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Pennsylvania State University

Social Media Specialist, Office of Development Communications

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $46K - $67K 💻 Marketing 🗓️ May 30th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Social Media Specialist in the Office of Development Communications. The role involves creating and managing content across Raise Penn State social media channels, building audiences, and collaborating with development and alumni relations teams to support fundraising and engagement efforts.

Highlights
  • Maintain and create organic and paid content for @RaisePennState on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, including tracking engagement and interaction.
  • Collaborate on marketing plans aligned with annual giving and university fundraising campaigns.
  • Monitor social media trends and incorporate emerging strategies into campaign handles.
  • Create content for the university fundraising website raise.psu.edu based on social engagement priorities.
  • Partner with digital marketing and analytics strategists to gather insights and assess social media performance.
  • Communicate Penn State's needs and values effectively through formal and informal channels.
  • Intermediate knowledge required of social media management tools, including Hootsuite and Sprout Social.
  • Requires a Bachelor's Degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Salary range is $46,400 to $67,300 annually.
  • Part of Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations, engaging a large alumni and donor community.

Social Media Specialist, Office of Development 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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State is currently seeking a social media specialist in the Office of Development Communications to create and administer content across the Raise Penn State social media channels, build audiences, and engage and steward the broader community. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this position plays an integral role in Penn State's future and contributes to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country. 

Reporting to the Director of Engagement Strategy in Development Communications and working closely with central development offices as well as other partners across the University, this position will:

  • Maintain a full calendar year of organic and paid content for @RaisePennState Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages, creating posts, tracking engagement, and interacting with platform users

  • Contribute to marketing plans aligned with annual giving and University fundraising campaign-level priorities, collaborating with both Division of Development and Alumni Relations colleagues and unit-based social media specialists

  • Monitor and research social media trends and topics and integrate emerging strategies into the @RaisePennState handles

  • Create content for raise.psu.edu reflective of concurrent social engagement and solicitation priorities

  • In partnership with the digital marketing and analytics strategist, gather digital insights across social platforms to inform strategy and evaluate successes

  • Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications

The successful candidate will have: 

  • Expertise in digital content creation ideally in service of an organization with an educational and/or philanthropic mission

  • A natural curiosity about the motivations behind human behavior and an interest in advancing the philanthropic goals of the University

  • Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills

  • •    The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues

  • Strong problem definition and solution skills and the ability to translate findings

  • Intermediate knowledge of social media management tools including Hootsuite and Sprout Social

  • A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team

  • A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored

DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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

 

Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations

If you believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good, you'll excel right here in Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 800,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our interdisciplinary teams of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, communicators, event planners, financial experts, and more, there is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu.

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it's the positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the world: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings

This position is based at the University Park campus, located in State College, Pennsylvania. State College is ranked among the lowest-stress and safest small cities in the country, with excellent public schools, beautiful parks and other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com

 

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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