Public Relations Specialist

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 location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. ​  POSITION SPECIFICS​Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications—the University’s central public relations and marketing division—seeks a communications professional, storyteller, and editor to join its team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence and develop communications on a wide range of topics for a vast University community and the public. This individual will also play an important supporting role in the editorial oversight and production of Penn State Today, the University’s flagship daily community email publication with a circulation of 150,000; lead and support the development of news and feature content on Penn State News, the University’s official news source; and assist with administrative and institutional communications priorities. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career professional to learn and grow alongside a team of dedicated colleagues at one of the world’s top public research universities.This Public Relations Specialist position offers a hybrid work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus working. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. Candidates should provide a cover letter and three samples of their writing when applying for this position.Key ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will:Support the editorial oversight and production of the Penn State Today electronic newsletter, which is sent to students, faculty, and staff across all Penn State campus locations and to external subscribersServe as an important editorial voice for the Penn State News website, the University’s official news sourceBuild relationships with communications professionals in units across the University and work closely with them to drive key communications initiatives at the campus, college, and unit levelsAssist with editing news stories submitted by communications professionals from across Penn StatePlay a key role in monthly monitoring and reporting on overall performance of Strategic Communications’ owned news communications platformsSupport and advance a multi-channel approach to community-building storytelling efforts, such as student success and employee recognitionSupport University-wide goals and priorities by drafting and executing comprehensive communications strategies and plans, in partnership with internal communications team leadersDraft institution-wide administrative announcements, such as appointments, departures, and awardsCollaborate with colleagues within Strategic Communications and across the University to build strategies that drive maximum engagement with internal and external audiences and amplify positive contentEnhance multimedia storytelling on official Penn State platforms to support and advance the broader strategic goals of Strategic Communications and the UniversityPreferred Skills and ExperienceThe ideal person for this position will:Possess excellent news judgment and exacting attention to detail as an editorHave a thorough knowledge of AP editorial stylePossess a clear writing style and an ability to translate complex concepts into accessible communicationsBe adept at managing relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including providing constructive feedback and suggestions to content authorsBe able to draft high-profile, University-wide communications, anticipating audience questions and considering potential perceptions of the University community and the publicHave a working understanding of an SEO-forward writing styleBe highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities with varying deadlinesWork well both independently and as part of multiple cross-functional, fast paced teamsPossess a solid work ethic, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skillsProactively seek opportunities for professional development, learning opportunities, and mentorshipHave experience using Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None About Penn State’s Office of Strategic CommunicationsAs Penn State’s 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 institution’s reputation in regional, national and international spheres of influence in ways that serve recruitment, resource and leadership goals.Spanning Penn State’s large-scale enterprise—including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 800,000—the 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. We’ve attracted talented and diverse team members from private and public sectors at all levels of our division, giving us the ability to bu