Jonathan Oharrow

About Jonathan Oharrow

Jonathan O\'Harrow is the Director of Strategic Communications at Penn State Altoona. He has worked for more than 20 years as a marketing/communications professional, web and graphic designer, and systems programmer. O\'Harrow earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Susquehanna University in and a Master of Professional Studies degree in Strategic Communications from Penn State\'s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications in 2023.At Penn State Altoona, O\'Harrow is responsible for directing strategic communications campaigns, both internal and external, including video, radio, print, web, and social media. As the director, he is the brand steward for the college, generating support and buy-in among campus constituencies for University brand positioning and ensuring that the University brand is maintained throughout campus communications and marketing initiatives. O\'Harrow is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the college\'s website and all administrative and academic sub-sites therein. He also oversees and administers the college\'s social media efforts.In his role, O\'Harrow serves as the college\'s Crisis Communications Manager and college spokesperson with local, regional, and national media to maximize coverage of college news, special-interest stories, and faculty experts, as well as address issues of concern with media and other audiences, including alumni, donors, community, parents, and students.O\'Harrow is a 2007 graduate of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce\'s Leadership Blair County program, a 2008 recipient of the Altoona Mirror\'s 20 Under 40 recognition, a 2009 recipient of Penn State Altoona\'s Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Award, a 2011 inductee into the Cresson Lake Playhouse Hall of Fame, and a 2018 recipient of the Blair County Arts Foundation\'s Angel of the Arts award. O\'Harrow is active in numerous community service and arts organizations and serves on the boards for United Way of the Southern Alleghenies and Altoona Community Theatre.

Experience

1. Director of Strategic Communications

   Penn State Altoona

   Jan 2021 — Present · Altoona, PA, US

   Responsible for directing strategic marketing campaigns, both internal and external, including television, radio, print, web, and social media; brand steward for college, generating support and buy-in among campus constituencies for University brand positioning and ensuring that University brand is maintained throughout campus marketing initiatives; collaborate with admissions and academic leadership to drive successful enrollment and retention endeavors.Crisis communications/college spokesperson: Serve as chief crisis communications officer and college spokesperson with local, regional, and national media to maximize coverage of college news, special-interest stories, and faculty experts, as well as address issues of concern with media and other audiences, including alumni, donors, community, parents, and students.Editor-in-chief of college magazine, Ivy Leaf: Serve as both feature writer and editor-in-chief for the College’s premier publication.Special events: Manage and coordinate special events for college, including anniversary celebrations, commencement ceremonies, donor recognition events, and community partnership events.Writing and editing: Write and edit strategic communications including press releases, correspondence for Chancellor and Dean, and key messaging to external and internal constituencies.Public speaking and community relations: Serve as public “face” of Penn State Altoona to local community by speaking to local organizations about the college, serving on community committees, and attending community events.Social Media and Web: Direct web and social media presence for college.Leadership and management: Key member of Chancellor’s Council, the executive management team for college; supervision, management and professional development of staff; serve as advisor/consultant on various key issues for Chancellor.

Education

• Penn State University

  Master of Professional Studies, Strategic Communications

• Susquehanna University

  B.A., Computer Science

  1996 — 2000

Skills

• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Powerpoint
• Web Design
• Program Management
• Strategic Marketing
• Blogging
• Event Planning
• Programming
• Microsoft Office
• Photoshop
• Leadership
• Html
• Higher Education
• Public Speaking
• Marketing
• Management
• Directing
• Social Media
• SEO
• Mentoring
• Data Analysis
• Research
• Editing
• Email Marketing
• Nonprofits
• Wordpress
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Dreamweaver
• Written Communication
• Emergency Communications
• Teaching
• Writing
• Os X