Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy

Penn State University • University Park, PA

97d • $109,300 - $164,000 • 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.

Requirements

• 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
• Experience managing strategic projects
• Expert-level understanding of new and traditional media and a proven ability to develop and maintain key media contacts
• Ability to build and execute crisis communications plans with a strong understanding of best practices
• Understanding of issues management and a proactive approach to activities

Nice To Haves

• Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a similar discipline
• Collaborative team player and inclusive leader who can articulate clear and meaningful goals
• Superior writing and editing skills
• Excellent media sense and ability to counsel teams on media relations strategies for an array of topics
• Authentic, self-motivated leader with a confident style coupled with sensitivity and flexibility to bring out the best in people

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

Benefits

• Salary range: $109,300.00 - $164,000.00
• Hybrid position combining remote and on-campus working
• Commitment to advancing equity, respect, and belonging

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree