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- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The marketing team embedded within Penn State Outreach is seeking a Marketing and Communications Specialist to execute integrated marketing efforts across Penn State Outreach and its affiliated units. This role focuses on implementing marketing tactics across a range of channels, including web, email, social media, digital advertising, and events.
The Marketing and Communications Specialist will coordinate campaigns, develop content, and support the delivery of marketing initiatives led by the Outreach marketing leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
Execute and coordinate marketing and promotional tactics across print, digital, social media, public relations, and emerging channels in alignment with established marketing strategies and plans.
Implement tactical marketing plans for priority Outreach programs and events.
Coordinate and support the promotion of Outreach events throughout the year.
Serve as a primary contact for assigned Outreach affiliated units and other Penn State partner marketing projects and events, ensuring timely execution of deliverables.
Develop creative briefs to guide the production of marketing materials and campaign assets.
Monitor campaign timelines and execution, providing regular status updates to stakeholders.
Collaborate with Outreach marketing leadership to support campaign planning and implementation.
Track budgets and schedules for assigned programs, events, and campaigns.
Partner with Outreach’s social media manager to manage social media content creation for Outreach and its affiliated units.
Ensure all marketing activities comply with accessibility standards, brand guidelines, privacy policies, and contractual requirements.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
Preferred Competencies
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
High attention to detail
Experience with project management tools (e.g., Adobe Workfront or similar)
Knowledge of marketing tactics, content development (print and digital), and social media management
Familiarity with marketing analytics and related tools, including Google Analytics and social media (e.g., Meta) analytics
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently
Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or similar applications
Experience with Microsoft Office
Strong problem-solving skills
Commitment to professional development and openness to feedback and mentorship
Event Support:
This position requires occasional evening and weekend, on-site support for Outreach events, including outdoor events. Responsibilities include but are not limited to capturing photography and content for social media and future promotions and as well as coordinating with other teams.
How to Apply:
Uploading a cover letter and resume is required to be considered for this position.
About Penn State Outreach:
Penn State Outreach amplifies the University’s land-grant impact through community partnerships, experiential learning, and diverse programming that reverberates within and extends beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. Our programs and partnerships engage and empower communities and individuals within the Commonwealth and beyond to become resilient, healthy, sustainable, and innovative.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
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.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 1+ years of relevant marketing or communications experience
- Occasional evening and weekend on-site event support (including outdoor events)
- Ensure marketing activities comply with accessibility standards, brand guidelines, privacy policies, and contractual requirements
- Authorized to work in the U.S. (employer does not sponsor staff employment visas)
- Successful completion of background check(s)
- Upload a cover letter and resume as part of application
- Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
- Experience with project management tools (e.g., Adobe Workfront or similar)
- Knowledge of marketing tactics, content development, and social media management
- Familiarity with marketing analytics tools including Google Analytics and social media (e.g., Meta) analytics
- Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or similar
- Experience with Microsoft Office
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines; strong collaboration and interpersonal skills
- Experience capturing photography and content for events and social media
- Commitment to professional development and openness to feedback and mentorship
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
