APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Penn State Auxiliary and Business Services (ABS) is seeking a highly creative, strategic, and detail-driven Marketing Strategy Specialist to join the ABS Marketing and Communications team.

This role is ideal for an experienced marketing professional who thrives in complex environments, enjoys translating ideas into clear and compelling communications, and is energized by the opportunity to shape messaging across a large, multifaceted institution. Candidates should bring substantial, hands-on marketing experience, including planning and executing integrated campaigns across digital, web, social, print, and email channels.

The successful candidate will bring expertise across a wide range of marketing channels-including digital, web, social media, print, email, and multimedia-and will be skilled at building integrated communication strategies that connect diverse audiences to meaningful outcomes.

They will play a key role in developing and executing communication plans, collaborating with subject-matter experts and campus partners, and ensuring that messaging is clear, accessible, brand-aligned, and strategically consistent across platforms. This position reports directly to the Lead Marketing Strategist within ABS Marketing and Communications.

Who you are

You are a proactive and self-directed marketing professional who thrives on both strategy and execution. You are comfortable navigating complexity, collaborating across teams, and turning ideas into polished, effective communications that resonate with diverse audiences. You value clarity, consistency, accessibility, and continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with colleagues across ABS and Penn State to develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies

• Translate complex or technical concepts into clear, engaging, and audience-focused messaging

• Build and manage project timelines that include web content, email campaigns, social media, digital advertising, print materials, announcements, press releases, and news features

• Review, edit, and refine web content to ensure clarity, consistency, and effectiveness

• Ensure all communications align with Penn State brand and editorial standards

• Coordinate and place orders with print vendors for a variety of marketing and communications materials

• Lead meetings with internal teams and campus stakeholders, facilitating collaboration and alignment across projects

This position requires a strong marketing mindset, a leadership-oriented approach, and exceptional attention to detail. The ideal candidate will demonstrate :

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Experience developing and executing multi-channel marketing strategies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, AI tools, and web-based content management systems

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and a commitment to inclusive, plain-language communication across digital and print platforms

• Familiarity with current marketing trends, particularly in higher education or similarly complex organizations

• The ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt quickly, and maintain high-quality output under shifting deadlines

• Confidence leading discussions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving projects forward
• Collaborate in the creation, maintenance, and optimization of paid search advertisements, Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible, hands-on marketing and communications experience, including demonstrated success in developing and executing integrated, multi-channel marketing strategies; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None, 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.

Pulled from the full job description Health insurance Retirement plan Paid time off Vision insurance Dental insurance Paid holidays, The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.

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 .

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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