Senior Public Relations Specialist

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

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 candidate 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.

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
Exceptional writing and media relations skills
Strong understanding of science communication
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
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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.