What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specalist position at Jacksonville University?
Job Title: Communications Specialist
Department: Marketing and Communications
Position Reports to: SVP, External Affairs
Effective Date: 03/01/2026
Position Class Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Job Summary
This position is responsible for working with Jacksonville University leadership and faculty to develop, implement, manage and measure the effectiveness of comprehensive and strategic communications strategies for the University and its programs.
The Senior Communications Specialist will report to Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position will play a pivotal role in shaping and amplifying the University's public relations efforts. This position will lead the planning, development, and execution of strategic communication initiatives that align with the university’s key events and priorities. Serving as the primary media contact, the specialist will manage media relations, oversee content creation, and coordinate the distribution of promotional materials. The role requires a strong collaborative approach, working closely with Marketing & Communications team members and various departments across campus to deliver timely, engaging, and impactful content to internal and external audiences. Other duties are somewhat varied in nature, requiring independent judgment involving commonly encountered problems. This position performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assist with the development and execution of comprehensive public relations and communications plans for major university events and initiatives.
Serve as the primary media contact, managing relationships with key media outlets and coordinating media outreach efforts.
Oversee and manage the content calendar, ensuring a cohesive approach to media relations and content pitching across various teams.
Respond to media and public inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of university news and promotional materials such as press kits, brochures, and flyers.
Draft, edit and distribute press releases, media advisories, and other story materials to support public relations campaigns.
Collaborate with internal campus partners to create content that aligns with strategic university goals, fostering strong cross-departmental communication.
Develop and implement content-sharing strategies for key audiences, including university leadership, to ensure cohesive messaging.
Research, write, and edit high-quality content for university publications, including WAVE Magazine, JU News Hub, annual reports, and web copy.
Maintain and update the JU News page and other relevant landing pages to highlight timely and engaging news from the university.
Assist with internal communications, including drafting and distributing campus emails and other print or digital materials for faculty and staff.
Provide copy editing, fact-checking, and proofreading support to ensure the accuracy and quality of all communications materials.
Support additional writing and editing needs of the marketing department as required.
Research, write, and edit content for University print/digital material and publications, including WAVE Magazine (print and online), JU News Hub, annual reports, emails, special events collateral, print and online ads, and web copy.
Support other writing and editing needs of the marketing office as requested.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Excellent writing skills
Experience interviewing individuals for editorial content Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent time management skills
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills Highly motivated to learn new skills and tools
Ability to work in a team and build positive relationships
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends, as necessary)
Knowledge of AP Style preferred
Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization.
- Four years of relevant experience.
- Higher-education experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Standard office hours, on campus, are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Attendance at weekend events and evening events may be required
Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds. Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.
Important Note
This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.
Acknowledgment
Submission of my application is an acknowledgement of receipt and understanding of this job description. I verify that I am capable of and willing to fulfill all essential functions of this position. I am willing to be flexible and willing to do various jobs that are not listed, as the need arises.