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:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Support track, performs work at Senior Support level or higher; for Professional track, performs work at the Advanced Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials

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