Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy
Share
Job Location:
University Park, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 68200 - 102300
Posted on:
15 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
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 additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn States Office of Strategic Communicationsthe Universitys central public relations and marketing divisionseeks an experienced public relations leader to serve as the Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy and help promote Penn State as a top global public research university.
The director will help develop and implement a proactive media strategy as a part of an overarching strategic communications plan that supports the Universitys mission and objectives. This role is responsible for driving high-profile media placements in influential local regional national and international news outlets and helping to protect the brand through issues monitoring and response. The director will serve as part of the cross-leadership team in Strategic Communications providing counsel on media relations to communications leaders across Penn State.
This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus working.
Reporting to the assistant vice president of media and external engagement this position will lead a high-performing team responsible for developing storytelling opportunities around student success thought leadership and general expertise; assist in managing larger strategic projects for the unit related to Presidential priorities; and advise on optimal media monitoring and reporting practices including thoughtful analysis and feedback on results.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Lead all components of proactive top-tier media strategy from planning to pitch development to media placements
- Drive in-depth relationships with a variety of national regional and local media as well as high-profile online influencers to generate coverage to enhance the Universitys appeal and prestige
- Identify current trends and topical issues that could potentially elevate the reputation of the University through visible engagement
- Help position Penn State and its faculty as thought leaders in their respective fields
- Highlight the Universitys commitment to research working with the director of research communications to bring science to the forefront and creatively plan how to disseminate key research and commercialization efforts taking place at the University
- Partner with colleagues throughout the University to identify storytelling opportunities and provide counsel on developing and delivering multimedia materials and targeted media outreach strategies
- Oversee media monitoring procedures and technologies and help prepare reports for senior leadership
- Monitor performance metrics track progress against targets and adjust strategies to maximize impact
- Work closely with and support Strategic Communications crisis and issues team by developing reports and evaluating priority issues that may impact the University
- Develop comprehensive reports merchandizing results for senior leadership and the Universitys Board of Trustees
- Assist in creating communications materials including but not limited to media statements Q&As backgrounders communication plans email responses and messages
- Supervise staff focusing on proactive top-tier media opportunities expert positioning and results monitoring
Preferred Skills and Experience
The ideal person for this position will:
- Be a collaborative team player and inclusive leader who can articulate clear and meaningful goals
- Have superior writing and editing skills
- Possess an excellent media sense and be able to counsel teams on media relations strategies for an array of topics
- Have experience managing strategic projects
- Have an expert-level understanding of new and traditional media and a proven ability to develop and maintain key media contacts
- Be an authentic self-motivated leader who has a confident style coupled with the sensitivity and flexibility to bring out the best in people
- Be able to build and execute crisis communications plans with a strong understanding of best practices
- Understand issues management and a proactive approach to activities
MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelors Degree 6 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: NoneAbout Penn States Office of Strategic Communications:
As Penn States 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 institutions reputation in regional national and international spheres of influence in ways that serve recruitment resource and leadership goals.
Spanning Penn States large-scale enterpriseincluding campus locations across Pennsylvania nearly 90000 students and an alumni base exceeding 800000the 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. 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.
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 $68200.00 - $102300.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional 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 .
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 universitys teaching research and service mission.Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Penn State is a major, public, research-I university serving Pennsylvania and the global community. Learn more about our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.
