Communications, Public Relations, and Program Coordinator

Position Information

Classification

Title:

Public Relations Pro I

FLSA:
Exempt

Full Time Equivalent: 1.00

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communication, Journalism, or related field
• Two years of communications experience is desirable

The Communications, Public Relations, and Program Coordinator is a full‑time position located on the Athens campus. This role manages public relations for the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) across Athens and Griffin campuses, coordinating media relations, and contributing to the ongoing news service of the College and UGA Extension. The Coordinator writes news stories, press releases, and various content for multiple outlets, serves as a communication hub, and supports video and photography requests.

• News stories and content highlighting FST students, faculty, and research.
• Writing, editing, and proofreading copy for editorial and marketing materials including annual reports, recruitment materials, Extension marketing, scientific storytelling, and event materials.
• Drafting and producing the FST newsletter for stakeholders.
• Researching, writing, editing, and fact‑checking news articles focusing on FST research, teaching, and Extension programs (3‑5 stories a week).
• Contributing to stories and features for online and print outlets such as websites, social media, publications, and radio/TV advertising.

• Cooperate with Georgia, regional, and national media to promote FST faculty and programs.
• Respond to media inquiries and direct them to appropriate FST personnel; archive projects upon completion.
• Proactively pitch news opportunities to media.
• Assist CAES Office of Marketing and Communications with international media coverage strategies.
• Report weekly, monthly, and quarterly metrics and analysis on top trends, stories, and press hits.

• Update stories and news feeds and write just‑in‑time content.
• Develop and maintain FST social media participation.
• Create and update presentations and promotional materials.

• Knowledge of publication production processes: writing, editing, photography, design, and print.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines for several projects.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style guidelines and copy editing/proofreading techniques for print, online, and social media.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to ensure quality, topicality, and up‑to‑date information.

• Sitting and standing.
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, verification of credentials and employment history, and for applicable positions, a satisfactory credit check. A pre‑employment drug test may be required for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.

Recruitment Contact Name: Dr. Faith Critzer

Email: fcritzer

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations for accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (
hrweb
).