Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

14d•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 senior director of public relations and media strategy and help promote Penn State as a top, global public research university. The senior 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 senior director will serve as part of the leadership team in Strategic Communications, providing counsel on media relations to the University President, senior administration, and communications leaders across Penn State. As Penn State’s central public relations and marketing division, Strategic Communications is a fully integrated, award-winning, best-in-class marketing and public relations division 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. Reporting to the executive director 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

This position minimally requires a Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of related experience (including 3 or more years of supervisory experience), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Be a collaborative team player and inclusive leader who can articulate clear and meaningful goals
Have superior writing and editing skills
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

Nice To Haves

A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a similar discipline is preferred.

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 assistant 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