New

Director of Marketing and Communications - OEC

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 09, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (OEC) at Penn State is seeking a highly qualified and innovative Director of Marketing and Communications for Invent Penn State, a university-wide initiative focused on advancing economic development, job creation, and student career success. Reporting to the Director of Administration for the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (OEC), this role provides comprehensive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all marketing and communications efforts supporting the Invent Penn State initiative. The Director of Marketing and Communications plays a critical role in the success of Invent Penn State by developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that strengthen the initiative's brand and visibility. This position partners closely with university leadership and internal stakeholders to advance Penn State's vision for entrepreneurship and innovation by positioning the University as a national hub for innovation and startups, increasing visibility of Penn State's intellectual property, expanding the University's capacity to launch and scale successful startups, and fostering a strong culture of entrepreneurship across the institution. Key Responsibilities: Provide strategic leadership and direction for the statewide network of 22 Invent Penn State Innovation Hubs by establishing and enforcing brand standards, trademarks, and visual identity guidelines, and by developing marketing and communications toolkits to support the Innovation Hub Seed Grant Program. Lead the development and execution of comprehensive, integrated marketing and communications strategies for Invent Penn State, including branding, messaging, websites, publications, social media, direct marketing, media relations, and publicity, to position Penn State as a national leader in innovation among peer research universities. Conceptualize, develop, and implement innovative, scalable marketing approaches that support economic development across the Commonwealth, while assisting campuses and Innovation Hubs with regionally tailored messaging aligned with the Invent Penn State brand. Envision, develop, and oversee high-impact marketing strategies, initiatives, and special projects that advance the mission and long-term goals of Invent Penn State. Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the University-wide network of Invent Penn State Innovation Hubs on marketing best practices, policies, and communications strategy. Collaborate with senior administrative leadership across Penn State, industry partners, and Commonwealth stakeholders to advance Invent Penn State initiatives spanning academic colleges, campuses, and regions. Monitor and assess peer and industry best practices, identify resource gaps and institutional needs, and develop innovative marketing solutions that strengthen Penn State's leadership position in innovation and entrepreneurship. Address complex and unprecedented communications challenges related to technology transfer, commercialization, and startup development by designing and implementing processes and programs that improve operational efficiency and institutional effectiveness. Recruit, supervise, mentor, and lead a growing team of marketing and communications professionals and event planner(s). Develop and maintain comprehensive marketing strategies for signature programs, including but not limited to: Happy Valley LaunchBox, the Summer Founders Program, Small Business Development Center, Brand Academy, Veteran's Business Outreach Center (VBOC), the Makerspace, OriginLabs, NSF I-Corps, and the Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference. Oversee the implementation and ongoing use of Adobe Workfront project management tool in collaboration with internal and external partners to ensure effective planning, execution, and accountability across marketing initiatives and OEC events. Collaborate closely with the Salesforce Administrator to support the implementation and ongoing optimization of Salesforce Marketing Cloud across the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (OEC) Salesforce organizations and platforms, ensuring alignment with marketing strategy, data integrity, user adoption, and integrated communications workflows. Partner with Associate Vice Presidents for Research and offices within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research to provide strategic marketing and communications support for key initiatives, including branding, media relations, publicity, website development, and digital tools. Lead the development and management of proprietary online platforms and digital tools that increase visibility and accessibility of Penn State's research capabilities, intellectual property, and startup ecosystem. Provide direct communications support to the Senior Vice President for Research, including the preparation of remarks, presentations, quotes, stories, and op-eds related to economic development, Invent Penn State, and the Innovation Hubs. Oversee and manage the Invent Penn State marketing and communications budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, strategic allocation of funds, and alignment with institutional priorities, goals, and measurable outcomes. Requirements: Demonstrated advanced expertise in brand strategy, vendor sourcing and management, project management, strategic planning, and budget management. Proven leadership experience assembling, managing, and motivating distributed or cross-functional teams to successfully deliver large-scale projects and events beyond normal scope of responsibility. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated experience in financial and budget oversight. Work Location and Arrangement: This position is based at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, PA.This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of at least three (3) days per week in office and two (2) remote workdays. Application Instructions: All applicants must submit a cover letter and resume for consideration. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES 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. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00. 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. 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