SR DIR, Communications

Works with the SCM team, faculty, and university leadership to plan and direct long-range communications strategies that support university priorities.

• Develops, implements and assesses integrated communications strategies to enhance the image and reputation of UF nationally and globally.
• Translates institutional strategies into integrated communications and public relations objectives and facilitates the development of the institution’s communications plan.
• Implements integrated communications plans for strategic initiatives ensuring plans are synergistic with our branding efforts and uphold the integrity of the university’s reputation.
• Works collaboratively with faculty and staff to develop communications plans and formulate strategies for guiding university-wide content creation operations.
• Monitors media coverage, evaluates the success of communications strategies, analyzes media reports and recommends improvements for future endeavors.
• Meets with college and unit leaders to identify media and public relations opportunities where SCM can provide support and/or resources to aid in the elevation and promotion of goals, services, missions, etc.
• Develops measures to ensure goals are achieved and utilizes these measures to provide feedback and recommendations for changes.

Manages the team that executes on the university’s long-range communications plans in coordination with communications and marketing colleagues from across the enterprise.

• Directs/oversees proactive content creation and strategy, media relations and internal Senior communications.
• Guides the team in fostering relationships with key constituents, internal clients, and the media to enhance awareness of UF’s programs, services and resources.
• Leads collaborative development and execution of communications plans.
• Establishes and monitors staff performance and developmental goals, assigns accountabilities, sets objectives, determines priorities and conducts performance reviews.
• Identifies, creates, and supports opportunities for team members to develop stories and work on projects that provide professional growth while furthering UF’s strategic objectives.
• Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and commitment to quality.
• Directs and supervises workflow, assigning stories, press releases and other projects.
• Identifies and shares industry trends and best practices.
• Oversees efficient and effective use of the team’s budget.

$120k - $145k commensurate with education and experience.

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

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications with a 5+ years leading and mentoring teams
• Strong creative leader with ability to bring abstract thoughts/ideas to fruition while maintaining a perspective on the intention of the strategic objectives
• Exceptional knowledge of communications strategy and management, concepts and practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing communications strategies and setting priorities.
• Working knowledge of state and federal government relations.
• Special expertise in print and online publications and production.
• Ability to deliver high quality work in a high-volume, multiple-project environment.
• Effective leadership, interpersonal and team collaboration skills; must build good working relationships with staff, leaders, external stakeholders and the media.

In order to be considered, you must upload your letter of interest, CV/resume, and list of 3 professional references with current contact information. 

Please note that this is an in-person position located on our main campus in Gainesville, Florida.  Relocation assistance may be available.   

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) Sunday, January 11, 2026.