Communications & Public Relations Coordinator

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Communications & Public Relations Coordinator to manage the communications and public relations for the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. This position includes responsibilities such as media relations, developing print and digital media, and maintaining the Skidaway website.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree, 2 years of experience, and strong communication skills. Additional experience in web management is preferred. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, events, and more.

Qualifications

• 2 years of professional experience in communications or a related field.
• Experience with web management and WordPress.
• Strong writing and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage media relations and produce news releases.
• Develop and maintain SkIO website and social media.
• Coordinate public interactions and events.

Skills

Media relations

Creative writing

Effective communication

Multimedia skills

Website management

Social media management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Photoshop

WordPress

Videography

Graphic design

Job description

Position Title

Communications & Public Relations Coordinator

Posting Number

S15375P

Department

VPR‑Skidaway Institute of Oceanography

Employment Type

Full Time, Employee, Exempt (FLSA)

Summary

Manages the communications and public relations for the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Responsibilities include media relations, development of printed and digital media, full editorial responsibility for the website and the Skidaway Campus Notes, and interfacing with Skidaway faculty, staff, administration, campus partners, and general public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Web management/WordPress experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to work independently, conceptualize projects and manage multiple priorities.
• Creative writing and related activities such as conducting interviews, research, and copy editing.
• Effective communication.
• Comfortable with public speaking to diverse audiences.
• Ability to understand and interpret information.
• Multitasking and coordinating multiple projects.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with peers, staff, and supervisors.
• Superior verbal/written skills.
• Multimedia skills - Photoshop, videography, graphic design, social media.
• Website management.
• WordPress experience preferred.

Physical Demands

• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Duties/Responsibilities

Communications (70% of time)

• Produce news releases and articles for use by SkIO and UGA websites, news, and other media.
• Initiate and promote news coverage of SkIO research, academic programs, etc.
• Coordinate interaction between SkIO faculty and news media, and support SkIO faculty in their interaction with reporters.
• Function as external affairs point of contact for SkIO.
• Respond to media requests for expert interviews or other news coverage needs.
• Provide the majority of content for, and edit and publish quarterly Skidaway Campus Notes newsletter.
• Develop and maintain mailing list for newsletter.
• Maintain SkIO website and social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube accounts).
• Shoot and edit still photographs for news articles, newsletters, etc. and for outside news media. Photograph head‑shots for SkIO website (faculty, staff, students).
• Shoot and edit video for promotional materials and by outside news media.

Manage Associates of Skidaway Institute Fund (Foundation activities) (15% of time)

• Handle all administrative responsibilities for Associates of Skidaway Institute Fund (ASF), including monitoring donation records, financial transactions, balances, etc.
• Notify and invoice members when their annual donations are due.
• Write and mail acknowledgement, thank‑you and solicitation letters.
• Work with UGA Development personnel to promote giving.

External Public Interactions (10% of time)

• Represent SkIO to a variety of outside groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce (Governmental Affairs Committee, PR Council, etc.), The Creative Coast, the Skidaway Island Marathon and others.
• Coordinate public interaction with the SkIO community. Includes campus tours and introductory talks to visiting groups.
• Serve as a contact point for the public to provide information and answer questions.

Event Planning (5% of time)

• Plan and coordinate Evening @ Skidaway lecture series, and other additional events.
• Plan, coordinate and/or provide support to visiting groups or meetings.
• Troubleshoot and coordinate duties with such events, such as tending bar, setting up buffet lines, or cleaning tables and washing dishes.

Miscellaneous (5% of time)

Collect, summarize and store faculty activity reports.

Contact Information

Name: Karie Ann Neukomm

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: 912‑598‑2443

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR at [e-mail].