Lead Visual Identity Specialist

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

76d • $56,200 - $81,500

About The Position

Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications—the University’s central public relations and marketing division—is seeking an experienced Lead Visual Identity Specialist to join its Licensing and Visual Identity team. This newly created position will play an important role in protecting Penn State’s visual identity and be responsible for reviewing and approving brand-mark usage for vendor agreements, contracts, licensed promotional products, and on-campus filming. The ideal candidate will be adept at evaluating endorsements for potential issues and concerns and fully understand the legal and identity implications surrounding the use of logos and other brand marks. Reporting to the director of Licensing and Visual Identity, the person in this role will work closely with Strategic Communications’ Associate Vice President for Marketing and the Creative team in University Marketing. This person will also work with units across Penn State, including the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Central Procurement, to regulate, promote, and protect the internal and external use of the University’s name and identifying marks. This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus working. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in or with higher education is a plus
• Be a collaborative team player who is highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy
• Have sound decision-making skills and the ability to solve current and potential problems with tact and diplomacy
• Be able to approach new situations with innovative thinking and solutions
• Feel comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment while participating in and contributing to integrated teams
• Take initiative and be a self-starter

Responsibilities

• Act as a brand guardian for the proper use of Penn State marks, logos, and trademarks across all licensed products and partnerships, proposing creative solutions when potential conflicts arise
• Review and approve or reject branded artwork for internal merchandise purchases
• Review endorsement concerns and internal and external logo-usage
• Serve as a campus contact for University brand and identity usage and requests
• Review, interpret, and implement contracts for ownership rights, endorsements, and mark/logo/trademark usage
• Work with campuses, colleges, units, and external parties that wish to film on campus, issuing appropriate agreements that address parameters for filming and photography, insurance requirements, and ownership rights
• Consult with Penn State’s Office of Central Procurement and the Office of General Counsel on film and location agreements
• Make sure the University’s brand, identity, and film agreements align with Penn State’s policies and procedures
• Work with Director of Licensing and Visual Identity and the Office of General Counsel on infringement concerns related to products in the marketplace

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree