Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy at Penn State University | University Park, IL | $68K/yr – $102K/yr

Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy

University Park, IL (Hybrid)

$68K/yr – $102K/yrDirector/Executive6+ years expFull time

Posted 4 months ago

Job Summary

Lead comprehensive proactive media strategy and execution to raise Penn State’s profile across national, regional, and local media.

Own planning, pitches, and placements for high-impact coverage.
Must-have: Proven ability to lead media strategy and manage a team.
Standout: Strong crisis comms planning and multi-channel storytelling.

Job Description

Responsibilities

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 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

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None

Preferred

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

Benefits

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.

Penn State University

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 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 world.From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree.We Are Penn State.

University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

32K employees (1,262 in marketing)

psu.edu