Communications Specialist

Job no: 534739
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing
Department: 60040000 - AG-DEAN FOR RESEARCH

Classification Title:

Communications Specialist

Job Description:

Internal Communications
Develop, design, and update internal communications such as handouts, event announcements, reports, and miscellaneous internal-facing content. Collaborate with administrative team members to maintain MS Teams pages, SharePoint sites, and office newsletters. Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information.

External Communications
Identify research story opportunities. Coordinate press release development with IFAS Communications and assist with media inquiry responses. Create one-page summaries of programs and initiatives for distribution to a variety of audiences. Produce social media content.
Website management: Maintain public-facing websites for the UF/IFAS Dean for Research and websites managed by the office, including PSREU (Plant Science Research and Education Unit) and OSBS (Ordway-Swisher Biological Station). Helps maintain current information on the IFAS AI webpage.
Graphic design: Produces graphics to depict data, trends, and analysis related to UF/IFAS’s research enterprise, promoting research activities and achievements. Ensure all communications are properly branded following UF and IFAS guidelines.

Executive Communications
Draft and edit speeches, presentations, and institutional memos for office leadership. Provide strategic communication support to leadership, ensuring consistent and effective messaging.

Collaboration & Development
Represents UF/IFAS Research with respect to coordinated communications efforts. Maintains relationships with other institutional or regional communicators for collaborative content management, for example: active in the Southern Research Communicators Consortium (SRCC).

Expected Salary:

$46,000–$62,000 or commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in communications.
• Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas and creative solutions.
• Experience with CMS (Content Management System) and Adobe Creative Suite software.
• A track record of maintaining ADA-compliant content.
• Excellent writing skills and graphic design experience.
• Proficiency in creating content and strategy for social media accounts and monitoring engagement.
• Evidence of successful independent project management, including satisfactory completion of projects on time and within budget.
• Experience in scientific or academic environments, demonstrated by projects or publications.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No

Salary : $46,000 - $62,000