About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Palmer Museum of Art and The Arboretum at Penn State are seeking a shared Marketing and Communications Specialist with excellent interpersonal and creative communication abilities to join our unique multi-unit team and build the day-to-day partnership between the Arboretum/Penn State Outreach and the Palmer Museum/College of Arts and Architecture.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead ideation, organization, creation, and implementation of social media content and communications that relate to programs, partnerships, and overlap between the Palmer and Arboretum, including daily real-time updates, posts, stories, and reels, following best practices and industry trends
Strategize engagement marketing to grow the collective audience for the two units as one "cultural destination,” assisting with the implementation and communication of new collaborations, programs, series, etc., with a special focus on for-fee programs and events that build earned income, attendance, and/or belonging.
Prepare and facilitate the execution of joint marketing materials and mass media communications that require review and approval from both units, e.g., events and rentals brochures, shared visitor guides and maps, rack cards, digital signage, day-to-day wayfinding and onsite signage, etc.
Act as a liaison between the Arboretum and Palmer’s marketing, events, and programmatic education teams to share research, information, and ideas
Attend meetings with both groups as an embedded representative for the Palmer and Arboretum’s shared interests, glean relevant content, and transform this into storylines and communication opportunities
Attend and document programs and events
Assist in the planning of overall marketing and/or communications strategy for both units by maintaining strong relationships with higher unit marketing communications strategists, being very familiar and compliant with Penn State, Outreach, and A+A style and practices as appropriate
Assist in the research and analysis of social media and marketing strategies used in public gardens, museums, and cultural arts sectors
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None
This joint position works on-site in University Park, PA to conceive and execute engagement efforts linked to the collective marketing strategies of the Museum and Arboretum through social, print, and digital media.
The successful candidate for this role will be detail-oriented, self-disciplined, and creative. Embedded within the museum and arboretum teams, they will possess strong written and speaking communication skills and proven experience in social media management and content creation; graphic design; photography and videography; and project and time management. The liaison will employ a variety of tactics—alongside marketing and education strategy professionals—to create, conceptualize, edit, implement, and enhance various forms of shared content, including: social media posts and reels; marketing collateral; digital and print signage; advertising; website; and internal and external communications across staff and audiences from both units. The specialist will work to promote the Palmer Arboretum as a combined community cultural destination experience through their efforts.
How to Apply:
Please upload a cover letter and resume.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.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
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $67,300.00.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University 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.
Other facts
About Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
What you'll do
- The Marketing and Engagement Assistant will lead the creation and implementation of social media content and communications for the Palmer Museum and Arboretum. They will also act as a liaison between the two units, facilitating joint marketing efforts and documenting programs and events.
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