Senior Research Writer Job at Penn State University in University Park

Senior Research Writer

Penn State's Office of Strategic Communicationsthe University's central public relations and marketing divisionseeks a Senior Research Writer who can help elevate Penn State's reputation as a top research university. With a focus on supporting the College of Medicine, the person in this position will use their leadership skills and strategic thinking to develop and implement integrated communications plans around thematic research priorities, produce high-impact content, position faculty experts in national and global conversations, and cultivate relationships with influential media outlets. This person will also collaborate across units to ensure alignment with institutional goals and national research priorities.

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of being on the University Park campus two to three days per week and traveling regularly to the College of Medicine campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Key Responsibilities

The person in this position will:

• Participate in strategic planning to promote the College of Medicine's research strengths, including meeting with college leaders to understand goals and priorities
• Create and implement integrated communications plans through multi-channel dissemination (including news releases, op-eds, multimedia, and social media) to support reputation building in key thematic areas
• Lead the promotion of peer-reviewed University research findings
• Position faculty experts in national and global conversations and media outlets through targeted pitch strategies
• Identify and prioritize high-impact research stories across the University
• Build and maintain relationships with regional, national, and international media
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews
• Experiment with innovative storytelling formats and evaluate performance metrics to refine strategy
• Review/edit research-related stories written by communicators across the University
• Develop reports for leadership that highlight success metrics
• Collaborate with Strategic Communications' leadership to allocate resources and set content priorities
• Mentor junior writers and provide guidance to unit communicators on best practices
• Contribute to University-wide initiatives such as impact campaigns and leadership communications

Preferred Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience translating complex research into accessible narratives for diverse audiences
• Understand trends in science communication, media, and higher education
• Be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Possess outstanding interpersonal, editing, and verbal communications skills
• Have the ability to develop and execute strategic plans and lead complex projects
• Possess strong leadership and collaboration skills
• Be a self-starter who works effectively alone and with others
• Have experience in strategic communications, media relations, or research communications

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree; 6+ 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, the Office of 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 enterpriseincluding campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 700,000the Office of 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.

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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.

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.