Executive Communications Specialist

Position Specifics
Penn State's

Office of Strategic Communications

-the University's central public relations and marketing division-seeks a highly organized individual to serve in a newly created role to support the development and execution of executive communications for Penn State's President, Provost, and other leaders. The

Executive Communications Specialist

will manage the pipeline of speaking engagements, coordinate workflows across teams, and ensure seamless alignment among messaging, logistics, and speaking engagements. The role requires a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and works effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional partners.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus working.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee and manage the calendar of speaking engagements and remarks for the President and Provost, ensuring deadlines and priorities are clearly defined and met

Coordinate the workflow of executive communications, from initial request through final delivery

Partner with event organizers and internal stakeholders to align on event goals, audience, and logistics

Draft and compile event briefing materials

Support planning of executive video recordings, including preparing briefing materials and coordinating logistics with the visual content team

Serve as a liaison between the Office of Strategic Communications and the President's and Provost's offices to ensure clarity, responsiveness, and alignment

Contribute to the planning and execution of institutional town halls

Preferred Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will:

Have exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Be able to work collaboratively across teams and build relationships with diverse stakeholders

Be a self-starter with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong sense of ownership

Have the ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment

Have discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential information

Have experience supporting senior executives and working in higher education or a similar complex organizational environment

Be familiar with speechwriting processes, event planning, and executive briefing development

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 enterprise-including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 800,000-the 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.

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 $46,400.00 - $67,300.00.

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.

EEO Statement
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.

Penn State 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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