Communications Specialist

Classification Title:

Communications Specialist

Job Description:

Main content development for the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Gardening Solutions websites. Manage horticulture content within large website.

Manage and execute an editorial calendar with communications team. Research gardening trends and new content areas. Work with Extension specialists throughout the state to develop and write timely content.

Identify gaps in content. Stay current with horticulture research and projects. Take photographs and assist in managing image and graphics libraries.

Handle photo and copyright issues and content.

Identify stories, interview sources, write and edit content for 9,000+ subscriber monthly horticulture e-newsletter. Interview and interact with county and state faculty, volunteers, and gardening enthusiasts.

Review media coverage for trending issues and keep horticulture communication relevant to issues. Coordinate review process with faculty for all written material. Provide excellent and timely customer service to internal and external clients. Organize efforts on improving accessibility through readability tools and strong writing elements.

Create and analyze all social media efforts and increase social media engagement. Maintain the social media presence for consumer horticulture and horticulture volunteers across multiple social media platforms with significant followings and interaction.

Manage social media visitor feedback. Monitor, analyze, and report on social media statistics and other performance measurements. Implement UF and IFAS social media and web policy and stays current with university digital platform decisions and policies. Implement digital design standards and production methods that are ADA compliant.

Provide editing, document layout, formatting, and graphics support for print and digital media products, including newsletter layout, graphics for website and other media, communications for center events, and other center communications as assigned by the director. Develop video and audio communication tactics to support the content and programs.

Oversees intern day-to-day duties in collaboration with the communications manager. Provide feedback and task management related to writing and social media for interns. May be required to take a state vehicle to travel to Extension Offices to work with Extension Faculty, demonstrations gardens to take photos and video, and campus to meet with UF/IFAS researchers about plant related work.

SUPERVISION

Verbal and written as necessary. No supervision of other employees.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE

Monday

• Friday, 8:00am

• 5:00pm. Occasional weekend or evenings may be necessary. Travel may be required to meet with statewide faculty, participate in meetings or tradeshows.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW.

Current Florida Driver's License

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION

Candidates should be production and deadline driven, creative, and respond well to team accountability. Candidates should have demonstrated skill in writing, content management, and social media.

Candidates with experience in Microsoft and Adobe products are desired. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and interpersonal relationships. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system and be service oriented. Candidates must also have a commitment to IFAS core values of excellence, global involvement, and accountability.

POLICY MAKING AND/OR INTERPRETATION.

The person in this position will not make policy decisions.

PROGRAM DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT.