Public Relations Specialist II

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

3d•$53,000 - $69,700

About The Position

Develop and execute strategies that align with institutional priorities, ensuring key initiatives and leadership voices are represented in the public sphere. Plan, produce, and execute strategic social media initiatives to highlight community policing efforts and support emergency communications and agency branding. Work closely with social media coordinators from Business Affairs and SCM to monitor and respond to issues that arise on social media channels. Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, analyzing trends and flagging issues that may require a law enforcement response, correction or strategic messaging. Coordinate closely with Business Affairs, Emergency Management, General Counsel, SCM on sensitive or high-risk matters. Participate in strategic communications planning, institutional events, and other university-wide initiatives. Advise Command Staff on communication implications related to operational decisions. Serve as the official agency spokesperson for media inquiries, interviews, and news conferences. Draft news releases, media statements and briefing materials to ensure accurate and consistent messaging across all public-facing communications. Maintain proactive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. Coordinate media access during events, crime scenes, or critical incidents while balancing transparency with security and institutional legal considerations. Manage public agency messaging during critical incidents, emergencies, or large-scale events, in close coordination with Emergency Management, General Counsel, Business Affairs, and SCM. Provide real-time updates across designated communication platforms. Collaborate with peers at other universities, law enforcement agencies, and higher education associations on best practices in crisis and issues management. Participate in strategic communications planning, institutional events, and other university-wide initiatives. Support internal communication by preparing agency-wide announcements, newsletters, and briefings. Work with content providers to update agency website. Ensure high-quality web presence and performance. Ensure website content complies with public records laws, accessibility standards, UF branding and legal guidelines. Provide media relations training and guidance to agency personnel. Other assigned duties as directed

Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four (4) years of appropriate experience.
Experience as a Public Information Officer at a law enforcement agency or higher education is preferred.
Alternatively, demonstrated ability to manage communications during critical incidents involving emergency responders, handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately, and effectively engage with media and the public to maintain trust and ensure public safety.
Experience in managing one or more serious crises in a large organizational setting.
Experience in crisis communication with knowledge of Incident Command System and Risk Management practices.
A commitment to always be available for emergency communications duties, including nights, weekends, and during university closures.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Technical competencies and general knowledge of digital platforms for professional use.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide strategic counsel and collaborate across disciplines.
Ability to work under minimal supervision, and to demonstrate leadership when called upon.
Ability to remain calm and professional and adapt quickly under intense stress.
Journalism background (print, digital, or broadcast) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategies that align with institutional priorities
Plan, produce, and execute strategic social media initiatives
Monitor media coverage and public sentiment
Coordinate closely with Business Affairs, Emergency Management, General Counsel, SCM on sensitive or high-risk matters
Advise Command Staff on communication implications related to operational decisions
Serve as the official agency spokesperson for media inquiries, interviews, and news conferences
Draft news releases, media statements and briefing materials
Maintain proactive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets
Coordinate media access during events, crime scenes, or critical incidents
Manage public agency messaging during critical incidents, emergencies, or large-scale events
Provide real-time updates across designated communication platforms
Collaborate with peers at other universities, law enforcement agencies, and higher education associations on best practices in crisis and issues management
Support internal communication by preparing agency-wide announcements, newsletters, and briefings
Work with content providers to update agency website
Ensure high-quality web presence and performance
Ensure website content complies with public records laws, accessibility standards, UF branding and legal guidelines
Provide media relations training and guidance to agency personnel
Other assigned duties as directed