Senior Public Relations Specialist

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida invites applications for a Senior Public Relations Specialist on the Main Campus in Gainesville, FL. This role advances UF/IFAS communications through media relations, science storytelling, and integrated campaigns.

The successful candidate will lead editorial efforts, advise on sensitive issues, and build relationships with journalists, faculty, and external partners to elevate the university’s programs and research.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and two years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree and four years of relevant experience.
• Experience in media relations, science communication, integrated communications planning, and editorial leadership.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations and identify opportunities to raise UF/IFAS visibility.
• Develop strategic communications campaigns and provide senior editorial guidance.
• Advise on crises communications and issues management.
• Coordinate across units and external partners to align messaging.
• Mentor staff and measure communication outcomes.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Story development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Senior Public Relations Specialist

Job No: 540994

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

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

Department: 60440000 - AG-IFAS COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Job Description

Classification Title: Public Relations Specialist III

Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Communications team is seeking an experienced and strategic communications professional to serve as a Senior Public Relations Specialist. This position plays a critical leadership role in advancing awareness of UF/IFAS research, Extension, and academic programs through media relations, science communication, integrated communications planning, editorial leadership, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement.

As a senior member of the communications team, this position develops and executes strategic communications initiatives, leads cross-functional communications efforts, provides guidance on sensitive and high-profile issues, and serves as a key liaison with university-wide communications partners. The successful candiate will identify and develop compelling stories, cultivate relationships with journalists and key stakeholders, provide communications counsel on complex and high-profile issues, and lead cross-functional communications initiatives that advance organizational priorities. This role also serves as a senior editorial resource, helping ensure quality, consistency, and alignment across communications efforts while representing UF/IFAS in university-wide communications initiatives and integrated communications teams.

Media Relations, Science Writing & Story Development

Identify, research, develop, and distribute news releases, feature stories, media pitches, blog content, and other communications materials that highlight UF/IFAS research, Extension, teaching, and outreach initiatives.

• Identify emerging story opportunities across UF/IFAS and collaborate with faculty, staff, and communicators to develop compelling content.
• Translate scientific and technical information into clear, engaging, and accessible content for public audiences.
• Develop content for traditional media, digital platforms, stakeholder communications, and organizational communications channels.
• Coordinate with photography, video, graphic design, and digital content teams to maximize storytelling impact.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, state, national, and industry media outlets.
• Serve as a resource to journalists by connecting media representatives with appropriate UF/IFAS subject matter experts.
• Monitor media trends and identify opportunities to expand visibility for UF/IFAS expertise.

Strategic Communications Leadership, Crisis Communications & Integrated Communications

Provide strategic leadership for communications initiatives that advance organizational priorities, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance awareness of UF/IFAS programs and expertise.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic communications and public relations campaigns.
• Provide operational leadership for cross-functional communications teams supporting major initiatives, projects, issues management efforts, and organizational priorities.
• Serve as a communications strategist and advisor on high-profile, sensitive, or complex communications matters.
• Assist in planning and executing crisis communications and emergency response communications, including issues related to Extension, weather events, and emerging organizational concerns.
• Coordinate communications efforts across multiple channels to ensure message consistency and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Measure communication outcomes and recommend strategies to improve effectiveness and audience engagement.
• Serve as the UF/IFAS representative to integrated communications initiatives involving UF Strategic Communications and Marketing, UF Health Communications, and other university communications partners.

Editorial Leadership & Communications Consultation

Serve as a senior communications resource for editorial review, messaging strategy, and communications best practices across the UF/IFAS communications network.

• Provide final review and editing for complex, sensitive, controversial, or high-visibility communications materials.
• Offer editorial guidance and feedback to communicators throughout the UF/IFAS system.
• Ensure consistency, quality, accuracy, and alignment with organizational messaging and communications standards.
• Consult with faculty, Extension professionals, communicators, and administrators regarding media relations strategies, storytelling opportunities, and communications planning.
• Assist in establishing and promoting editorial standards and best practices across UF/IFAS.

Stakeholder Engagement, Program Communications & Organizational Representation

Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support communications objectives and enhance organizational visibility.

• Serve as communications liaison for assigned initiatives, departments, programs, and stakeholder groups.
• Promote organizational achievements, research discoveries, educational opportunities, and community impacts through integrated communications efforts.
• Support stakeholder communications and public engagement initiatives that advance the UF/IFAS mission.
• Facilitate media coverage of events, programs, and major announcements.
• Build partnerships with faculty, researchers, administrators, Extension personnel, industry representatives, and external organizations to identify communications opportunities.
• Represent UF/IFAS Communications in university-wide communications initiatives, planning groups, and professional networks.

Training, Reporting & Professional Development

Contribute to organizational effectiveness through reporting, training, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

• Track communications activities, projects, outcomes, and media placements using department systems and reporting tools.
• Assist with internal and external reporting related to communications performance and organizational visibility.
• Conduct media relations and communications training for faculty and staff.
• Provide guidance on storytelling, media engagement, interview preparation, and crisis communication best practices.
• Share industry trends, emerging technologies, and communications best practices with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to remain current in communications, journalism, media relations, strategic communications, and science communication.

Health Assessment Required:No

Expected Salary: $61,000-65,000; commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications: Master's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience

Preferred

The successful candidate will have exceptional writing and media relations skills, a strong understanding of science communication, and the ability to translate complex research into compelling stories that resonate with a wide array of audiences while advancing organizational priorities.

• Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field.
• Professional experience in media relations, journalism, science communication, public affairs, strategic communications, or higher education communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience translating scientific, technical, or research-based information into public-facing communications.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic communications initiatives, integrated communications efforts, or public relations campaigns.
• Experience with crisis communications, issues management, stakeholder communications, or executive communications.
• Strong understanding of local, state, national, and industry media environments.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) Style.
• Experience building relationships with journalists and securing earned media coverage.
• Strong organizational, project management, consultation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working in higher education, research, agriculture, natural resources, government, or nonprofit organizations.

Applications Close: 02 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.