Public Relations Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications—the University’s central public relations and marketing division—seeks a Public Relations Specialist to join its proactive media team. The person in this position will contribute to a centralized, strategic media relations team comprised of experienced professionals focused on elevating Penn State’s reputation and thought leadership through proactive storytelling. This role will work collaboratively to identify compelling and differentiating stories, anticipate media opportunities, conduct reporter outreach, and develop pitches and media lists to further boost Penn State’s visibility in influential local, regional, national, and international news outlets. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus working. As 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 700,000—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 build a strategic program of excellence recognized throughout the University.

Requirements

• Understand the media landscape, news cycles, and what drives earned coverage
• Have excellent organizational, writing, editing, and verbal communications skills
• Have a strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Have the ability to create clear, concise media reports for leadership and internal stakeholders
• Be a collaborative team player with high ethical and professional standards
• Interact effectively with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff
• Be curious and interested in current events and media trends
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Have experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a similar discipline is preferred
• Knowledge of communications planning and traditional and non-traditional media strategies is a plus
• Previous experience in a university setting is not required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across teams in Strategic Communications, exploring how to effectively story tell around differentiating research and University strengths
• Develop and execute proactive media and communications plans aligned with institutional and Presidential priorities
• Identify newsworthy stories by partnering with internal stakeholders, subject-matter experts, and leadership
• Draft press materials, pitches, talking points, and backgrounders that translate complex topics into accessible narratives
• Build and maintain relationships with regional and national reporters
• Monitor media coverage, industry trends, and emerging news opportunities
• Track and analyze media placements, preparing regular reports that cover reach, sentiment, and impact
• Support long-term storytelling initiatives that elevate thought leadership and expertise
• Assist with editorial planning and media calendars

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 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