Working knowledge of and experience with platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, Express), Canva, Hootsuite, Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Forms, Planner).
Writing for both marketing and public relations (requires willingness to become proficient with the Penn State Brand Book, Chicago Manual of Style, and AP Stylebook).
Proven ability to develop comprehensive communication plans for diverse audiences, to include a social media plan/content calendar and news schedule, as well as identifying avenues for internal and external storytelling.
Monitor key performance indicators and metrics to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of communication strategies/initiatives and use data analysis to refine communication approaches.
Basic web content management (Drupal CMS a plus).
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize, while also being comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
A positive outlook, tempered with a sense of humor, and a commitment to representing Penn State York within the community.

Education and Experience

This opportunity is a great option for someone who is looking for a rewarding part-time job with flexible hours. A Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations or a related field is a plus, but a combination of education and/or experience will be considered.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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