Penn State Job Catalog

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Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Strategic Communications - Marketing and Communications

The Strategic Communications Specialist - Marketing and Communications works within the University's Office of Strategic Communications; provides strategic guidance and hands-on execution for the University's brand, reputation, enrollment, and engagement efforts; supports University-wide, high-priority initiatives by aligning brand strategy, integrated storytelling, advertising campaigns, and audience engagement to advance institutional goals; collaborates closely with teams across Strategic Communications and the broader University to develop, execute, analyze, and optimize campaigns and content; represents the University's voice to a global audience; provides counsel, training, and best practices to University communicators.

• Collaborate in the development, planning, and execution of enrollment, brand, and reputation campaigns
• Align messaging, creative assets, and channel strategies with the University's brand platform and audience goals
• Develop project creative briefs, messaging frameworks, and communications plans
• Identify opportunities for high-impact, University-wide storytelling that supports brand and other strategic priorities
• Write, edit, proofread, and optimize copy; source graphics, photography, and video content
• Gather background research, assets, and benchmarking insights to inform content strategy
• Assist in facilitating integrated content meetings and cross-functional communications planning
• Collaborate with other staff in the Office of Strategic Communications to extend the reach and impact of stories across platforms
• Collaborate with staff in Strategic Communications to tailor content to platform-specific audiences and goals
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional customer service to followers via comments and direct messages; develop saved responses and workflows for frequently asked questions and recurring issues
• Support monitoring of social media channels and broader digital conversations for issues that may negatively impact the University's brand and reputation, escalating emerging issues to appropriate teams and leadership and contributing to response strategy and messaging
• Support Strategic Communications' issues, crisis, internal, and proactive media teams as needed
• Provide insights into social sentiment, trends, and public reaction to University actions and positions
• Track asset and content performance over time to inform future creative and strategic decisions
• Serve as a trusted adviser to University communicators, faculty, and staff on brand strategy, messaging, and social media best practices
• Consult on campus advertising, creative, and social campaigns to ensure alignment with University priorities and standards
• May oversee and mentor student employees, interns, and brand ambassadors who support content creation and engagement efforts
• May supervise or mentor staff members, including hiring, training/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 – 9
• Minimum – $59,580.00
• MidPoint – $72,936.00
• Maximum – $86,400.00

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