Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Licensing

The Strategic Communications Manager - Licensing and Visual Identity works within the University's Office of Strategic Communications; manages, evaluates, and delivers the University's brand identity and licensing plan; protects the University brand and reputation through consistent monitoring and enforcement of identity guidelines and policies; advises leadership on brand compliance plans; reviews and approves agreements and contracts related to brand content.

• Manage the University's identity system; oversee the development of brand guidelines and assets; drive understanding and adherence to visual guideline policies, restrictions, and regulations; evaluate and strengthen visual identify standards
• Provide leadership for the team that is responsible for visual licensing activities; oversee workflows; evaluate and assign priorities; disseminate information; oversee performance management and professional development
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize the visibility and value of the University's brand
• Identify new licensing and merchandising opportunities that align with institutional goals and brand positioning
• Cultivate relationships with current and potential licensees; evaluate vendor performance and ensure alignment with brand standards and ethical practices
• Develop and administer guidelines for licensing intellectual marketing property including patents, trademarks, and copyrights; collaborate with General Counsel and risk team to address intellectual property rights, draft contracts, and negotiate agreements
• Develop, review, and approve marketing agreements including licensing, photography, publishing requests; edit and negotiate terms and conditions to ensure visual identity protections are in place
• Identify instances and develop solutions to address unauthorized or inappropriate use of Penn State visual elements; report violations
• Consult units, colleges, campuses, and programs to ensure consistency and alignment with the University brand system
• Propose, develop, and implement updates to policies and procedures to improve the University's licensing operations and compliance efforts
• Advise leadership on policies related to brand compliance plans aimed at securing University brand integrity; direct conversations with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide regular updates and recommendations to leadership regarding licensing practices, risks, and growth opportunities
• Analyze licensing program metrics and financial data to support strategic decision-making and program refinement
• Monitor and interpret changes related to industry regulations or best practices; respond with appropriate adjustments to University visual identity policies or guidelines

Level:

– Manager

Base Description:

– Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient ability in work design, project management, financial planning and development of goals for accomplishing unit assignments. Reviews and guides work to ensure conformity to policy and effective approaches. Evaluates employee performance and recommend development opportunities. Demonstrates ability to coach employees. Presents and communicates key university indicatives and connects it to unit contributions. Provides broad guidelines. Develops, evaluates, enhances, and/or implements quality improvement practices. Recommends innovative solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Oversees a team (typically 4 or more; no fewer than 2) full
– time direct reports of individual contributors and/or first level supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Monitors and tracks department/area budget
– May plan, forecast, and/or assist in developing budgets
– May have final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

– Encounters varied and complex problems
– Helps to develop creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature but within limited scope
– Modifies, adapts, or refines guidelines if necessary to resolve issues or problems

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices and advanced working knowledge to determine appropriate work methods for the team
– Reviews completed work of others for conformity to policy, and effectiveness of approach
– Delegates advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Communicates key university initiatives and how unit’s work contributes to their achievement
– Presents ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and uses persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00

• Attention To Detail
• Business relationship management
• Critical Thinking
• Data Analysis
• Marketing research
• Presentation Skills
• Project Management
• Research methods
• Surveying
• Vendor management