Marketing Communications Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State’s Transportation Services seeks a Marketing Communications Specialist to promote campus transportation programs, including parking operations, transit, bike programs, and ridesharing initiatives. You’ll craft content, manage campaigns, and support digital channels while upholding brand and accessibility standards.

Reporting to the Special Projects Manager, you’ll work with senior staff to ensure messaging is clear, timely, and audience-focused across websites, newsletters, and social

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; no prior experience needed, though related work is welcome.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with marketing strategy, content creation, social media, and PR.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify audiences and messaging.
• Develop campaign timelines, deliverables, and metrics.
• Translate complex topics into clear content for multiple platforms.
• Prepare varied communications and coordinate production across print and digital channels.
• Monitor analytics and provide recommendations to improve engagement.
• Ensure accessibility and brand guideline compliance.

Skills

Writing & editing

Marketing strategy

Content creation

Social media management

Public relations

Project multitasking

CMS platforms

Adobe Photoshop / Canva

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CMS platforms

Adobe Photoshop

Canva

Digital advertising

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Transportation Services, a unit within Auxiliary and Business Services, is seeking to hire a Marketing Communications Specialist to aid with promotion of various transportation-related programs and initiatives. Reporting to the Special Projects Manager and working with senior marketing communications staff, this position will primarily provide marketing, communications, and customer service support for campus parking operations but will also support other Transportation Services operations, as needed, including campus transit, bike programs, fleet vehicle rentals, driver services, garage services, and campus and community ridesharing initiatives.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contribute to the planning and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals and approved marketing plans
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify communication needs, target audiences, and key messaging
• Assist in developing campaign timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics
• Research and translate complex subject matter into clear, engaging content for multiple platforms and audiences
• Produce and contribute to content including fact sheets, brochures, articles, newsletters, website copy, news and feature stories, customer correspondence, digital signage, and other internal or external communications; maintain adherence to organizational brand, editorial, and style guidelines
• Draft communications such as speaker remarks, announcements, and promotional messaging
• Edit and proofread publications including websites, advertisements, articles, brochures, and feature stories to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards
• Execute and coordinate the production of marketing and promotional materials across print, digital, social media, and emerging platforms
• Prepare creative briefs to guide concept development and creative expression
• Monitor the progress of tactical campaign implementation and communicate project status to management and partners
• Support website and digital content management, ensuring information is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational branding
• Monitor news and media coverage relevant to programs or initiatives
• Track and analyze performance metrics for websites, email campaigns, social media, and digital marketing efforts
• Provide insights and recommendations based on analytics to improve campaign performance and audience engagement
• Develop event marketing materials and coordinate promotion across multiple channels
• Coordinate with external agencies, designers, printers, and other vendor partners to support campaign development and production
• Ensure deliverables meet project specifications, deadlines, and brand guidelines
• Ensure all communications comply with accessibility standards (such as WCAG/ADA), contractual obligations, confidentiality requirements, and privacy policies
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance

Required Competencies:

• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in marketing strategy, content creation, social media management, and public relations
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with minimal supervision
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office, analytical tools, accessibility standards, CMS platforms, and digital advertising
• Familiarity with Penn State's Brand Book and Editorial Standards and the ability to apply brand standards effectively
• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or similar creative applications for producing visual and digital marketing materials
• Excellent customer service skills

This is an in-person position at the University Park campus and may require occasional evening, weekend, or outdoor work in support of Transportation Services events and outreach.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.Required Certifications:None

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

$44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

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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