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Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy

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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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications (the University’s central public relations and marketing division) seeks an experienced public relations leader to serve as the senior director of public relations and media strategy and help promote Penn State as a top, global public research university. The senior director will help develop and implement a proactive media strategy as a part of an overarching strategic communications plan that supports the University’s 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 senior director will serve as part of the leadership team in Strategic Communications, providing counsel on media relations to the University President, senior administration, and communications leaders across Penn State.

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

Reporting to the executive director 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.

The person in this position 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 University’s 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 University’s commitment to research, working with the assistant 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 University’s 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

The ideal candidate 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

This position minimally requires a Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of related experience (including 3 or more years of supervisory experience), or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a similar discipline is preferred.

This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus working. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Procedure For Confidential Candidacy:

Submit resumes or nominations, with assurance of confidentiality, to Berkhemer Clayton, Inc.:

Ben Lambert

President

Higher Education, Healthcare & Nonprofit Practice

applications@berkhemerclayton.com

About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications:

Spanning Penn State’s large-scale enterprise—including campuses across Pennsylvania, more than 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 700,000—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.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$109,300.00 - $164,000.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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.

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 814-865-1473.

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University Park, PA

Average salary estimate

$136650 / YEARLY (est.)

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$109300K

$164000K

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What You Should Know About Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy, PSU

Are you ready to take the lead in shaping the public narrative at a prestigious institution? Penn State University is on the lookout for a Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy to elevate its profile as a leading global public research university. In this dynamic role, you will be at the forefront, crafting and implementing a strategic media approach that not only promotes our vision but also positions our faculty and student success stories at the center of the conversation. Collaborate with a talented team dedicated to emphasizing the University’s innovative research and thought leadership across various platforms. Your ability to foster relationships with prominent media outlets and online influencers will drive high-profile coverage that enhances our reputation. Moreover, you’ll play a crucial role in safeguarding the brand through proactive issues management and strategic communications, advising senior leadership on media relations tactics. The ideal candidate will have a rich background in media strategy, exceptional writing skills, and a proven capacity for leading teams toward impactful storytelling. With a hybrid work model and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Penn State not only values your expertise but is ready to support your professional growth in a vibrant community. If you’re passionate about shaping public perceptions and excited about leading communications efforts for one of the nation’s top universities, we want to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy Role at PSU

What responsibilities does the Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy at Penn State carry?

The Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy at Penn State is pivotal in developing and executing media strategies that support the University’s goals. This includes driving media placements, fostering relationships with media outlets, and overseeing crisis communications. Additionally, the director will guide teams in identifying storytelling opportunities, managing strategic projects, and producing detailed performance metrics for reporting to senior leadership.