Executive Communications Specialist - Marketing and Communications

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Marketing and Communications in Hershey, PA is seeking a strategic, versatile, and dynamic Executive Communications Specialist (job title: Marketing and Communications Specialist) to support the Dean and executive leadership team with compelling science writing, impactful messaging, and high-level executive communications. This key role blends scientific fluency with creative storytelling to elevate the College's voice, visibility, and reputation among internal and external audiences.

The Executive Communications Specialist will lead the development of speeches, presentations, strategic plans, internal messaging, and thought leadership opportunities that reflect the mission, priorities, and voice of the Dean and College leadership. This position plays a critical role in advancing the institution's reputation in research, education, and health care by crafting clear, credible, and purpose-driven communications that resonate with faculty, staff, students, donors, and national audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead writing, research, and editing of executive-level communications, including correspondence, speeches, board presentations, and public remarks.
• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies aligned with the Dean's vision and the College's strategic priorities.
• Serve as a primary content strategist and liaison for messaging on key platforms including digital, print, social media, and events.
• Partner with University and Penn State Health communications to elevate the College's research and academic excellence across local and national media.
• Identify reputational risks and provide communication counsel to executive leaders.
• Support major initiatives including the College's strategic plan, fundraising campaigns, and high-profile institutional announcements.
• Contribute social media content on behalf of the Dean, including building visibility on platforms such as LinkedIn.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific or medical topics into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience navigating complex stakeholder environments with tact, confidentiality, and strategic foresight.

Preferred:

• Master's degree or PhD in a biomedical, public health, science communication, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience developing communications strategies for leadership in higher education, academic medicine, or a research-intensive institution.
• Experience supporting executive leadership in communications within academic medicine or a health care system.
• Familiarity with publication design, digital storytelling, and social media best practices for leadership engagement.

Why Penn State College of Medicine?

Join a mission-driven institution at the forefront of medical research, education, and community health. At Penn State College of Medicine, we believe powerful stories—and the science behind them—can shape the future of medicine. Your work will amplify our impact.

Ready to tell our story? Apply now and help shape the voice of Penn State College of Medicine.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.