Communications Manager

The College of Marine Science seeks to increase and apply fundamental knowledge of global ocean systems and human-ocean interactions through research, graduate education and community engagement. We create and disseminate knowledge about ocean physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and fisheries through observation, modeling, and theory. We aim to train a well-educated work force and to create a more scientifically informed society.

The College of Marine Science has 30 ranked faculty covering biological, chemical, geological, and physical aspects of marine science and resource assessment, :100 graduate students, :$15 million in annual research, a total endowment of :$18 million, and :80 full-time support personnel. The CMS hosts a range of state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities and is strategically located on USF's waterfront campus in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg is home to many State and Federal research and operational agencies including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Institute of Oceanography, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office, and the USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center. Together, these comprise one of the largest marine-science research complexes in the US.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communication Manager will work closely with the communications team at the USF College of Marine Science to produce multimedia content that raises awareness of the College and supports its strategic goals. As a primary content generator for the College of Marine Science, the incumbent will develop well-researched, factually accurate, and compelling stories to promote the College's latest science and research activities, awards, and events on local, regional, and national levels. The successful candidate will play a key role in publicizing the College of Marine Science as one of the top marine science programs in the country.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as a primary content generator for the College of Marine Science. Responsible for crafting accurate and compelling multimedia stories for the College's website, social media accounts, newsletter, print materials, and other communication channels. Conduct interviews with subject matter experts about the College's latest science and research activities, awards, and events. File clean copy on deadline.
Cultivate strong relationships with College of Marine Science faculty, staff, and students. Identify and develop content ideas in partnership with College of Marine Science stakeholders. Make editorial recommendations and execute communication tactics in coordination with the College of Marine Science communication team.
Design and implement a social media strategy in coordination with communications teams at the College of Marine Science and University of South Florida. Generate, edit, publish, and share engaging social media content that elevates stories and promotes the College of Marine Science to targeted audiences.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in communication, marketing, public relations, technical writing, digital media, or related field, with 4 years of experience in related positions; or a Master's degree in the fields listed above and 2 years of experience.

PREFERRED:

Well-developed skills conveying complex scientific topics to general audiences. The ideal candidate will have experience in social media and science communication, particularly in creating multimedia content about marine science, and working with subject matter experts at scientific research institutions. Basic photography skills are expected; advanced skills in photography, videography, and graphic design are desired but not required.