"Public Relations Specialist II"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Public Relations Specialist II for the Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) which is part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics. The RDL was established through a transformative gift received in November 2024. Its mission is to serve as a vibrant hub for civic engagement and a collaborative workshop for studying, analyzing, and addressing the challenges and opportunities of contemporary democracy. RDL embodies a bold commitment to equipping students with the tools and knowledge to engage with, strengthen, and sustain democracy for future generations. The Lab also seeks to examine emerging threats, such as the influence of social media, and explore their profound impact on democratic processes.

Key Duties

• Helps further RDL's mission by executing strategic communication plans to highlight groundbreaking programs.
• Connects RDL with students, faculty, staff, practitioners, and external stakeholders/partners.
• Coordinates RDL's public profile and relationships with key audiences through targeted outreach and strategic communications plans.
• Serves as primary liaison to the media for the RDL.
• Builds relationships across traditional and social media, both in New Jersey and nationally, to increase awareness of and engagement with RDL's research, education, events, and resources.
• Partners with leading democracy-focused organizations to promote shared content and messaging.
• Partners with the RDL's student digital content creators to disseminate engaging, student-led social media content.
• Participates in Institute-wide and/or cross-team projects.

Minimum Education and Experience

Minimum of a BA in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as two years of work experience in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity.

City

New Brunswick

State

NJ

Equipment Utilized

Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or other basic photo editing tools, CiviCRM, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Must also know how to use social media management tools like Hootsuite and Buffer.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Eagleton offices are located within a historic building with no elevator. The duties of this position regularly involve navigating stairs numerous times a day. An applicant may request a reasonable accommodation if they have a disability that restricts them in their ability to climb and/or navigate stairs.

Special Conditions

This position is paid from a five-year gift, and continuation is contingent upon available funds.