Communications Specialist

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida Lastinger Center is seeking a Communications Specialist to lead content planning and production, coordinate marketing materials, and support recruitment outreach. The role requires strong writing, editing, and stakeholder collaboration to align messaging with center strategies across digital channels and media.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree with experience or an equivalent combination, plus excellent communication and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience; or an Associate's degree and four years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership to develop communications materials aligned with center-wide strategies and brand standards.
• Create and maintain messaging and content for UF Lastinger Center projects; support recruitment marketing and participant outreach.
• Coordinate development of marketing materials with subject matter experts, design, production, and web teams.
• Track communications impact using web analytics and social media data to inform planning.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Project management software

Recruitment planning

Education

Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience; or Associate's degree + 4 years; or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

Project management software

Job description

Communications Specialist

Job No: 541048

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

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

Department: 18300000 - ED-LASTINGER CENTER

Job Description

Classification Title: Marketing and Communications Specialist I

The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning's mission is to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. We research, develop, and scale educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically, the Center targets kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in children's educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nation's elite public research universities, the Center operates as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UF's service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing a broad range of thought, skill, and experience. We believe in fostering environments where team members feel respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work.

Content Planning & Production

• Collaborate with leadership in the development of communications materials by evaluating needs, goals and intended outcomes.
• Create and maintain messaging and content for the Lastinger Center and its projects in alignment with center-wide communications strategies and brand standards.
• Support recruitment marketing and communications plans and participant outreach through strategic messaging and distribution across digital channels including email, SMS, social media and web.
• Manages the content of various communication media including brochures, memos, and digital communication media.
• Write, edit and refine content for various stakeholders including learners, families, educators, school districts, funders and legislators.
• Support public relations and promotional initiatives through the development of communication materials including press releases, articles, newsletters and marketing collateral.

Communications Coordination

• Supports the communications request process including intake, consultation and internal content production, including gathering information from appropriate staff; drafting, integrating, and tailoring language to align with needs and goals.
• Coordinate the development of marketing and communications materials with subject matter experts, design, production and web teams.
• Coordinates final review and approval of communications content.
• Provides advice and expertise on all aspects of communications formats to ensure clarity and accuracy of the communications initiative.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with project leads within the Lastinger Center.

Communications Analysis

• Track communications impact using web and social analytics tools to understand success in execution and inform planning.
• Analyzes data to inform and contribute to the optimization of communication strategies across multiple platforms and audiences.

Other Duties as Assigned

Expected Salary: $57,000-$65,000

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience; or an Associate's degree and four years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

• Experience with recruitment planning and events.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in long form and short form writing.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to foster interpersonal relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and project management software.

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close: 03 September 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.