Assistant Director of Executive Communications

Reference #: REQ0000058261
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Penn States Office of Strategic Communications, the Universitys central public relations and marketing division, is seeking a seasoned executive communications professional and speechwriter to directly support the Universitys President and provide strategic vision for executive communications at Penn State. This role also offers as-needed remarks and scripting support for the provost and the Universitys senior vice president and chief of staff.

This is a hybrid or potentially fully remote position that requires occasional evening and weekend hours.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in higher education and executive communications, as well as exceptional writing skills to produce clear, compelling, and astute copy on a wide array of topics. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Media and Executive Communications, the assistant director will play an important role in strategically shaping and amplifying the Presidents public image and voice, directly advancing key leadership priorities at one of the worlds leading public research universities.

In addition to crafting persuasive and articulate speeches, this individual will produce a variety of content, including PowerPoint presentations, talking points, news stories, scripts, and legislative remarks. This role is also responsible for conducting extensive research on events and engagements the President will attend. The successful candidate will be a strong relationship-builder who is comfortable and experienced with providing feedback and communications advice to executive leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

Fulfilling the communication needs of Penn States President and, on occasion, other executives in the Office of the President.

Writing and editing speech-related materials for a variety of settings and public appearances.

Crafting a range of communication materials, including background information, bulleted remarks, talking points, and fully scripted speeches, all tailored to the specific needs of each occasion.

Ensuring that speeches and public statements align with the presidents voice, style, and vision and are factual, accurate, and consistent in messaging.

detailed briefing materials for various stakeholder meetings, speeches, forums, and other events, which requires thorough research and fact-finding to make sure the president is well-informed and equipped for each engagement.

with Strategic Communications team members to keep abreast of topics or areas in which the President may be asked to comment or present.

Working closely with key areas across the University-such as Development, Alumni Relations, colleges, and campuses-to understand key messages and objectives and incorporate relevant data, information, and talking points into communications that will resonate with audiences.

Coordinating with event organizers to prepare comprehensive briefing documents that equip the President for success across a wide range of stakeholders and public forums. Information may include backgrounds and interests of invited guests, location of events, purpose of and significant factors about events, and audience expectations.

Drafting scripts for video messages, writing op-eds, and developing quotes and statements, as needed.

Thi position requires:

Outstanding writing and editing skills

Excellent research skills

The ability to communicate complex and varied topics to diverse audiences

A strong sense of self-direction

A commitment to collaboration and teamwork

Discretion handling confidential information

The ability to consistently produce compelling content and meet firm deadlines

The person in this role must also have excellent listening skills and be able to absorb and process large amounts of information. The successful candidate will be flexible, adaptable, and capable of quickly pivoting to meet changing demands and new situations.

Education and experience:
Minimally requires a bachelors degree or higher plus six or more years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, or a similar discipline is preferred. Prior experience with executive communications or speechwriting, experience working in higher education, and familiarity with the current state and challenges facing higher education are preferred. Though this position will not have direct reports, prior team management/leadership experience is a plus.

More about Penn States Office of Strategic Communications
As Penn States central public relations and marketing division, Strategic Communications is a fully integrated, award-winning, best-in-class marketing and public relations team defined by innovative strategy and breakthrough creative driven by measurable goals. We advance the University by strengthening and protecting the institutions reputation in regional, national and international spheres of influence in ways that serve recruitment, resource and leadership goals.

Spanning Penn States large-scale enterprise-including 24 campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 700,000-Strategic Communications work encompasses all forms of communications and engagement, ranging from branding, marketing, and trademark and event management to internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, and crisis and issues management. Weve attracted talented and diverse team members from private and public sectors at all levels of our division, giving us the ability to build a strategic program of excellence recognized throughout the University.

Strategic Communications values and reflects Penn States commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and our DEIB committee is actively involved in providing staff programming that helps incorporate DEIB principles into the fabric of our communications.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:
$68,200.00 – $102,300.00

Salary Structure – additional information on Penn States job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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