Communications Specialist

Classification Title:

Communications Specialist

Classification Minimum Requirements:

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

Job Description:

External and Internal Communication
- Coordinates departmental internal communications, including producing and distributing newsletters and sharing relevant university announcements and events.
-Create and distribute newsletters, blogs, and reports for external audiences, including alumni.
- Participates in university-wide communication initiatives and collaborates with campus partners to support departmental outreach efforts.
- Collaborate, as needed, with UF/IFAS Communications’ creative services teams like graphic design, blogging, web services, and news media relations, to implement communication activities.
- Establishes and maintains positive working relationships across the department to facilitate effective communication, information sharing, and promotion of departmental initiatives.
- Provides advice to internal and external stakeholders on all aspects of communications formats to ensure clarity and accuracy of the communications initiative.
-Maintain and update external contact lists.

Social Media
- Develops and implements communication strategies that support departmental initiatives, academic programs, and outreach efforts.
- Identifies stories, gathers information, and curates content based on information and research.
- Creates and adapts content using multiple formats including writing, photography, graphics, and video.
- Collaborates with faculty, staff, and leadership to develop messaging and audience engagement opportunities.
- Manages social media channels and monitors analytics, preparing performance reports to inform future communications efforts. Implement UF and IFAS social media and web policy and stays current with university digital platform decisions and policies. Implement digital design standards and production methods that are ADA compliant. 



Online Program Assistance
-Collaborate with DE program staff to gather information and develop communications materials (print, graphic, and short-form video) that effectively communicate program value, ensuring alignment with University of Florida branding, policies, and strategic priorities.
- Assist the DE Coordinator in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns for online academic programs by contributing content and supporting recruitment-focused initiatives aligned with departmental goals.
- Support the DE Coordinator in lead generation and prospective student engagement efforts by creating, updating, and distributing digital communications (e.g. email campaigns, social media content, and web updates) using established CRM platform and communication strategies.
-Monitor and report on marketing campaign performance, including basic analysis of metrics (e.g. advertisement and email engagement, website traffic, and inquiry generation) allowing for real-time adjustments.

Web Content
- Manages and maintains departmental website content to ensure information is accurate, timely, accessible, and aligned with departmental priorities.
- Coordinates with faculty, staff, and leadership to develop and update website content that supports departmental goals.
- Evaluates website performance and recommends content and user experience improvements to strengthen audience engagement.

Event Planning
- Coordinates communication and promotional activities for departmental events, including symposiums, appreciation events, student outreach activities, and other special programs.
- Collaborates with faculty and staff to support planning and execution of departmental networking fairs and signature events.
- Develops promotional materials and captures event content for use in future communications and marketing efforts.
- Actively participates in departmental events and activities to support communications, build relationships with stakeholders, and identify storytelling opportunities.

Multimedia Content Development
- Captures photography and video content at departmental events and activities, including occasional evening and weekend assignments.
- Organizes and maintains digital media assets for communication, marketing, and archival purposes.
- Produces communications content that supports departmental storytelling, engagement, and outreach goals.

Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work required for departmental events.

This is a time-limited position.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

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

Preferred:

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with social media platforms and scheduling/management tools.
Familiarity with communications, marketing, and content development tools, including basic graphic design platforms.
Interest in marketing, communications, and higher education.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and a portfolio.

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

This is a time-limited position.

Health Assessment Required:No