Date Posted:
May 7, 2026
Position Title:
Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy
Office/Company:
Penn State University
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Job Number:
HC-06123
Reports To:
Location:
State College, PA
Contact:
Salary:
$68,200 – $102,300
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications—the University’s central public relations and marketing division—seeks an experienced public relations leader to serve as the **Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy** and help promote Penn State as a top, global public research university.Lead all components of proactive top-tier media strategy, from planning to pitch development to media placements; Drive in-depth relationships with national, regional, and local media, as well as high-profile online influencers, to generate coverage that enhances the University’s appeal and prestige; Identify current trends and topical issues that could elevate the University’s reputation through visible engagement; Help position Penn State and its faculty as thought leaders in their respective fields; Highlight the University’s commitment to research, working with the director of research communications to bring science to the forefront and creatively disseminate key research and commercialization efforts; Partner with colleagues throughout the University to identify storytelling opportunities and provide counsel on multimedia materials and targeted media outreach strategies; Oversee media monitoring procedures and technologies and help prepare reports for senior leadership; Monitor performance metrics, track progress against targets, and adjust strategies to maximize impact; Work closely with and support Strategic Communications’ crisis and issues team by developing reports and evaluating priority issues that may impact the University; Develop comprehensive reports merchandizing results for senior leadership and the University’s Board of Trustees; Assist in creating communications materials, including media statements, Q&As, backgrounders, communication plans, email responses, and messages; Supervise staff focusing on proactive top-tier media opportunities, expert positioning, and results monitoringBachelor’s Degree; 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Responsibilities:
• Lead all components of proactive top-tier media strategy, from planning to pitch development to media placements
• Drive in-depth relationships with national, regional, and local media, as well as high-profile online influencers, to generate coverage that enhances the University’s appeal and prestige
• Identify current trends and topical issues that could elevate the University’s reputation through visible engagement
• Help position Penn State and its faculty as thought leaders in their respective fields
• Highlight the University’s commitment to research, working with the director of research communications to bring science to the forefront and creatively disseminate key research and commercialization efforts
• Partner with colleagues throughout the University to identify storytelling opportunities and provide counsel on multimedia materials and targeted media outreach strategies
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Instructions:
Apply
Other:
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
