Communications Specialist

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

2d

About The Position

The Communications Specialist is responsible for social media strategy, content development, and management, including designing and managing the social media content calendar, creating, editing, and scheduling content across platforms, collaborating with stakeholders to source content, monitoring engagement, analyzing performance metrics, and ensuring content compliance with UF, state, and national policies. The role also involves content writing and story development, such as writing and editing blog posts, feature stories, news articles, and student and faculty highlights to support recruitment, engagement, and institutional storytelling. Additionally, the specialist drafts and distributes internal and external newsletters and email communications, collaborating with stakeholders for message alignment and accuracy. Project and event coordination and support are also key, assisting with planning and execution of communications projects and campaigns, serving as a project manager with internal stakeholders, coordinating timelines, gathering assets, communicating with clients, and supporting cross-functional initiatives, as well as assisting with communications support for select college events. The position includes website content management, updating and maintaining website content for accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and brand alignment. Finally, the specialist tracks social media trends, compiles analytics reports, and provides insights and recommendations to improve communications effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Demonstrated experience managing or contributing to social media accounts for an organization or brand.
• Experience with social media management software (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Loomly, Social Pilot or similar).
• Experience in AP Style writing; ability to adapt writing tone for various audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Familiarity with web content management systems (e.g., TERMINALFOUR, WordPress).
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., MailChimp, Constant Contact), using analytics to inform strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Vmix software for studio recording.
• Demonstrated proficiency in video editing and use of multimedia software, especially Adobe Premiere and After Effects.
• Experience in social media marketing and website management.
• Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques.
• Ability to use appropriate tools, techniques and media to communicate information about the organization internally and externally.
• Knowledge of organizational vision, structure and operating principles for UF/IFAS Extension Online Learning, IFAS, Extension, and CALS, and ability to apply this understanding to different situations.
• Ability to work both independently and with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts in simple, clear language appropriate to the audience.
• Knowledge of a variety of formats, styles, and techniques for publishing materials and producing video content appropriate to for-credit and non-credit learners.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to process information and carry out tasks with high levels of accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and activities and effectively prioritize and allocate time to meet deadlines and schedules.
• Animation/motion graphics experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Designs and manages the social media content calendar; creates, edits, and schedules content across platforms; collaborates with stakeholders to source content; monitors engagement and responds as appropriate; analyzes performance metrics to inform strategy; ensures content is compliant UF, state, and national policies.
• Writes and edits blog posts, feature stories, news articles, and student and faculty highlights to support recruitment, engagement, and institutional storytelling.
• Drafts and distributes internal and external newsletters and email communications; collaborates with stakeholders to ensure message alignment and accuracy.
• Assists with planning and execution of communications projects and campaigns; serves as project manager with internal stakeholders; coordinates timelines, gathers assets, communicates with clients, and supports cross-functional initiatives; assists with communications support for select college events.
• Updates and maintains website content to ensure accuracy, timeliness, compliance with laws and institutional policies, and alignment with brand standards.
• Tracks social media trends; compiles analytics reports; provides insights and recommendations to improve communications effectiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees