Marketing and Communications Specialist
Penn State University
About the role
About
A long‑standing partnership between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Penn State University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA (BFTP/CNP) is the largest early‑stage investor and supporter of tech‑based companies across the program’s 32‑county footprint. Headquartered in State College, the program has satellite offices in Erie, Harrisburg, and Johnstown. Ben Franklin’s high‑risk, early‑stage investments, along with robust business support services, TechCelerator startup boot camps, and BIG IDEA contests help emerging entrepreneurs and small manufacturers launch new companies, grow existing businesses, and create high‑paying jobs.
Role
The Marketing and Communications Specialist provides marketing and communication support for the traditional Ben Franklin investment program and other training/promotional initiatives related to the Center in the 32‑county footprint. The individual will enhance support networks through ongoing communication of the organization’s accomplishments, market existing clients, and build awareness among prospective new clients. The role also involves establishing and strengthening relationships among business, community, government leaders, and the media.
Responsibilities
- Develop marketing/branding/messaging strategies
- Produce Ben Franklin annual program overview
- Manage media relations
- Manage website and social media
- Participate in statewide marketing efforts and support statewide legislative advocacy
- Manage PR and check presentation events
- Create video, audio, and written content
- Assist clients with marketing needs
- Administer email marketing system and implement best practices
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Outstanding writing and communication skills
- Experience in Adobe Photoshop
- Experience with an email marketing system, Salesforce, and WordPress websites
- Ability to organize multiple projects and processes simultaneously; strong project‑management skills are a must
- Ability to work effectively with multiple constituents
- Basic knowledge of economic development and tech startups is a plus
- Hands‑on experience with making media buys and identifying local press (TV, radio, bloggers, newspapers) in the 32‑county footprint
- Experience pitching stories/events to local media outlets
Travel
Occasional travel within Pennsylvania is required.
Work Arrangement
BFTP is supportive of flexible work arrangements if they align with business needs. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Marketing and Communications Specialist – Senior Professional
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Marketing and Communications Specialist – Advanced Professional
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 3+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Certifications: None
Salary & Benefits
- Salary range: $51,000.00 – $89,600.00
- Competitive benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
Requirements
- This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding
- Outstanding writing and communication skills
- Experience in Adobe Photoshop
- Experience with an email marketing system, Salesforce, and WordPress websites
- Ability to organize multiple projects and processes simultaneously
- Strong project management skills are a must
- Ability to work effectively with multiple constituents
- This position will require occasional travel within Pennsylvania
- Application: Please submit a cover letter and resume for full consideration
- Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process
- Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
- If filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: 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
- This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties
- A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks
- Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S
Responsibilities
- Role: This position provides marketing and communication support for the traditional Ben Franklin investment program and the other training/promotional initiatives related to the Center in the 32-county footprint
- The individual in this role will enhance support networks through ongoing communication of the organization’s accomplishments by marketing existing clients; and building awareness among prospective new clients
- They will establish and strengthen relationships among business, community, government leaders, and the media
- Develop marketing/branding/messaging strategies
- Produce Ben Franklin annual program overview
- Manage media relations
- Manage website/social media
- Participate in statewide marketing efforts and support statewide legislative advocacy
- Manage PR and check presentation events
- Create video, audio, and written content
- Assist clients with marketing needs
- Administer email marketing system and implement best practices
- Perform other duties as assigned
- The person in this position must be a self-starter with hands-on experience with making media buys, the ability to identify local press (TV, radio, bloggers, and newspapers) in the 32-county footprint, and experience pitching stories/events to local media outlets
- Work Arrangement: BFTP is supportive of flexible work arrangements if it aligns with the business needs
Benefits
Skills
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