Assistant Director of Media Relations and Issues Management

Position Overview
Penn State's Office of Strategic Communications

– the University’s central public relations and marketing division – is hiring an Assistant Director to join its issues and crisis communications team. The role reports to the team’s director and works closely with the Vice President for Strategic Communications. The successful candidate will research, plan, execute, and evaluate communications focused on crisis and issues management.

Hybrid position: remote and on‑campus work. Evening and weekend hours may be required as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate across the University to proactively and reactively identify and address issues, conduct research, and craft key messages, news releases, FAQs, communications plans, and other written materials.

Develop and implement an issues‑management strategy that identifies challenges on local, regional, national, or global scales and assesses their potential impact on the University or its constituents.

Create communications plans, associated materials, and responses; provide updates, summaries, post‑event analysis, and recommendations.

Monitor news media, social media, and websites to identify issues and evaluate public/media perceptions.

Use strong analytical and issues‑management skills to recommend tactics and draft clear, concise responses and briefing communications for University leadership and stakeholders.

Work with news and social media platforms to provide appropriate information and responses to inquiries and online conversations related to reputational topics and institutional priorities.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience in issues and crisis communications and advising senior leaders on communications.

Superior writing, editing, and oral presentation skills.

Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment and respond quickly and professionally under pressure and in crisis situations.

Creative and political acuity to develop messaging and tactics suitable for executive‑level communications.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to consistently reinforce University messages across all media and audiences.

Proven skill in collaborating with University stakeholders to develop, support, and implement messaging and positioning for Penn State.

Minimum Education, Experience & Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. No required certifications.

Salary
The salary range for this position is $86,300.00 – $129,500.00.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Robust retirement plans.

Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Background Check
All employees must successfully complete background checks 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.

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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