Communications Director 3
Apply NowCompany: State of Pennsylvania
Location: Dauphin, PA 17018
Description:
Salary: $86,299.00 - $131,208.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2025-20742
Department: Public School Employees' Retirement System
Division: PS Comm Leg Affrs Off
Opening Date: 03/18/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 05920
Position Number: 00100084
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: A3
Pay Group: ST10
Bureau / Division Code: 1133
Bureau / Division: Communication & Legislative Affairs Office
Worksite Address: 5 North 5th Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: Doris Coomes
Contact Phone: 717.720.4738
Contact Email: dcoomes@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you seeking a meaningful and rewarding leadership opportunity where you can shape and enhance an organization's communications and media relations strategy? Do you want a high-visibility role working directly with executive leadership to set the communications tone and establish standards across an organization? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
The Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) is seeking a self-motivated, collaborative professional to lead its communications efforts, providing critical support to internal management, the executive team, and the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, detail-oriented communications professional with a proven track record of:
If you are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply!
The Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS, www.psers.pa.gov) is an agency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that administers a pension plan and defined contribution plan for Pennsylvania's public school employees. The System serves over a half million members with a current pension fund of approximately $80+ billion. This position will play a key role in ensuring that PSERS' communications and public relations programs are among the best!
PSERS is located in Harrisburg, PA, a mid-size city situated along the Susquehanna River. The Harrisburg area is affordable and near many attractions, including Hershey, and it is only two hours from major cities and airports like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Reporting to the Director of Government Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement, this position will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). The Communications Director will serve as a key advisor on internal and external messaging, working closely with PSERS' Board of Trustees and executive leadership, the media, and other high-profile government and stakeholder groups. A major focus of this role is managing communications related to PSERS' multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio, ensuring transparency and clarity in conveying complex financial information.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Additional Requirements:
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
How to Apply:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
How many years of full-time professional experience in the field of public relations do you possess?
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Do you possess three years of full-time professional experience in the field of public relations in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity?
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How much graduate coursework have you completed in the field of public relations? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
06
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least three years of experience managing the communications program for a public pension fund or other public entity?
07
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least one year of experience working directly with a Board of Trustees or a commission?
Required Question
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2025-20742
Department: Public School Employees' Retirement System
Division: PS Comm Leg Affrs Off
Opening Date: 03/18/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 05920
Position Number: 00100084
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: A3
Pay Group: ST10
Bureau / Division Code: 1133
Bureau / Division: Communication & Legislative Affairs Office
Worksite Address: 5 North 5th Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: Doris Coomes
Contact Phone: 717.720.4738
Contact Email: dcoomes@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you seeking a meaningful and rewarding leadership opportunity where you can shape and enhance an organization's communications and media relations strategy? Do you want a high-visibility role working directly with executive leadership to set the communications tone and establish standards across an organization? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
The Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) is seeking a self-motivated, collaborative professional to lead its communications efforts, providing critical support to internal management, the executive team, and the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, detail-oriented communications professional with a proven track record of:
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that may include media relations, digital content creation, or marketing communications.
- Leading a small team of communications professionals.
- Managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborating effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization, including executive leadership.
- Demonstrating excellence in written and oral communication.
If you are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply!
The Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS, www.psers.pa.gov) is an agency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that administers a pension plan and defined contribution plan for Pennsylvania's public school employees. The System serves over a half million members with a current pension fund of approximately $80+ billion. This position will play a key role in ensuring that PSERS' communications and public relations programs are among the best!
PSERS is located in Harrisburg, PA, a mid-size city situated along the Susquehanna River. The Harrisburg area is affordable and near many attractions, including Hershey, and it is only two hours from major cities and airports like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Reporting to the Director of Government Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement, this position will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). The Communications Director will serve as a key advisor on internal and external messaging, working closely with PSERS' Board of Trustees and executive leadership, the media, and other high-profile government and stakeholder groups. A major focus of this role is managing communications related to PSERS' multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio, ensuring transparency and clarity in conveying complex financial information.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Hours are negotiable.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, dependent on operational and executive leadership requirements. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Six years of professional experience in the field of public relations, including three years in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity; and a bachelor's degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a closely related field; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Requirements:
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
- Three years of experience managing the communications program for a public pension fund or other public entity.
- One year of working directly with a Board of Trustees or a Commission.
How to Apply:
- Your application must include a cover letter and resume.
- You must attach a cover letter and resume to your application for review by the hiring manager. However, the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspxand click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
How many years of full-time professional experience in the field of public relations do you possess?
- 6 years or more
- 5 but less than 6 years
- 4 but less than 5 years
- 3 but less than 4 years
- 2 but less than 3 years
- 1 but less than 2 years
- Less than 1 year
- None
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Do you possess three years of full-time professional experience in the field of public relations in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity?
- Yes
- No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How much graduate coursework have you completed in the field of public relations? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
- 30 credits or more
- Less than 30 credits
- None
06
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least three years of experience managing the communications program for a public pension fund or other public entity?
- Yes
- No
07
Preferred Criteria- Do you have at least one year of experience working directly with a Board of Trustees or a commission?
- Yes
- No
Required Question