Assistant Director of Media Relations and Issues Management

Assistant Director – Issues & Crisis Communications

Reports to the Director of the issues and crisis communications team and works closely with the Vice President for Strategic Communications. This hybrid position combines remote and on‑campus work and may require evening and weekend hours as needed. The role provides university leadership with advice, guidance, and materials on issues of critical reputational importance.

• Work with stakeholders across the university to proactively and reactively identify and address issues.
• Conduct research and craft key messages, news releases, FAQs, communication plans, and other written materials.
• Develop and implement an issues‑management strategy that anticipates challenges at local, regional, national, and global levels.
• Provide updates, summaries, and post‑event analysis and recommendations.
• Monitor news media, social media, and websites to identify issues and evaluate public/media perceptions.
• Use analytical and issues‑management skills to recommend tactics and draft clear, concise responses and briefing communications for university leadership.
• Engage with news media and social media platforms to provide appropriate information and responses related to reputational topics and institutional priorities.
• Work effectively with diverse stakeholders, maintaining strong organization, attention to detail, and problem‑solving skills.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in issues and crisis communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience advising senior leaders on communications.
• Superior writing, editing, and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment and respond quickly and professionally under pressure.
• Creative and political acuity to develop messaging and tactics suitable for executive‑level communications.
• Ability to reinforce university messages consistently across all media and audiences.
• Strong teamwork and independent work capabilities.

• Advanced knowledge of media monitoring tools and social media engagement.
• Experience with crisis communication planning and execution.
• Proficiency in developing strategic messaging aligned with institutional priorities.

Salary range: $86,300.00 – $ per year. Full‑time employees receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a tuition discount of 75% for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Employment requires successful completion of a background check. This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

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.