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:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, specialized knowledge, and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00

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