Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy

Penn State University • University Park, IL

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy and help promote Penn State as a top, global public research university. The 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 director will serve as part of the cross-leadership team in Strategic Communications, providing counsel on media relations to communications leaders across Penn State. This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus working. Reporting to the assistant vice president 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Be a collaborative team player and inclusive leader who can articulate clear and meaningful goals
• 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

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

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: Director