Communications & Public Affairs Manager

Please submit all application materials (listed below) to Zachary L. Adams, Ph.D., Executive Director, at [email protected] by June 26, 2026, for priority consideration. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Position Overview

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative research agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, invites applications for the position of Communications \& Public Affairs Manager.

The Center promotes and sustains the vitality of Pennsylvania's rural and small communities by sponsoring research projects to identify policy options for legislative and executive branch consideration and action, collecting data on trends and conditions to understand the diversity of rural Pennsylvania, publishing information and research results to inform and educate audiences about the diverse people and communities of rural Pennsylvania, and participating in local, state and national forums on rural issues to present and learn from best practices.

The Communications \& Public Affairs Manager plays a key role in advancing the Center’s mission by translating research and policy analysis into accessible, engaging, and impactful communications for legislators, policymakers, stakeholders, media, and the public.

This position is based in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The Center operates in a hybrid work environment, with employees generally expected to work in the office at least three days per week. Occasional statewide travel, including overnight travel, is required.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement strategic communications initiatives that enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of the Center’s research and public engagement activities.
2. Translate complex research findings, policy analyses, and public hearing discussions and/or testimony into accessible materials for legislators, media, stakeholders, and public audiences.
3. Manage, in collaboration with Center staff, the Center’s website, social media platforms, digital communications, and related public-facing content including consistency with the Center’s brand and formatting guidelines.
4. Draft, edit, and oversee the development of policy briefs, presentations, testimony materials, press releases, talking points, newsletters, video, and other print and digital communications.
5. Coordinate media relations activities and maintain professional relationships with local, regional, and statewide media organizations.
6. Identify opportunities to proactively promote the Center’s research, events, and public policy discussions through earned media, digital engagement, and stakeholder outreach.
7. Support the planning and execution of public hearings, stakeholder events, presentations, and special initiatives.
8. Collaborate closely with Center staff to ensure communications products accurately reflect research findings and maintain the Center’s nonpartisan mission and standards of quality.
9. Monitor and track media coverage, public engagement metrics, and communications performance.
10. Assist in the continued development and implementation of the Center’s strategic roadmap and broader stakeholder engagement efforts.
11. Represent the Center in a professional manner during meetings, conferences, and public events.
12. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess strong writing, editing, interpersonal, organizational, and strategic communications skills, along with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to a variety of audiences. The ideal candidate will be proactive, collaborative, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced public policy environment.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, political science, public policy, or a related field.
2. Minimum of three years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, marketing communications, government communications, or a related field.
3. Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
4. Experience managing digital communications platforms, websites, and social media accounts.
5. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet independent deadlines, and collaborate effectively with team members at varying stages of a project, with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
6. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
7. Working knowledge of digital communications tools e.g., Mailchimp and standard design/layout software e.g., Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
8. Experience applying accessibility standards and formatting practices to final deliverables, including documents, digital content, and publications.
9. Basic photography skills and experience capturing high-quality images at public events, conferences, and organizational activities for use in communications and digital content.
10. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Pennsylvania as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working with government agencies, legislative offices, research organizations, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, or public policy entities.
2. Experience translating technical, research-based, or policy-oriented information into public-facing print, digital, and video communications.
3. Familiarity with Pennsylvania government, rural communities, and issues affecting rural Pennsylvania.
4. Graduate degree in communications, journalism, public policy, public relations, or a related field.

Salary \& Benefits

Salary range: $70,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania offers a competitive benefits package and a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.

Application Materials

Candidates must submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or curriculum vitae
3. List of three professional references with contact information
4. Portfolio or three work samples demonstrating communications, writing, media, or digital content experience (PDF or single compiled file preferred)

Equal Opportunity

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their qualifications for the job, without regard to race, color, religion/creed, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, possession of a General Education Development Certificate as compared to a high school diploma or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.