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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 SPECIFICS
Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications, the University’s central public relations and marketing division, is seeking a seasoned executive communications professional and speech writer to directly support the University’s provost and provide as-needed remarks and messaging for other Penn State senior executives.
This is a hybrid position that requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience in higher education and/or executive communications, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to produce clear, compelling, and astute copy on a wide array of topics. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Media and External Engagement, the Executive Communications Specialist will play an important role in supporting the provost and other key executives, helping to advance leadership priorities at one of the world’s leading public research universities.
In addition to crafting persuasive and articulate speeches, this individual will produce a variety of content, including PowerPoint presentations, talking points, news stories, scripts, blogs, op-eds, and remarks. This role is also responsible for conducting extensive research on engagements the provost and other senior executives will attend, including providing Information about invited guests, event locations, event purpose and significance, and audience expectations. The successful candidate will be a strong relationship-builder who has experience with and is able to provide feedback and communications advice to executive leadership, possesses outstanding organizational skills, and can operate independently.
Key responsibilities include:
- Fulfilling the speech writing/messaging needs of Penn State’s provost and other senior executives
- Writing and editing speech-related materials for a variety of settings and public appearances
- Crafting a range of materials, including background information, bulleted remarks, talking points, and fully scripted speeches, all tailored to the specific needs of each occasion
- Aligning speeches and public statements with the provost’s or executive’s voice, style, and vision
- Making sure messaging is factual, accurate, and consistent with university priorities and values
- Composing detailed briefing materials for various stakeholder meetings, speeches, forums, and other events, making sure the provost and other senior executives are well-informed and prepared for each engagement
- Regularly and proactively engaging with colleagues in the Office of Strategic Communications to keep abreast of topics that might require comments from the provost or other senior executives
- Working closely with key areas across the University—such as Development and Alumni Relations, Government and Community Relations, Student Affairs, colleges, and campuses—to understand key messages and objectives and incorporate relevant data, information, and talking points into communications that will resonate with audiences
- Drafting scripts for video messages, writing op-eds, and developing quotes and statements, as needed
This position requires:
- Outstanding writing and editing skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent research skills
- The ability to communicate complex and varied topics to diverse audiences
- A strong sense of self-direction
- A commitment to collaboration and teamwork
- Discretion handling confidential information
- The ability to consistently produce compelling content and meet firm deadlines
The person in this role must also have excellent listening skills and be able to absorb and process large amounts of information. The successful candidate will be flexible, adaptable, and capable of quickly pivoting to meet changing demands and new situations.
Education and experience:
This position will be filled at a Senior Professional or an Advanced Professional level, depending on the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. A degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, or a similar discipline is preferred. Prior experience with executive communications or speechwriting, experience working in higher education, and familiarity with the current state and challenges facing higher education are preferred. Though this position will not have direct reports, prior team management/leadership experience is a plus.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Public Relations Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
If filled as Public Relations Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications:
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 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—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.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment 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 & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $102,300.00.
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 STATISTICS
Pursuant 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.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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