Manager, Public Affairs

Media Relations

• Handle media inquiries by providing timely, accurate and approved responses that protect the institution’s reputation.
• Prepare news releases, media statements and briefing materials to ensure accurate and consistent messaging across all public-facing communications.
• Develop and execute media strategies that align with institutional priorities, ensuring key initiatives and leadership voices are represented in the public sphere.

Issues Management

• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, analyzing trends and flagging issues that may require response, correction or strategic messaging.
• Meet with campus communicators and key campus constituents as needed to remain current with ongoing issues and potential challenges.
• Partner with communicators across UF colleges and units to ensure consistent messaging and issues preparedness.
• Coordinate with social media and digital content teams to ensure alignment on messaging and response to online issues.

Crisis Communications

• Coordinate closely with Emergency Management, General Counsel, UF Police Department, and Government Relations on sensitive or high-risk matters.
• Collaborate with police and emergency responders to ensure accurate and timely communication that supports public safety.
• Serve as secondary contact and lead for communications during emergency situations, including activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Develop and execute rapid response communication plans during incidents, balancing transparency with security and legal considerations.
• Collaborate with peers at other universities, law enforcement agencies, and higher education associations on best practices in crisis and issues management.
• Participate in strategic communications planning, institutional events, and other university-wide initiatives.

Experience as a Public Information Officer at a law enforcement agency or higher education is preferred. Alternatively, demonstrated ability to successfully manage communications during critical incidents involving emergency responders, handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately, and effectively engage with media and the public to maintain trust and ensure public safety.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in managing serious crises in a large organizational setting.
• Experience in crisis communication with knowledge of Incident Command System and Risk Management practices.
• A commitment to always being available for emergency communications duties, including nights, weekends, and during university closures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Technical competencies and general knowledge of digital platforms for professional use.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide strategic counsel, collaborate across disciplines, and build and maintain relationships with news media.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, and to demonstrate leadership when called upon.
• Ability to remain calm and professional and adapt quickly under intense stress.
• Journalism background (print, digital, or broadcast) is a plus.