Marketing Communications Specialist

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park, PA, is seeking a Marketing Communications Specialist to support campus parking operations and transportation-related programs. You will create content, campaigns, and customer communications across print, digital, and on-site channels, ensuring brand alignment.

Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to plan, execute marketing plans, measure performance, and maintain accessibility standards. Evening or weekend events may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; related field preferred.
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Required Certifications: None

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify audiences and messaging.
• Develop campaign timelines and performance metrics.
• Translate complex subjects into clear content for multiple platforms.
• Produce content across brochures, articles, newsletters, website copy, and digital materials.
• Coordinate with external agencies and vendors to support campaign development and production.
• Ensure accessibility and brand guideline compliance.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance metrics.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Verbal comms

Marketing strategy

Content creation

Social media

Public relations

Multi-tasking

Collaboration

MS Office

Analytics tools

Accessibility standards

CMS platforms

Digital advertising

Brand standards

Design tools

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Canva

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 Degree

No 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 co