Senior Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist III

Masters degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelors 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 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.

$; commensurate with education and experience.

Masters degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelors degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience

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.

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.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered applicants must upload:

• Cover Letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Three writing samples demonstrating news writing feature writing media relations science communication or strategic communications experience (or a link to a professional portfolio)

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

*The posting has been extended. Current applicants are still under consideration and do not need to reapply.