Assistant Director of Executive Communications

$68,200 - $102,300/Yr

Pennsylvania State University - State College, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - State College, PA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

Penn State's Office of Strategic Communications, the University's central public relations and marketing division, is seeking a seasoned executive communications professional and speechwriter to directly support the University's 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 University's 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 President's public image and voice, directly advancing key leadership priorities at one of the world's 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.

Responsibilities

• Fulfilling the communication needs of Penn State's 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 president's voice, style, and vision and are factual, accurate, and consistent in messaging.
• Preparing 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.
• Collaborating 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.
• Drafting scripts for video messages, writing op-eds, and developing quotes and statements, as needed.

Requirements

• A bachelor's 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.
• Significant experience in higher education and executive communications is preferred.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Excellent research skills.
• The ability to communicate complex and varied topics to diverse audiences.
• A strong sense of self-direction and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• The ability to consistently produce compelling content and meet firm deadlines.
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to absorb and process large amounts of information.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior experience with executive communications or speechwriting.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Familiarity with the current state and challenges facing higher education.
• Prior team management/leadership experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the university.
• Access to a diverse and inclusive work environment.