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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICSPenn State's
Office of Strategic Communications-the University's central public relations and marketing division-is looking for an assistant director to join its issues and crisis communications team. Reporting to the team's director and working closely with the vice president for strategic communications, the person in this position will research, plan, execute, and evaluate communications focused on crisis and issues management.
This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus working. Evening and weekend hours will be required as needed.
This individual will be part of a talented team that provides University leadership with advice, guidance, and materials on issues of critical reputational importance to Penn State. The successful candidate will be a strategic leader who can work individually and as part of a team to proactively identify issues and assess their potential impact; respond to reputational challenges; provide direction and leadership to others; and develop and implement a communications strategy that is aligned with institutional priorities and provides accurate messaging on behalf of Penn State.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Working with others across the University to proactively and reactively identify and address issues; conduct research; and craft key messages, news releases, FAQs, communications plans, and other written materials
- Developing and implementing an issues management strategy that proactively identifies challenges on a local, regional, national, or global scale and can potentially impact the University or its constituents
- Creating communications plans, associated materials, and responses and providing updates, summaries, and post-event analysis and recommendations
- Monitoring news media, social media, and websites to identify issues and evaluate public/media perceptions
- Using strong analytical and issues-management skills to identify options, recommend tactics, and draft clear, concise responses and briefing communications for University leadership and others
- Working with news media and social media platforms to provide appropriate information and responses to inquiries and online conversations related to reputational topics and institutional priorities
In addition to working effectively with diverse stakeholders, the ideal candidate must be highly organized; pay strong attention to detail; be able to manage multiple priorities; and possess a solid work ethic, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.
Preferred Skills and ExperienceThe ideal person for this position will:
- Have experience in issues and crisis communications and advising senior leaders on communications
- Possess superior writing, editing, and oral presentation skills
- Be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and respond quickly and professionally under pressure and in crisis situations
- Have the creative and political acuity to develop messaging and tactics suitable for executive-level communications
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team
- Have the ability to consistently reinforce University messages across all media and audiences
- Be adept at working with others across the University to address, develop, support, and implement messaging and positioning for Penn State
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
