Director, Public Relations, Media Communications Job at Rutgers University in Ne

Overview

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.

In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short‑ and long‑term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Director for Public Outreach and Communication for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The Director for Public Outreach and Communication reports to the Director of External Relations and Strategic Initiatives and is responsible for managing a strategic communications plan for innovative and effective messaging and marketing to support the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), as well as leading content development through journalistic writing and social media outputs. This position leads an office dedicated to outreach and multi‑media communication that shares the research, teaching, and extension activities of SEBS/NJAES in formats appropriate to best reach New Jersey's population, current and prospective students, alumni, and national and international audiences.

Key Duties

• Drive the advancement of science communication and translational outreach that shares impacts in research, teaching and outreach efforts at SEBS and NJAES through engaging and varied formats.
• With direction and collaboration of the Director of External Relations & Strategic Initiatives, plan, develop and implement a proactive, effective, long‑term communications and public relations strategy that clearly articulates and promotes SEBS‑NJAES mission, vision, values, and impact.
• Lead and develop an effective team of communicators with shared purpose to support SEBS/NJAES through coordinated and impactful storytelling utilizing multiple formats through interviews, attendance at key events, journalistic research, video, photography, and other means.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and work with staff to ensure a high‑performance, service‑oriented work environment that supports achievement of the SEBS‑NJAES mission, objectives and values.
• Develop a data‑driven evaluation process to analyze outreach and effectiveness of materials to inform strategies for ongoing improvement of communications and public outreach.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's degree and a minimum of three years relevant experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field or demonstrated, verifiable equivalent professional development experience.

Certifications / Licenses

• A valid driver's license would be required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, recruitment, and/or marketing strategy development.
• Experience in leadership roles and team management. Experience overseeing and coordinating work of a variety of communications roles including writers, photographers, videographers and content creators.
• Proven ability to collaborate within a structure of varied perspectives all working toward shared goals.
• Proven ability to develop inclusive outreach strategies and develop materials that engage a diverse population, such as the population in New Jersey.
• Proven success in higher education marketing, preferably at research‑focused institutions.
• Understanding of higher education trends and research communication.
• Experience working in a context that involves community engagement and extension.
• Experience with Science Communication.
• Experience with CRM systems and marketing automation tools.
• Proficiency in content management systems and email marketing platforms.
• Brand management and development.
• Budget management and strategic planning.
• Ability to translate complex academic concepts for diverse audiences.
• Experience utilizing data and stakeholder feedback to assess outreach and marketing effectiveness.
• Content writing experience for multiple platforms.
• Digital marketing expertise (social media, SEO, analytics).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities. Meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong political acumen and media savvy.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strategic and creative mindset.

Equipment Utilized

• Adobe design suite.
• Video editing software.
• WordPress and/or other webpage content media management.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Access to a personal vehicle.

Special Conditions

• Clean Driving Record.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Details

• Posting Number: 26ST0638
• Posting Open Date: 03/31/2026
• Regional Campus: Rutgers University‑New Brunswick
• Home Location Campus: Cook (RU‑New Brunswick)
• City: New Brunswick
• State: NJ

Pre‑employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu
on‑discrimination‑statement