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:

– 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 – 9
• Minimum – $56,200.00
• MidPoint – $68,800.00
• Maximum – $81,500.00