Communications Coordinator I

Job Summary

The Communications Coordinator I of University Communications & Media Relations organizes and administers multiple internal communications and media relations programs consistent with university initiatives. Performs administrative, logistical, operations, and technical tasks.
FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Coordinates and provides input in the design, development, and implementation of internal communications and executive messaging campaigns, including those of the Office of the President and other campus leaders.
• Writes, edits, designs, and coordinates communications related to highly visible or sensitive topics for the university, including those sent on behalf of the president to state agencies, University Trustees, the general public, the media, and internal constituents of the university.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive topics and materials.
• Ensures internal and external outreach content meet strategic goals and follow the university’s branding guidelines.
• Leads the creative process for the Inside FGCU employee newsletter, including overseeing the committee and producing the product’s content.
• Prepares public meeting notices and drafts media releases. Monitors media coverage relevant to the institution’s reputation.
• Coordinates account management, fiscal operations, purchasing and billing.
• Obtains relevant information from clients, such as product and organizational details, budget, and marketing goals.
• Maintains and grows the institution’s relationships with outside agencies, including the media, businesses, nonprofits and the general public in support of the university’s initiatives.
• Researches and obtains relevant information from university offices, departments, and divisions for broad distribution, including formal and informal messaging campaigns across multiple platforms.
• Develops, administers, and analyzes methods and procedures for collecting data, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires, or arrange to obtain existing data.
• Leads and assists with presentations to the university community and beyond.

Other Duties:

• Other job-related duties as assigned.
• Serves as essential personnel and provides assistance in the event of an emergency activation on campus.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Professional full-time experience in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related area.
• Experience with deadline writing and copy editing, and familiarity with graphic design and web management.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from accredited institution in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, or other closely related field.
• Four years of professional full-time experience in marketing, communications, or related field.
• Experience with audio or multi-media production, communications or marketing project management, photography, print production, or social media design.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive), Canva, Zoom, and Adobe (InDesign, Creative Cloud, Acrobat)
• Experience working in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods, including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, verbal, and visual media.
• Knowledge of media trends, from local, regional, and national press.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) Style.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to operate personal computers with proficiency and learn new applications and systems.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.

Pay Grade: 16