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:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

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, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00