Assistant Director of Communications, Penn State Great Valley

Penn State University

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State Great Valley seeks an experienced and creative communications professional to serve as Assistant Director of Communications. This role supports strategic marketing and communications initiatives for Penn State Great Valley while serving as the primary communications lead for Penn State’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development. The Assistant Director will manage and grow social media presence and strategy for both Penn State's Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs and Penn State Great Valley. The position will lead the development of news stories, marketing copy, and web content for Penn State’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development, as well as contribute to broader storytelling and marketing needs across Penn State Great Valley. This role requires a strong storyteller who understands digital engagement, can translate complex academic and workforce initiatives into compelling content, and can work collaboratively with program leaders, faculty, and marketing partners.

Requirements

• Degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Experience in communications, marketing, digital media, or related roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple organizational social media accounts.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for digital and marketing contexts.
• Experience with web content management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education communications or workforce development marketing.
• Familiarity with social media analytics tools and digital marketing platforms.
• Experience writing news stories, marketing copy, and web content for diverse audiences.
• Understanding of SEO and digital content strategy.
• Familiarity with best practices in digital communications accessibility

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary manager of both Continuing Education and Workforce Development's and Penn State Great Valley’s official social media accounts, developing and executing strategies to increase engagement, visibility, and brand alignment.
• Develop and maintain a strategic social media content calendar across platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and other relevant channels.
• Monitor performance metrics and analytics to evaluate effectiveness and optimize campaigns.
• Ensure social media content reflects Penn State brand standards and aligns with institutional messaging.
• Engage with audiences and monitor comments, messages, and community interactions when appropriate.
• Serve as lead writer and editor for news stories, marketing copy, and web content related to Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
• Develop compelling stories highlighting workforce programs, partnerships, industry impact, and learner success.
• Contribute news stories and feature content for Penn State Great Valley’s website, marketing initiatives, and digital channels.
• Produce marketing copy for program promotion including digital campaigns, emails, and brochures.
• Maintain and update web content for Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs within Penn State Great Valley’s website ecosystem.
• Collaborate with program leaders to ensure web pages are accurate, engaging, and optimized for prospective learners and partners.
• Apply SEO best practices and accessibility standards to digital content.
• Partner with Continuing Education and Workforce Development leadership, faculty, and staff to identify content opportunities and develop messaging aligned with workforce development goals.
• Coordinate with Penn State’s broader communications and marketing network to ensure brand consistency and amplify stories.
• Assist with campaign planning for program launches, events, and initiatives.
• Contribute to special projects and communications initiatives for Penn State Great Valley.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level