Communications Specialist

Job No: 537053

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support

Department: 60460000 - AG-SCHL FOR, FISH, & GEOMATICS

Job Description

Classification Title: Communications Specialist

Classification Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Content Creation: Create and prepare content (photos, articles, blogs, video) for release to a broad spectrum of audience-appropriate communications media, including UF/IFAS Communications, UF, and external press, internal and external newsletters, future students, trade publications, and social media. Establishes and maintains relationships with local and national media outlets. Submit or publish content to appropriate media outlets using correct AP style.

Website and Social Media Management: Responsible for development, management, and maintenance of the FFGS website, including weekly updates. Maintains and updates social media and web presence to increase relevant traffic and engagement. Monitors aligned social media accounts to amplify program, faculty, staff, and student accomplishments.

Promotional Materials: Design, develop, and disseminate a variety of digital and print materials (e.g., flyers, posters, Monthly FFGS newsletter, save the date postcards, website banners, etc.). Updates and maintains the integrity and consistency of publicity materials in conjunction with FFGS staff, administration, and collaborators. Produces monthly newsletter for distribution to FFGS personnel and advisory board members.

Event planning/Miscellaneous: Make arrangements for events, promoting attendance, creating award certificates, etc. Maintain job board interface and email listserv for job announcements. Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred: Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization with three years of experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and five years of appropriate experience. Note: Relevant training or university work experience may be substituted for educational requirements. Exceptional written, oral, and visual communication skills, including as an editor/proofreader, web developer, graphic designer, and photographer. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of quality of deliverables. Work experience in science or environmental outreach, communications, recruitment, and/or marketing. Experience blogging, editing, and creating newsletters, writing press releases, updating websites, social marketing, and social media advertising. Ability to see the “big picture” in addition to details gathered from the field. Ability to engage target audiences to advance the mission of FFGS. Strong initiative and a positive attitude toward the pursuit of leads and the publication of stories. Ability to design and produce appealing and informative visual content. Strong group and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively as a team member and represent FFGS professionally while working on projects with faculty, staff and partnering agencies. Software efficiency with Terminal Four (T4), WordPress, Adobe Suite, Photoshop, InDesign, Express, Illustrator, Premiere, plus Canva, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Ability to operate a camera and lighting equipment with proficiency and artistic skill. Experience using generative AI technologies (e.g., Notebook LM, DALL-E) to create compelling content, automate communication processes, and develop innovative graphics and media solutions.

Special Instructions to Applicants: In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Health Assessment Required: No. Applications Close: 26 September 2025. To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/537053. Our Commitment: The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.