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Part-Time Marketing and Communications Manager

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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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Statewide Marketing and Communications Manager

Location: Hybrid – Harrisburg, PA (including some in-state travel)
Employment Type: Part-time (20 hours/week)
Reports To: Director of Statewide Initiatives

Are you ready to shape the narrative of innovation throughout Pennsylvania?

Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) is seeking a bold, savvy, and strategic Statewide Marketing and Communications Manager to enhance our brand across the state. In this high-impact role, you will drive the statewide marketing strategy while unifying the brand presence and messaging across four regional centers, amplify our impact, and engage with key audiences, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and the media. If you are inspired by storytelling, collaboration, and driving genuine economic change, this flexible part-time position presents a unique opportunity to champion innovation and foster economic growth in a vibrant, mission-driven setting.

About Us

For over 40 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has been a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and regional economic growth throughout Pennsylvania. Through investments, mentorship, and strategic resources, BFTP empowers early-stage startups and established manufacturers to grow and thrive. Learn more: www.benfranklin.org

Key Responsibilities

Statewide Strategy and Coordination

Develop and execute a unified statewide marketing and communications strategy with regional teams and the Director of Statewide Initiatives.
Align messaging and priorities across regional leads and external partners on shared communications initiatives.
Lead in creating statewide campaigns, legislative reports, and multimedia storytelling.
Act as the primary marketing and communications liaison to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other state-level economic development agencies.
Oversee and maintain statewide communications assets, including social media, websites, and brand materials.

Branding and Messaging

Ensure consistent brand identity, tone, and messaging across all regions and platforms.
Collaborate with regional marketing teams to refine and manage brand guidelines effectively.
Provide strategic oversight of statewide public relations and crisis communication efforts.
Work with external consultants and the Director of Statewide Initiatives to create and maintain effective advocacy messaging and content to advance statewide BFTP priorities.

Digital and Content Management

Manage and optimize BFTP’s statewide website, email marketing, and social media channels.
Create and oversee digital content (e.g. blogs, video, newsletters, reports, etc.) highlighting BFTP’s success stories and impact.
Leverage data analytics tools to track, analyze, and report digital performance; adjust strategies to maximize engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Events

Support planning and promotion of statewide events, innovation showcases, and legislative briefings.
Collaborate and oversee statewide media relations and press releases.
Establish and strengthen connections with media outlets, partner organizations, and collaborators within the ecosystem to enhance BFTP's reach.

Collaboration and Leadership

In partnership with the Director of Statewide Initiatives, lead regular communications calls and working groups across regional centers.
Identify and manage shared marketing vendors and resources when appropriate.
Support and guide regional teams on marketing tools, trends, and best practices.

Required Skills & Experience

Minimally requires a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field (master’s preferred) and seven or more years of directly related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Progressive professional work experience in marketing, communications, or brand strategy, ideally in innovation, economic development, or the nonprofit/public sector, is highly strongly preferred.
Proven ability to design and lead integrated marketing strategies across complex organizations.
Exceptional writing and communication skills, including experience creating content for executives and media outlets.
Strong project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities across regions.
Proficient with CRM systems, email marketing platforms, social media management, website CMS, and analytics tools.
Skilled at collaborating with diverse stakeholders in a decentralized, hybrid environment.
Based in Pennsylvania, able to travel in-state (occasionally overnight) as needed.

Desired Skills & Experience

Understanding Pennsylvania's entrepreneurial ecosystem, public policy, and economic development landscape.
Experience in legislative communications or messaging related to government affairs.
Graphic design skills or visual communication abilities are a plus.

This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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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What You Should Know About Part-Time Marketing and Communications Manager, PSU

Are you ready to take on an exciting challenge as the Part-Time Marketing and Communications Manager at Penn State Harrisburg? In this flexible role with Ben Franklin Technology Partners, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape the marketing strategy and enhance the brand presence of an organization committed to innovation and economic growth in Pennsylvania. As a savvy and strategic professional, you’ll collaborate with regional teams to develop unified messaging that aligns with our mission. Your responsibilities will include managing social media channels, overseeing the statewide website, and executing compelling campaigns that resonate with entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers alike. With a focus on storytelling, you will amplify the impact of BFTP and promote our success stories through engaging digital content. This part-time position allows for hybrid work, providing the perfect balance of flexibility and collaboration with passionate colleagues dedicated to economic development. If you have a knack for communications, a strong background in marketing, and a desire to foster genuine change while working with a vibrant team, we’d love to have you join us at Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Here, you’re not just working; you’re becoming part of a 40-year legacy of innovation and growth in Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Part-Time Marketing and Communications Manager Role at PSU

What are the main responsibilities of the Part-Time Marketing and Communications Manager at Penn State Harrisburg?

The Part-Time Marketing and Communications Manager at Penn State Harrisburg is responsible for developing and executing a unified statewide marketing strategy, managing social media and digital content, and acting as the primary liaison to Pennsylvania's economic development agencies. This role also involves planning statewide events and enhancing the organization's brand presence.