The Pennsylvania State University is hiring: Senior Director of Public Relations
The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, United States.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Media and External Engagement, this hybrid position combines remote and on‑campus work. Salary range: $109,300.00 – $164,000.00.
Application Instructions Internal applicants (current Penn State employees or students) must apply through Workday. External applicants should click "Apply" and complete the application process.
Job Description and Position Requirements Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications seeks an experienced public‑relations leader to serve as Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy. The candidate will develop and implement proactive media strategies that align with the university’s overarching strategic communications plan, support the university’s mission, and help promote Penn State as a top, global research institution.
This role is responsible for driving high‑profile media placements in local, regional, national, and international outlets and protecting the brand through issues monitoring and response. The senior director will serve on the leadership team, providing counsel on media relations to the university president, senior administration, and communications leaders across Penn State.
Responsibilities
Lead all components of proactive top‑tier media strategy from planning to pitch development to media placements.
Build and maintain in‑depth relationships with national, regional, local media and high‑profile online influencers to generate strategic coverage.
Identify current trends and topical issues that can elevate the university’s reputation through visible engagement.
Position Penn State faculty as thought leaders in their respective fields.
Collaborate with the assistant director of research communications to highlight research and commercialization efforts.
Partner with university colleagues to identify storytelling opportunities and advise on multimedia materials and targeted outreach.
Oversee media monitoring procedures and technologies, preparing reports for senior leadership.
Monitor performance metrics, track progress against targets, and adjust strategies to maximize impact.
Support Strategic Communications’ crisis and issues team by developing reports and evaluating priority issues.
Develop comprehensive reports to senior leadership and the university Board of Trustees.
Create communications materials: media statements, Q&A, backgrounders, communication plans, email responses, and messages.
Supervise staff focusing on proactive media opportunities, expert positioning, and results monitoring.
Ideal Candidate
Collaborative, inclusive leader who articulates clear and meaningful goals.
Superior writing and editing skills.
Excellent media sense with the ability to counsel teams on media strategies across topics.
Experience managing strategic projects.
Expert-level understanding of new and traditional media and a proven ability to develop and maintain key media contacts.
Authentic, self‑motivated leader with confidence, sensitivity, and flexibility.
Ability to build and execute crisis communications plans with best‑practice knowledge.
Knowledge of issues management and proactive approach to activities.
Minimum 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. Preference for a degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a similar discipline.
Procedure for Confidential Candidacy Submit resumes or nominations to:
Ben Lambert
President
Higher Education, Healthcare & Nonprofit Practice
applications@berkhemerclayton.com
About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications The Office of Strategic Communications spans Penn State’s campuses across Pennsylvania, serving more than 90,000 students and an alumni base exceeding 700,000. The division encompasses branding, marketing, trademark and event management, internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, crisis and issues management, and more. It has attracted a diverse and talented team from private and public sectors at all levels, building a program of excellence recognized throughout the university.
EEO Is the Law Penn State is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of 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.
Campus Security Crime Statistics Under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR) that includes crime statistics. The ASR is available for review
here . Employment requires completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies.
Other Information Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Affirmative Action Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reporting to the Executive Director of Media and External Engagement, this hybrid position combines remote and on‑campus work. Salary range: $109,300.00 – $164,000.00.
Application Instructions Internal applicants (current Penn State employees or students) must apply through Workday. External applicants should click "Apply" and complete the application process.
Job Description and Position Requirements Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications seeks an experienced public‑relations leader to serve as Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy. The candidate will develop and implement proactive media strategies that align with the university’s overarching strategic communications plan, support the university’s mission, and help promote Penn State as a top, global research institution.
This role is responsible for driving high‑profile media placements in local, regional, national, and international outlets and protecting the brand through issues monitoring and response. The senior director will serve on the leadership team, providing counsel on media relations to the university president, senior administration, and communications leaders across Penn State.
Responsibilities
Lead all components of proactive top‑tier media strategy from planning to pitch development to media placements.
Build and maintain in‑depth relationships with national, regional, local media and high‑profile online influencers to generate strategic coverage.
Identify current trends and topical issues that can elevate the university’s reputation through visible engagement.
Position Penn State faculty as thought leaders in their respective fields.
Collaborate with the assistant director of research communications to highlight research and commercialization efforts.
Partner with university colleagues to identify storytelling opportunities and advise on multimedia materials and targeted outreach.
Oversee media monitoring procedures and technologies, preparing reports for senior leadership.
Monitor performance metrics, track progress against targets, and adjust strategies to maximize impact.
Support Strategic Communications’ crisis and issues team by developing reports and evaluating priority issues.
Develop comprehensive reports to senior leadership and the university Board of Trustees.
Create communications materials: media statements, Q&A, backgrounders, communication plans, email responses, and messages.
Supervise staff focusing on proactive media opportunities, expert positioning, and results monitoring.
Ideal Candidate
Collaborative, inclusive leader who articulates clear and meaningful goals.
Superior writing and editing skills.
Excellent media sense with the ability to counsel teams on media strategies across topics.
Experience managing strategic projects.
Expert-level understanding of new and traditional media and a proven ability to develop and maintain key media contacts.
Authentic, self‑motivated leader with confidence, sensitivity, and flexibility.
Ability to build and execute crisis communications plans with best‑practice knowledge.
Knowledge of issues management and proactive approach to activities.
Minimum 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. Preference for a degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a similar discipline.
Procedure for Confidential Candidacy Submit resumes or nominations to:
Ben Lambert
President
Higher Education, Healthcare & Nonprofit Practice
applications@berkhemerclayton.com
About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications The Office of Strategic Communications spans Penn State’s campuses across Pennsylvania, serving more than 90,000 students and an alumni base exceeding 700,000. The division encompasses branding, marketing, trademark and event management, internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, crisis and issues management, and more. It has attracted a diverse and talented team from private and public sectors at all levels, building a program of excellence recognized throughout the university.
EEO Is the Law Penn State is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of 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.
Campus Security Crime Statistics Under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR) that includes crime statistics. The ASR is available for review
here . Employment requires completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies.
Other Information Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Affirmative Action Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines
#J-18808-Ljbffr