About the job

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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences (NCEMS) at Penn State seeks a Marketing and Communications Specialist to lead scientific communications, marketing, and outreach efforts. NCEMS brings together interdisciplinary researchers to apply AI and data science to fundamental questions in molecular and cellular biology.

This position will be filled at the Marketing and Communications Specialist - Intermediate Professional level.

Reporting to the NCEMS Project Manager, this position collaborates with the Director, Principal Staff Scientist, research teams, and partners to communicate Center activities and achievements, promote programs and opportunities, and ensure consistent messaging across NCEMS initiatives. The specialist manages multiple assignments with general supervision and may travel to meetings, conferences, workshops, and other Center events.

Key Responsibilities

Communications, Marketing, and Digital Content

• Develop, edit, and publish website content, social media posts, newsletters, announcements, correspondence, research highlights, and other communications for scientific and public audiences.
• Create and coordinate branded graphics, presentations, promotional materials, and digital assets aligned with Penn State and NCEMS standards.
• Plan and manage communications campaigns promoting Working Groups, fellowships, internships, workshops, funding opportunities, publications, and Center accomplishments.
• Collaborate with Center leadership, staff, faculty, trainees, and partners to translate complex scientific and programmatic information into clear, accessible messaging.
• Maintain websites, contact lists, and communications assets; monitor engagement metrics and recommend improvements.

Outreach, Events, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate communications with researchers, partner institutions, prospective participants, and other stakeholders, including outreach, invitations, information requests, and follow-up communications.
• Support communications for scientific meetings, Working Groups, workshops, conferences, and the annual Summit, including participant communications, presentation materials, signage, registration messaging, and post-event summaries.
• Attend designated meetings to document key decisions, updates, action items, and deadlines; prepare meeting summaries and maintain related records.
• Coordinate outreach and event deliverables with the Project Manager and Center personnel using established schedules, templates, and procedures.

Center Communications Operations

• Prepare leadership communications, briefings, meeting materials, and stakeholder correspondence for the Director and Principal Staff Scientist.
• Organize communications files, project materials, trackers, and shared resources; monitor assigned tasks and elevate significant issues as needed.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to student employees supporting communications, outreach, documentation, and events, and review work for quality and consistency.
• Perform other related duties in support of Center programs and operations.

Skills and Experience

Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, digital content creation, and stakeholder engagement; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines; and proficiency with common communications, design, and collaboration tools.

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite role and will work out of our University Park campus.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant 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 $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

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.

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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