Assistant or Associate Vice President Strategic Communications
Assistant or Associate Vice President Strategic Communications
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Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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If you are NOT a current employee or student please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Opportunity
As a seasoned proactive and forwardthinking communications expert and leader the person in this role will help protect and advance the Universitys reputation for integrity; nurture pride and attachment among faculty staff and students; enhance understanding of and drive support for major leadership priorities; strengthen the institutions commitment to its employees; and advance Penn States position as an exceptional employer.
The successful candidate will bring an inclusive and facilitative leadership style that inspires and empowers staff fosters innovation and encourages open communication and collaboration. Partnering with talented and dedicated staff within the Office of Strategic Communications as well as faculty and administrative leaders throughout Penn State this leader will continue to build and implement a clear unified vision for strategic communication aimed at strengthening the Universitys culture supporting its employees protecting its reputation and managing institutional change.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven leader to make a lasting impact at one of the nations preeminent public research universities by shaping communication strategies at the highest level while engaging informing and connecting internal and external stakeholders with the institutions mission and strategic goals particularly during periods of institutional change.
This is a hybrid position that requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
Position Summary
The Assistant or Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications will provide vision and leadership for crucial areas of communication at Penn State including crisis and issues management internal and change management communications and HR/employee relations communications. This role will also collaborate with leadership in the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses to provide strategic communication counsel and support that advances Penn States commitment to its Commonwealth campuses.
The AVP will lead a centralized team of talented professionals and be responsible for the following key areas:
Crisis and Issues Management:
Lead Penn States issues management team and develop implement and manage the of comprehensive proactive and reactive communication strategies that address crises and emerging issues that may adversely impact the Universitys reputation or operations.
Engage with external stakeholdersincluding media government officials and community leadersto manage the Universitys reputation and navigate complex issues.
Work closely with Strategic Communications vice president and leadership Penn States executive leadership and crossfunctional teams across the University to create cohesive and effective messaging that supports the institutions mission and strategic objectives.
Internal and Change Management Communications:
Provide thought leadership and strengthen the Universitys internal expertise and capabilities in employee engagement and change communication
Oversee the communications team responsible for informing engaging and supporting internal stakeholders through periods of organizational change.
Lead the development and of change communication plans for Universitywide initiatives.
Provide leadership support of robust and timely content aimed at informing internal and external stakeholders of news events and initiatives across Penn State.
Provide support for and collaborate with Commonwealth Campus communicators to maintain a cohesive brand identity while addressing campusspecific needs.
HR/Employee Relations Communications:
Lead the team responsible for the creation and oversight of Universitywide employee communications strategies programs and messaging regarding key University initiatives.
Develop and implement strategies that foster internal brand relevance and cultivate a distinctive employee value proposition ultimately driving employee satisfaction engagement and retention across the University.
Design and implement a comprehensive employee brand strategy that reflects the Universitys values culture and strategic objectives; aligns with overall internal communication efforts; and supports the Universitys brand positioning.
Establish metrics and develop and implement strategies for tracking and reporting on the Penn State employee experience.
Conduct thorough data analysis leveraging insights from employee feedback to craft targeted engagement initiatives that promote belonging employee satisfaction and wellbeing across the University.
All of this needs to be accomplished with a high level of professionalism and integrity; a transparent teamoriented and collaborative style; a demonstrated commitment to inclusion diversity equity access and belonging; a passion for the mission of Penn State; and a commitment to identifying and embracing opportunities for change that will move the University forward.
The ideal candidate for this position will:
Have proven experience in a senior communication role preferably within a complex organization with a focus on crisis and issues management.
Demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an eye for strategic thinking and innovative problemsolving.
Have a proven track record in developing and implementing successful communication strategies particularly in times of change or crisis.
Exhibit expertise in employee communications engagement and internal brand development with a deep understanding of datadriven decisionmaking.
Thrive in a fastpaced highimpact environment managing multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on longterm objectives.
Be committed to Penn States landgrant mission and sensitive to the diverse needs of regional campuses.
Foster a collaborative work environment that empowers teams to deliver highimpact communication solutions.
Education and Experience
Typically requires a bachelors degree in public relations marketing communications advertising journalism business administration or related discipline (or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience). Qualified candidates will have ten or more years of relevant communications experience an extensive background in issues/crisis management a solid understanding of and experience with change management and at least eight years of experience in a supervisory or senior management role. The position will be filled as an Assistant or Associate Vice President depending on the selected candidates education and experience. Prior experience in higher education is not required.
More about Penn States Office of Strategic Communications
As Penn States central public relations and marketing division Strategic Communications is a fully integrated awardwinning bestinclass 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 institutions reputation in regional national and international spheres of influence in ways that serve recruitment resource and leadership goals.
Spanning Penn States largescale enterpriseincluding 24 campus locations across Pennsylvania nearly 90000 students and an alumni base exceeding 700000Strategic 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. Weve 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.
Strategic Communications values and reflects Penn States commitment to diversity equity inclusion and belonging (DEIB) and our DEIB committee is actively involved in providing staff programming that helps incorporate DEIB principles into the fabric of our communications.
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 and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity affirmative action 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.
Required Experience:
Chief
Employment Type
Full-Time
