Communications & Public Relations Coordinator

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Communications & Public Relations Coordinator for the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah. This role involves managing media relations, producing content for various platforms, and coordinating communication with faculty and public.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 2 years of professional experience. Preferred qualifications include web management and experience with WordPress. The position is essential for promoting the institute's research and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.
• 2 years of professional experience.
• Web management/WordPress experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage communications for the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.
• Produce news releases and articles for UGA and SkIO.
• Coordinate media interactions for SkIO faculty.

Skills

Creative writing

Public speaking

Multimedia skills (Photoshop, videography)

Website management

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

WordPress

Social media

Job description

Posting Number

S15375P

Working Title

Communications & Public Relations Coordinator

Department

VPR-Skidaway Institute of Oceanography

Location

Savannah Area

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

Web management/WordPress experience preferred.

Position 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 the general public.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to work independently, conceptualize projects and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to perform creative writing and related activities such as conducting interviews, research, and copy editing.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Comfortable with public speaking to diverse audiences.
• Ability to understand and interpret information.
• Ability to multitask and coordinate multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, staff, and supervisors.
• Superior verbal and 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

• 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, and related activities.
• Coordinate interaction between SkIO faculty and news media, and support SkIO faculty in their interaction with reporters (including sit‑ins on interviews, facilitation of information exchange, etc.).
• 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, edit, and publish the quarterly Skidaway Campus Notes newsletter.
• Develop and maintain the mailing list for the newsletter.
• Maintain the SkIO website and social media presence (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
• Shoot and edit still photographs for use in news articles, newsletters, and external media. Photograph head‑shots for SkIO website (faculty, staff, students).
• Shoot and edit video for use in promotional materials and by outside news media.

Manage Associates of Skidaway Institute Fund

• Handle all administrative responsibilities for Associates of Skidaway Institute Fund (ASF), including monitoring donation records, financial transactions, and balances.
• 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

• Represent SkIO to a variety of outside groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Creative Coast, and Skidaway Island Marathon.
• Coordinate public interaction with the SkIO community, including campus tours and introductory talks to visiting groups.
• Serve as a contact point for the public to provide information and answer questions.

Event Planning

• 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 related to events, such as tending bar, setting up buffet lines, or cleaning tables and washing dishes.

Miscellaneous

• Collect, summarize, and store faculty activity reports.

EEO Policy Statement

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].

Contact Details

Name: Karie Ann Neukomm

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]