DIR, External Affairs

Job No: 536679

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Jacksonville Campus

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

Department: 01040000 - PR-VP Strategic Initiatives

Job Description

Classification Title: Director of External Affairs

Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Communications

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies for the UF Jacksonville Campus tailored to engage and inform key stakeholder groups including donors, prospective supporters, elected officials, community leaders, and the general public, ensuring messages are timely, targeted, and aligned with UF mission and goals.
• Research, write, and edit a wide range of strategic communications materials including press releases, executive speeches, email campaigns, newsletters, brochures, and other print and digital collateral to effectively convey UF Jacksonville priorities and engage key audiences.
• Act as the primary liaison between UF Jacksonville and UF Strategic Communications (SCM), as well as communications teams across colleges and departments, to ensure alignment of messaging, brand consistency, and coordinated outreach across all channels.

Donor Relations and Development

• Serve as the primary liaison between UF Jacksonville and UF Advancement, including development leadership across colleges and units, to ensure alignment of fundraising efforts and strategic priorities.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy that includes personalized outreach, impact reporting, special events, and one-on-one engagement with key supporters.
• Partner with UF Advancement to identify and cultivate prospective donors for campus initiatives, with a focus on securing philanthropic support for capital projects, scholarships, programs, and emerging needs related to the UF Jacksonville Campus.
• Collaborate with the UF Advancement communications teams to prepare compelling proposals, donor reports, and related collateral that effectively convey the vision, impact, and funding needs of UF Jacksonville.

Government and Community Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between UF Jacksonville and UF's Office of Government and Community Relations (GCR), ensuring alignment on advocacy and engagement strategies.
• In partnership with UF GCR, develop and implement a coordinated plan to engage federal, state, and local officials in support of UF Jacksonville priorities, initiatives, and long-term vision.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional civic and business leaders; represent UF Jacksonville at key community events hosted by organizations such as the Jacksonville Chamber, JAXUSA Partnership, and the Jacksonville Civic Council.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for UF Jacksonville—representing the Vice President and senior leadership as needed—and lead efforts to strategically amplify their presence and influence in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and other key markets.

Support New Projects

• Provide communications, donor relations, development, government, and community relations support for new and on-going projects spearheaded by the UF Office for Strategic Initiatives as assigned.

Expected Salary: $120,000-140,000

Required Qualifications: Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Preferred: Proven ability to craft and deliver effective communications for senior leaders and key organizational stakeholders. Experience drafting speeches and talking points for senior leaders or public-facing executives. Ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Ability to work with a range of constituents; demonstrated experience working effectively with a team. Strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to be self-directed and work effectively with a team. Strong analytical and attention to details skills. Ability to prioritize multiple obligations and deadlines. Experience maintaining confidential data and correspondence. Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and SharePoint. Experience working in Salesforce's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system a plus.

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: 25 August 2025

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/536679