Penn State University
Assistant Director of Executive Communications and Coordination
Penn State University, University Park, Texas, United States
Application Instructions
Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
Current Penn State student (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment, please log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
If you are not a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Remote and Hybrid Work 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 lead strategic messaging and speech‑writing support for the University’s provost and provide as‑needed briefing materials and messaging for other Penn State senior executives, in particular the Senior Vice President for Research. 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 Assistant Director of Executive Communications and Coordination will serve as a trusted advisor and provide key communications support for 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. The role is also responsible for conducting extensive research on engagements the provost and other senior executives will attend, including providing information on invited guests, event locations, event purpose and significance, and audience expectations. Additionally, the role will monitor the external media landscape to provide timely situational awareness and strategic insights to executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Fulfilling the speech‑writing and messaging needs of Penn State’s provost and other senior executives, including coordination with the Provost’s Chief of Staff.
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, tailored to each occasion.
Aligning speeches and public statements with the provost’s or executive’s voice, style, and vision.
Ensuring messaging is factual, accurate, and consistent with university priorities and values.
Composing detailed briefing materials for stakeholder meetings, speeches, forums, and other events.
Implementing processes to track and manage speaking engagements, deadlines, and stakeholder interactions.
Developing and executing a surround‑sound communications strategy that ensures leadership messages are echoed across media and social media platforms.
Maintaining a proactive editorial calendar and anticipating opportunities for executive visibility and thought leadership.
Monitoring emerging topics and trends to identify areas where executive commentary may be valuable.
Engaging with colleagues in the Office of Strategic Communications to keep abreast of topics that may require comments from the provost or other senior executives.
Working closely with key areas across the University—such as Development, Alumni Relations, Government and Community Relations, Student Affairs, colleges, and campuses—to incorporate relevant data and talking points into compelling communications.
Drafting video scripts, writing op‑eds, and developing quotes and statements as needed.
Monitoring the media landscape and tracking emerging trends in the news cycle.
Required Qualifications
Outstanding writing and editing skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent research skills, with audience awareness.
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.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet firm deadlines.
Experience supporting senior leadership and managing logistics for high‑stakes engagements.
Collaborative spirit and ability to work across teams and functions.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, or a similar discipline.
Prior experience with executive communications or speechwriting, experience working in higher education, and familiarity with the current state and challenges facing higher education.
Minimum Education, Experience & Certifications Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted. Required certifications: none.
About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications 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. We advance the University by strengthening and protecting its reputation in regional, national and international spheres of influence, serving recruitment, resource, and leadership goals. We exist across Penn State’s large‑scale enterprise—including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 800,000—encompassing all forms of communications and engagement, from branding, marketing, trademark and event management to internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, and crisis and issues management.
Background Checks / Clearances Employment with the University requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is $86,300.00 – $129,500.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Current Penn State student (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment, please log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
If you are not a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Remote and Hybrid Work 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 lead strategic messaging and speech‑writing support for the University’s provost and provide as‑needed briefing materials and messaging for other Penn State senior executives, in particular the Senior Vice President for Research. 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 Assistant Director of Executive Communications and Coordination will serve as a trusted advisor and provide key communications support for 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. The role is also responsible for conducting extensive research on engagements the provost and other senior executives will attend, including providing information on invited guests, event locations, event purpose and significance, and audience expectations. Additionally, the role will monitor the external media landscape to provide timely situational awareness and strategic insights to executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Fulfilling the speech‑writing and messaging needs of Penn State’s provost and other senior executives, including coordination with the Provost’s Chief of Staff.
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, tailored to each occasion.
Aligning speeches and public statements with the provost’s or executive’s voice, style, and vision.
Ensuring messaging is factual, accurate, and consistent with university priorities and values.
Composing detailed briefing materials for stakeholder meetings, speeches, forums, and other events.
Implementing processes to track and manage speaking engagements, deadlines, and stakeholder interactions.
Developing and executing a surround‑sound communications strategy that ensures leadership messages are echoed across media and social media platforms.
Maintaining a proactive editorial calendar and anticipating opportunities for executive visibility and thought leadership.
Monitoring emerging topics and trends to identify areas where executive commentary may be valuable.
Engaging with colleagues in the Office of Strategic Communications to keep abreast of topics that may require comments from the provost or other senior executives.
Working closely with key areas across the University—such as Development, Alumni Relations, Government and Community Relations, Student Affairs, colleges, and campuses—to incorporate relevant data and talking points into compelling communications.
Drafting video scripts, writing op‑eds, and developing quotes and statements as needed.
Monitoring the media landscape and tracking emerging trends in the news cycle.
Required Qualifications
Outstanding writing and editing skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent research skills, with audience awareness.
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.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet firm deadlines.
Experience supporting senior leadership and managing logistics for high‑stakes engagements.
Collaborative spirit and ability to work across teams and functions.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, or a similar discipline.
Prior experience with executive communications or speechwriting, experience working in higher education, and familiarity with the current state and challenges facing higher education.
Minimum Education, Experience & Certifications Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted. Required certifications: none.
About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications 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. We advance the University by strengthening and protecting its reputation in regional, national and international spheres of influence, serving recruitment, resource, and leadership goals. We exist across Penn State’s large‑scale enterprise—including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 800,000—encompassing all forms of communications and engagement, from branding, marketing, trademark and event management to internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, and crisis and issues management.
Background Checks / Clearances Employment with the University requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is $86,300.00 – $129,500.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr