Senior Public Relations Specialist

Jackson County Florida 4-H; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Communications seeks a Senior Public Relations Specialist to lead strategic communications for UF/IFAS research, Extension, and academic programs. The role drives media relations, science storytelling, and integrated communications with university partners.

The candidate will guide editorial standards, develop high‑impact content, and manage crisis communications while collaborating with stakeholders across UF/IFAS and

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree with relevant experience in communications, media relations, or related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills; experience translating complex science for public audiences.
• Experience leading strategic communications initiatives and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop compelling stories across UF/IFAS; translate science for public audiences.
• Lead strategic communications campaigns; guide cross-functional teams on initiatives and issues management.
• Provide editorial leadership and ensure consistency with UF/IFAS messaging; support crisis communications as needed.

Skills

Writing skills

Media relations experience

Crisis communications

Education

Master's degree in an appropriate area

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area

Job description

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

Classification Title

Public Relations Specialist III

Job Description

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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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

• 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.

Special Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver License required within 60 days of hire.
• Occasional travel throughout Florida for story development, events, meetings, and media opportunities.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Health Assessment Required: No