Marketing Communications Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Transportation Services, a unit within Auxiliary and Business Services, is hiring a Marketing Communications Specialist to promote transportation-related programs and initiatives. Reporting to the Special Projects Manager and working with senior marketing communications staff, the role primarily provides marketing, communications, and customer service support for campus parking operations. It also supports other Transportation Services operations as needed, including campus transit, bike programs, fleet vehicle rentals, driver services, garage services, and campus and community ridesharing initiatives. This is an in-person position at Penn State’s University Park campus. Occasional evening, weekend, or outdoor work may be required in support of Transportation Services events and outreach. The role may supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance. A bachelor's degree is required, though previous relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of education. No prior relevant work experience is required. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa. Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; previous relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of education.
No prior relevant work experience required.
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in marketing strategy, content creation, social media management, and public relations.
Ability to manage multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Experience with Microsoft Office, analytical tools, accessibility standards, CMS platforms, and digital advertising.
Familiarity with Penn State’s Brand Book and Editorial Standards and ability to apply brand standards effectively.
Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or similar creative applications for producing visual and digital marketing materials.
Excellent customer service skills.
Authorization to work in the U.S.
Successful completion of required University background check(s).

Responsibilities

Contribute to planning and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals and approved marketing plans.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify communication needs, target audiences, and key messaging.
Assist with developing campaign timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics.
Research complex subject matter and translate it into clear, engaging content for multiple platforms and audiences.
Produce and contribute to fact sheets, brochures, articles, newsletters, website copy, news and feature stories, customer correspondence, digital signage, and other internal or external communications, following brand, editorial, and style guidelines.
Draft speaker remarks, announcements, and promotional messaging.
Edit and proofread websites, advertisements, articles, brochures, and feature stories for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.
Execute and coordinate production of marketing and promotional materials across print, digital, social media, and emerging platforms.
Prepare creative briefs to guide concept development and creative expression.
Monitor tactical campaign implementation and communicate project status to management and partners.
Support website and digital content management, keeping information accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational branding.
Monitor relevant news and media coverage.
Track and analyze performance metrics for websites, email campaigns, social media, and digital marketing efforts; provide insights and recommendations to improve campaign performance and audience engagement.
Develop event marketing materials and coordinate promotion across multiple channels.
Coordinate with external agencies, designers, printers, and other vendor partners on campaign development and production.
Ensure deliverables meet project specifications, deadlines, and brand guidelines.
Ensure communications comply with accessibility standards such as WCAG/ADA, contractual obligations, confidentiality requirements, and privacy policies.
May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance.
Provide marketing, communications, and customer service support primarily for campus parking operations and, as needed, other Transportation Services operations.