Communications, Public Relations, and Program Coordinator
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604
Overview
Posting Number S14641P Working Title: Communications, Public Relations, and Program Coordinator Department: CAES-Food Science & Technology About the University of Georgia The University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff, and enrollment exceeds 41,000 students (over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students). Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Position Details
Posting Type: External Employment Type: Employee Benefits Eligible Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience Open until filled: Yes Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date 03/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must submit: (1) letter of application; (2) a curriculum vitae detailing background and capability to conduct research; (3) undergraduate transcripts; and (4) names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three professional references that can be contacted. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Faith Critzer, Professor and Interim Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, at fcritzer@uga.edu.
Location & EEO
Location of Vacancy: Athens Area 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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
Policy & Values
USG Core Values Statement: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 at the USG site. Freedom of Expression is supported as stated in Board Policy 6.5. Details at USG policy pages.
Position Information
Classification Title: Public Relations Pro I FLSA: Exempt FTE: 1.00
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, Journalism, or related field Two years of communications experience is desirable
Position Summary & Responsibilities
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) within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) across the Athens and Griffin campuses. Responsibilities include managing news distribution, coordinating media relations, and contributing to the ongoing news service of the College and UGA Extension. The position will manage daily stories, emerging issues and crises as needed, and coordinate editorial resources as necessary. The position will: Educate and inform partners with marketing and communication stories across multiple media platforms. Write news stories, press releases, and content for the Department for multiple outlets and platforms. Serve as a communication hub for the Department of Food Science and Technology; participate in strategizing, producing, coordinating, and disseminating departmental communication (local, national, and international outreach, development communication, alumni communication, recruitment materials, and reporting stories from faculty). Prepare and disseminate news releases, media packets, impact statements and social media updates; provide support for video and photography requests as needed.
The position requires strong interpersonal and written communications skills, the ability to write clearly for web and print materials, some visual design skills, and project management experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
Knowledge of publication production processes: writing, editing, photography, design and print Ability to meet multiple deadlines for several projects Knowledge of AP style guidelines and copy editing/proofreading techniques for print, online and social media Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to ensure quality and up-to-date information
Physical Demands & Other Requirements
Physical Demands: Sitting and standing; driving as needed to perform job tasks. Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care? No Security Access: No
Additional Information
Credit and P-Card policy: A credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For more information, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including criminal background check and verification of credentials and employment history. A pre-employment drug test may be required for certain positions. Visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities
Content And Copy Writing News stories and content series highlighting FST students, faculty, and research. Writing, editing and proofreading copy for editorial and marketing materials, including annual reports, recruitment materials, Extension marketing materials, scientific storytelling, and event materials. Drafting and producing FST newsletter for stakeholders. Researching, writing, editing, and fact-checking news articles focused on FST research, teaching and Extension programs (3-5 news stories per week). Contributing to stories and features for online and print outlets (websites, social media, marketing materials, public service announcements, radio/TV). Percentage of time: 60%
Media Coordination and Reporting Collaborate with media locally, regionally, and nationally to promote FST faculty as experts and programs as newsworthy projects. Respond to media inquiries and route to appropriate personnel; archive projects upon completion. Proactively seek opportunities to pitch to the media. Work with CAES Office of Marketing and Communications on international media coverage strategies. Report weekly, monthly, and quarterly metrics and analysis on top trends, stories, and press hits. Percentage of time: 20%
Website Design and Content Development Update stories and news feeds; write just-in-time content. Develop and maintain FST social media participation. Develop and update presentations and promotional materials. Percentage of time: 20%
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact: Dr. Faith Critzer Email: fcritzer@uga.edu
Required & Optional Documents
Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Unofficial Transcripts, List of References with Contact Information Optional Documents
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Posting Number S14641P Working Title: Communications, Public Relations, and Program Coordinator Department: CAES-Food Science & Technology About the University of Georgia The University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff, and enrollment exceeds 41,000 students (over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students). Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Position Details
Posting Type: External Employment Type: Employee Benefits Eligible Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience Open until filled: Yes Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date 03/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must submit: (1) letter of application; (2) a curriculum vitae detailing background and capability to conduct research; (3) undergraduate transcripts; and (4) names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three professional references that can be contacted. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Faith Critzer, Professor and Interim Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, at fcritzer@uga.edu.
Location & EEO
Location of Vacancy: Athens Area 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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
Policy & Values
USG Core Values Statement: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 at the USG site. Freedom of Expression is supported as stated in Board Policy 6.5. Details at USG policy pages.
Position Information
Classification Title: Public Relations Pro I FLSA: Exempt FTE: 1.00
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, Journalism, or related field Two years of communications experience is desirable
Position Summary & Responsibilities
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) within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) across the Athens and Griffin campuses. Responsibilities include managing news distribution, coordinating media relations, and contributing to the ongoing news service of the College and UGA Extension. The position will manage daily stories, emerging issues and crises as needed, and coordinate editorial resources as necessary. The position will: Educate and inform partners with marketing and communication stories across multiple media platforms. Write news stories, press releases, and content for the Department for multiple outlets and platforms. Serve as a communication hub for the Department of Food Science and Technology; participate in strategizing, producing, coordinating, and disseminating departmental communication (local, national, and international outreach, development communication, alumni communication, recruitment materials, and reporting stories from faculty). Prepare and disseminate news releases, media packets, impact statements and social media updates; provide support for video and photography requests as needed.
The position requires strong interpersonal and written communications skills, the ability to write clearly for web and print materials, some visual design skills, and project management experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies
Knowledge of publication production processes: writing, editing, photography, design and print Ability to meet multiple deadlines for several projects Knowledge of AP style guidelines and copy editing/proofreading techniques for print, online and social media Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to ensure quality and up-to-date information
Physical Demands & Other Requirements
Physical Demands: Sitting and standing; driving as needed to perform job tasks. Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care? No Security Access: No
Additional Information
Credit and P-Card policy: A credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For more information, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including criminal background check and verification of credentials and employment history. A pre-employment drug test may be required for certain positions. Visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities
Content And Copy Writing News stories and content series highlighting FST students, faculty, and research. Writing, editing and proofreading copy for editorial and marketing materials, including annual reports, recruitment materials, Extension marketing materials, scientific storytelling, and event materials. Drafting and producing FST newsletter for stakeholders. Researching, writing, editing, and fact-checking news articles focused on FST research, teaching and Extension programs (3-5 news stories per week). Contributing to stories and features for online and print outlets (websites, social media, marketing materials, public service announcements, radio/TV). Percentage of time: 60%
Media Coordination and Reporting Collaborate with media locally, regionally, and nationally to promote FST faculty as experts and programs as newsworthy projects. Respond to media inquiries and route to appropriate personnel; archive projects upon completion. Proactively seek opportunities to pitch to the media. Work with CAES Office of Marketing and Communications on international media coverage strategies. Report weekly, monthly, and quarterly metrics and analysis on top trends, stories, and press hits. Percentage of time: 20%
Website Design and Content Development Update stories and news feeds; write just-in-time content. Develop and maintain FST social media participation. Develop and update presentations and promotional materials. Percentage of time: 20%
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact: Dr. Faith Critzer Email: fcritzer@uga.edu
Required & Optional Documents
Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Unofficial Transcripts, List of References with Contact Information Optional Documents
#J-18808-Ljbffr