Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Public Relations

Public Relations Specialists predominantly work within the University’s Office of Strategic Communications to protect and manage reputation and brand image; conceive, develop, create, and disseminate news, research, and/or strategic communications and public relations initiatives; coordinate the delivery of events for diverse audiences that may include the news media, internal and external stakeholders, key constituents, and the community-at-large.

• Plan and implement internal and external public relations campaigns through multi-channel dissemination to keep the public informed of the programs and achievements of the University and its colleges, campuses, units, students, alumni, and donors
• Cover assigned news beat by meeting with internal sources and contacts to research news stories for internal and external consumption
• Research, interview sources, and translate complex subject matter into compelling press releases, fact sheets, features, story tips/ideas, speaker remarks, photographs, and videos
• Determine the appropriate distribution for media representatives and other University constituencies regarding important University information and events
• Develop and foster relationships with members of the media in promoting University programs; respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews
• Coordinate and attend news conferences concerning University announcements, events, and speakers; may serve as spokesperson
• Monitor news and media presence
• Respond to internal and external inquiries
• Act as liaison between other areas of the University
• Develop and implement crisis communications plans and protocols

Level:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $46,400.00
• MidPoint – $56,800.00
• Maximum – $67,300.00