Public Relations Specialist I

A master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization, or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of relevant experience.

The Public Relations and Outreach Specialist leads public-facing engagement and promotional efforts at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. This role develops and executes strategic communications, outreach programming, and marketing campaigns that elevate the lab’s visibility, celebrate its community, and connect the public with its scientific mission. This position is central to building Whitney’s reputation through events, digital storytelling, public programming, and branded content. With a focus on launching a community engagement initiative, the role blends creativity with strategy to expand awareness, strengthen internal culture, and deliver high-impact outreach.

Community Engagement Leadership 

Launch and lead a Whitney Community Engagement Role that:

• • Cultivates a culture of connection through events and shared traditions.
  • Reinvigorates internal social spaces and lab-wide interactions.
  • Expands cross-lab and cross-role scientific engagement.
  • Celebrates and shares Whitney’s diverse community and mission.
  • Organize internal and external events, including social gatherings, recognition campaigns, and institutional storytelling efforts.
  • Support promotion of public lecture series, fundraising events, educational workshops, and open houses
  • Coordinate with student housing RA to build community and onboard new people to the lab.
  • Assist new people at Whitney to connect to the community.

Outreach Strategy and Program Development 

1. Develop and manage public-facing programs, including:
   • Pilot monthly public tours and an annual open house
   • Connect with schools, local organizations, and visitors to extend Whitney’s reach.
   • Create programming that amplifies the visibility of Whitney's research outputs and scientists.
   • Research, interview sources, write and distribute news releases, feature articles, story tips/ideas, photographs, and videos to media representatives and other constituencies regarding important information and events.
2. Public Feedback Mechanism. Develop ways for the public to provide feedback (e.g., digital surveys, comment stations at events) to evaluate Whitney’s local impact and identify new opportunities for engagement.
3. Assist the Education Department in promoting initiatives such as Adult Day at Whitney

Digital Communications and Social Media 

• • • Enhance and manage Whitney’s digital presence through a refined social media strategy. Build and execute content calendars, share research stories, and track audience engagement.
    • Create and schedule engaging social media content (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn)
    • Observe social, economic, and political trends that may impact the organization and provide recommendations to enhance the organization’s image based on those trends.
    • Track engagement metrics and adjust content strategies accordingly.

Marketing and Content Development    

• Work with communications manager to provide content ideas for branded outreach materials (e.g., brochures, event signage, fact sheets) and
• Develop and share a Whitney Research Content Kit to support consistent and professional communication across departments and initiatives.

Media Relations and Stakeholder Communication 

• Help coordinate and publicize faculty seminars, visitor talks, and workshops that enhance Whitney’s reputation.
• Host undergraduate/graduate open houses/recruiting days at Whitney.
• Be the point of contact/Liaise with the board of trustees and assist with the organization of the events for the BOT
• Help coordinate and promote Evenings at Whitney
• Help organize booths at conferences to recruit graduate students.
• Share a Whitney Research Content Kit and amplify the Visibility of Research Outputs to the community.
• Collaborate with scientists and staff to translate research into public-friendly stories.

Commensurate with education, skills, and experience.

The University of Florida (UF) offers an exceptional benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance; state retirement plans; a generous leave program; and tuition assistance. UF is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer. For more information on benefits, please visit HR Benefits and Rewards at https://benefits.hr.ufl.edu/.

A master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization, or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of relevant experience.

• • Experience in science communication, higher education, or nonprofit outreach
  • Demonstrated success in developing public engagement programs.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, WordPress, and major social media platforms
  • Experience writing in AP style and managing multi-channel content strategies.
  • Excellent interpersonal and project management skills

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

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