Media Relations Assistant Director of Academic Life and University Programming *Updated*

Florida Atlantic University; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits (PPO/HMO)

State retirement options

PSLF program

Sick Leave Pool

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Florida Atlantic University seeks a Media Relations Assistant Director of Academic Life and University Programming in Boca Raton, FL. You will develop and implement public relations strategies to advance FAU’s priorities, elevate the university’s reputation, and strengthen visibility for academic life, student experiences, and university programming.

You will write releases, advisories, and feature stories, build media relationships, coordinate interviews, and staff events.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s with 2–3 years of relevant experience in media relations.
• Relevant experience must be in media relations.
• Valid Florida Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Promote academic and student-centered experiences, arts and culture, and university programming.
• Identify, write, and distribute press materials including releases and advisories.
• Build relationships with local, regional, and higher education media outlets.
• Coordinate interviews between media and faculty, students, and leaders.
• Support media strategies to advance the university’s strategic plan and brand.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Writing

Event coordination

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Summary:

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Media Relations Assistant Director of Academic Life and University Programming- Boca Raton, FL. The Assistant Director of Media Relations for Academic Life and University Programming will develop and implement public relations strategies that advance Florida Atlantic University's strategic priorities, elevate the University’s reputation, and strengthen visibility for academic life, student experiences, and university programming.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Work closely with departments, colleges, faculty, staff, and leadership across the University to promote academic and student-centered experiences, arts and culture offerings, personal enrichment programming, distinguished speakers, community-facing events, and other initiatives that position Florida Atlantic as a leading public research university and a dynamic destination for learning, discovery, and engagement.
• Identify, develop, write, and distribute compelling press releases, media advisories, feature stories, media pitches, society-style releases, event recaps, and related communications materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, community, lifestyle, business, higher education, and specialty media outlets across Florida Atlantic’s service region.
• Prepare and submit society-style photo releases from designated donor, alumni, presidential, and university events to appropriate publications and society sections.
• Support communications and public relations strategies that advance the University’s strategic plan, strengthen brand awareness, and elevate institutional reputation.
• Coordinate interviews between media outlets and faculty, students, staff, leadership, and external partners.
• Staff media at events, announcements, press conferences, and other designated university activities.
• Support major university announcements and media events in coordination with the central media relations team.
• Help manage media relations content on FAU.edu and oversee the @FAUNews X account.
• Provide analytics and reporting for web news releases, media coverage, and social media activity related to the media relations function.
• Monitor media coverage, gather and archive news clips, and assist with reporting on media relations outcomes.
• Support internal communications and social media content in collaboration with other communications and marketing staff.
• Assist with updates to crisis communications materials and support crisis communications efforts as needed.
• Serve as a writer for various University news topics, leadership communications, and institutional channels as assigned.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

FAU Benefits and Perks:

• Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more.
• State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
• State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Sick Leave Pool Program.
• Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion).
• Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment.
• For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply).
• For details on FAU's amazing offers visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php Explore Living in Palm Beach County The goal is to provide local employers and new employees in the area a comprehensive guide with places to live. View it here: Discover Housing Resources in Palm Beach County | BDB.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and three years of relevant experience required.
• Relevant experience must be in media relations.
• Valid Florida Driver's License required.

Salary:

$60,000 - $72,000 Annual.

College or Department:

DUC: Media Relations

Location:

Boca Raton (Boca Raton, FL)

Work Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Position Type:

In-person position and is not eligible for remote working arrangements.

Application Deadline:

2026-10-19

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Resume Cover letter

OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED:

Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED:

Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.

REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS:

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at [e-mail]. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057. For communication assistance call 7-1-1.

ABOUT US:

Florida Atlantic University is Where Tomorrow Begins. As a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 research institution and one of only 13 universities nationwide to also hold Carnegie designations for Opportunity and Community Engagement, Florida Atlantic is advancing discovery, driving economic growth, and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world. As South Florida's Hometown University, Florida Atlantic serves as a destination for learning, culture, athletics, and community engagement. Through NCAA Division I athletics, world-class performing arts and cultural events, public lectures, gallery exhibitions, environmental education programs, and one of the nation's largest Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, Florida Atlantic welcomes thousands of residents, visitors, and learners to its campuses each year. From inspiring environmental education programs to providing enriching experiences for retirees, professionals, families, and sports fans, Florida Atlantic is deeply connected to the communities it serves. Through these experiences and partnerships, the university helps strengthen the region's cultural vitality, workforce, economy and quality of life. For more information, visit www.fau.edu. To contact Recruitment Services, send an e‑mail to [e-mail]. Florida Atlantic University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact Florida Atlantic’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561‑297‑3004 or send an email to [e-mail]. To contact Human Resources, please call 561‑297‑3057 or email [e-mail]. For communications assistance, call 7‑1‑1.

Clery Act Information Consumer Information Visit Florida Atlantic's Consumer Information page for more information about financial aid, its campus, facilities, student athletes, campus security, fire safety, as well as preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Paper copies are available upon request by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Florida Statute 1010.35 – Screening Foreign Researchers Pursuant to Florida law, any applicant or student seeking employment in a research or research-related support position who is a citizen of a foreign country and not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of employment or training in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria is subject to additional screening. Applicants meeting those criteria will be required to provide the following information before any offer of employment can be made: every institution of higher education attended; all previous employment since the applicant’s 18th birthday; list of all published material, current and pending research funding from any source, including details about the research, your role, funding source, and amount; list and description of any non-university professional activities; any affiliation with an institution or program in a foreign country. Selected applicants will be required to provide additional information per the Statute, including a complete copy of your passport; and, if available, the most recently submitted DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).