Public Relations Specialist

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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State's Office of Strategic Communications—the University's central public relations and marketing division—seeks a communications professional, storyteller, and editor to join its team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence and develop communications on a wide range of topics for a vast University community and the public. The Public Relations Specialist will also play an important supporting role in the editorial oversight and production of Penn State Today, the University's flagship daily community email publication with a circulation of 150,000; lead and support the development of news and feature content on Penn State News, the University's official news source; and assist with administrative and institutional communications priorities. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career professional to learn and grow alongside a team of dedicated colleagues at one of the world's top public research universities.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus working. Some evening and weekend hours will be required.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Support the editorial oversight and production of the Penn State Today electronic newsletter, which is sent to students, faculty, and staff across all Penn State campus locations and to external subscribers
• Serve as an important editorial voice for the Penn State News website, the University's official news source
• Build relationships with communications professionals in units across the University and work closely with them to drive key communications initiatives at the campus, college, and unit levels
• Assist with editing news stories submitted by communications professionals from across Penn State
• Play a key role in monthly monitoring and reporting on overall performance of Strategic Communications' owned news communications platforms
• Support and advance a multi-channel approach to community-building storytelling efforts, such as student success and employee recognition
• Support University-wide goals and priorities by drafting and executing comprehensive communications strategies and plans, in partnership with internal communications team leaders
• Draft institution-wide administrative announcements, such as appointments, departures, and awards
• Collaborate with colleagues within Strategic Communications and across the University to build strategies that drive maximum engagement with internal and external audiences and amplify positive content
• Enhance multimedia storytelling on official Penn State platforms to support and advance the broader strategic goals of Strategic Communications and the University

Preferred Skills and Experience

The ideal person for this position will:

• Possess excellent news judgment and exacting attention to detail as an editor
• Have a thorough knowledge of AP editorial style
• Possess a clear writing style and an ability to translate complex concepts into accessible communications
• Be adept at managing relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including providing constructive feedback and suggestions to content authors
• Be able to draft high-profile, University-wide communications, anticipating audience questions and considering potential perceptions of the University community and the public
• Have a working understanding of an SEO-forward writing style
• Be highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities with varying deadlines
• Work well both independently and as part of multiple cross-functional, fast paced teams
• Possess a solid work ethic, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills
• Proactively seek opportunities for professional development, learning opportunities, and mentorship
• Have experience using Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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

About Penn State's Office of Strategic Communications

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

Spanning Penn State's large-scale enterprise—including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 700,000—the Office of 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.

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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