SR DIR, Communications

Apply now Job no: 538068
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Executive/Director/Management
Department:  - SCM-STRATEGIC COMM & MARKETING

SR DIR, Communications

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.

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.

Health Assessment

Required:

No

Advertised: 04 Dec 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled

• Communications/Public Relations/Marketing 1

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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