Director of College Relations and Communications

Overview

The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an energetic, innovative, and accomplished Director of College Relations and Communications (Public Relations Manager - Senior Manager). This is a senior level administrative position that reports to the dean of the college. The role serves as the chief communication officer and manages high-level external stakeholder engagement strategies to build brand ambassadors, supporters, and partners.

It acts as a college-level liaison and strategist with external and internal constituents, developing communications, public relations (focus on industry sectors, alumni, and government), and media relations strategies to positively position the college and the prestige, impacts, and ROI of our teaching, research, and extension programs in support of more than $90M in federal, state, and county appropriations as well as success in competitive grant funding.

• Develop communication and public relations strategies that positively and comprehensively position the college's teaching, research, and extension programs under a consistent brand. Participate in the development and communication of college-level priorities. Communicate the breadth, value, relevance, and impacts of our programs to funders and stakeholders. Work with University leadership and units, particularly Strategic Communications, to leverage resources and drive awareness of college programs.
  
  Offer advice and counsel to senior leadership on public relations and communication issues and challenges; write stories, crisis communications, statements, speeches, fact sheets, responses, FAQs, and core messages.
• Oversee news and public relations team and strategies. Evaluate and authorize all forms of college communications for release to the public; oversee the development of press releases, white papers, college magazine, organizational impact pieces, and supporting materials; organize and act as spokesperson at events; oversee responses to inquiries (from the public, press, government agencies, etc.); ensure high-profile placements in international, national, state, regional, and local media;
  
  oversee targeted media pitches, op-eds, news releases, integrated communications, targeted social media, and media events; document placements and metrics of media strategies; develop and implement college communication and media policies and procedures.
• Create strategies to engage external stakeholders. Engage Pennsylvania agricultural sector associations, industry, alumni, legislators, and government agencies to build college awareness and mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships that lead to support and engagement with the college in various forms, including volunteers, donors, advocates, partners, and life-long learners. Engage industry associations and stakeholders in the Penn State Extension Program Development Process and promote a customer-centric organization that engages, listens to, and responds to stakeholder needs.
  
  Represent external stakeholder and customer interests within college leadership. Administer college tours, external meetings, events, webinars, trainings, etc.
• Oversee and provide leadership for the Dean's industry advisory council (Penn State Ag Council). Manage board of directors, committees, meetings, stakeholder tours, and events. Provide leadership in the development and implementation of an organizational strategic plan. Provide access to college leadership.
• Develop and implement college government relations strategies. Work with the Penn State Government and Community Relations office to build relationships with public officials through direct engagement, communication, education, and advocacy efforts that build increased college awareness and support for the college's $90M/year in federal, state, and county appropriations. Serve as the college point of contact for Penn State Government and Community Relations and ensure college compliance with policy AD50.
  
  Oversee all government relations activities for the college.
• Oversee the college's Office of Conferences and Short Courses
  , providing professional planning support for college conferences, short courses, events, symposiums, and other college events.
• Oversee office administration, budgets, and supervise, coach, and develop assigned staff. Oversee performance review process; develop and manage relevant budgets; participate as a member of boards, teams, and committees.

Minimum requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of relevant experience, which includes 3 or more years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and…