Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) and its Office of Strategic Communications (Strat Comm) seek an experienced, proactive, and innovative leader to serve as its assistant vice president, strategic communications (AVP). 

Strat Comm is the University’s central public relations and marketing division. The AVP will report directly to the vice president for strategic communications, Rachel Pell, and collaborate with academic, administrative, and communications and marketing leaders and staff on campuses across the state. The AVP will help protect and advance the University's reputation for integrity; nurture pride and attachment among faculty, staff, and students; enhance understanding of and drive support for major leadership priorities; strengthen the institution's commitment to its employees; and advance Penn State's position as an exceptional employer. 

Specifically, this forward-thinking and collaborative communications executive will provide overall vision and strategic leadership to an integrated team of 13 who are responsible for crisis and issues management; reputation management and tracking; internal communications, including human resources and change management communications; Penn State News and other news vehicles; and partnership with communicators outside Strat Comm. This individual must be a proactive and engaged member of the office who works toward solutions, directly contributes to the work of the office, and provides perspective on a variety of issues and forces shaping Penn State, as well as higher education, during a time of evolution in the University’s structure and priorities.

The successful candidate will have spent 10 or more years leading communications programs for complex institutions with multiple internal and external audiences. Key requirements include substantial experience in issues management and crisis communications; prior success in framing an institution's contributions and evolution to a broad constituency; and the ability to foster a collaborative work environment that empowers teams to deliver high-impact communication solutions. Prior experience in higher education is not required. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Elizabeth Neustaedter and Jack Gorman are leading this search with Ryan Cheung

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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.