Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Marketing and Communications

The Marketing and Communications Specialist supports the development and execution of marketing and communications initiatives that advance the goals, programs, and services of the campus, academic, or administrative unit; employs a variety of marketing, communications, and public relations strategies, including digital marketing, content development, media engagement, and event promotion to reach internal and external audiences; researches and translates complex subject matter into accessible and engaging content across multiple platforms; coordinates the production of marketing collateral, supports campaign execution, monitors performance analytics, and ensures that communications align with organizational branding, accessibility standards, and strategic priorities.

• Contribute to the planning and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals and approved marketing plans
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify communication needs, target audiences, and key messaging
• Assist in developing campaign timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics
• Research and translate complex subject matter into clear, engaging content for multiple platforms and audiences
• Produce and contribute to content including fact sheets, brochures, articles, newsletters, website copy, feature stories, digital signage, and other internal or external communications; maintain adherence to organizational brand, editorial, and style guidelines
• Draft communications such as speaker remarks, announcements, and promotional messaging
• Edit and proofread publications including websites, advertisements, articles, brochures, and feature stories to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards
• Execute and coordinate the production of marketing and promotional materials across print, digital, social media, and emerging platforms
• Prepare creative briefs to guide concept development and creative expression
• Monitor the progress of tactical campaign implementation and communicate project status to management and partners
• Support website and digital content management, ensuring information is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational branding
• Monitor news and media coverage relevant to programs or initiatives
• Track and analyze performance metrics for websites, email campaigns, social media, and digital marketing efforts
• Provide insights and recommendations based on analytics to improve campaign performance and audience engagement
• Develop event marketing materials and coordinate promotion across multiple channels
• Coordinate with external agencies, designers, printers, and other vendor partners to support campaign development and production
• Ensure deliverables meet project specifications, deadlines, and brand guidelines
• Ensure all communications comply with accessibility standards (such as WCAG/ADA), contractual obligations, confidentiality requirements, and privacy policies
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00

• Advertising
• Advertising campaigns
• Brand management
• Communication design
• Communications planning
• Content creation
• Proofreading
• Public relations
• Social media management
• Web analytics
• Web design