Posting Number SF02026
Job Title Specialist, Public information & Communications
Position Number 107047
FTE 1.00
FLSA Exempt
Position Type Professional Staff
Union PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc
Pay Grade Level Grade Level: 12
Pay Grade Range Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $ 68,000 - $ 73,000
Status Calendar Year, Full-time, Permanent
Department Communications & External Comm
Contact(s)
Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)
Contact Phone/Extension
Contact Email
Physical Demands
Campus Location Kingston
Grant Funded No
Extension Contingency Notes
This is a full time, calendar year permanent position.
Job Description Summary
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by July 7, 2025. Applications received after July 7, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
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About URI:
The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.
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This is a full time in person position with a hybrid/remote schedule of 2 days a week possible immediately upon start date with supervisors permission.
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BASIC FUNCTION:
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Communications, responsible for assisting with public relations and communications efforts aimed at informing and engaging University constituencies around URI initiatives, successes, and impact. Key responsibilities include developing and writing content for digital and print publications; managing email outreach to both internal and external audiences; working proactively with media; and responding to media inquiries.
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with local, regional, and national media outlets to generate interest and publicity for University research, accomplishments, and impact. Craft press releases and stories for the media and University channels.
Respond quickly to frequent media requests for expert resources, information, and general assistance.
Produce content for promotional materials related to University programs, initiatives, and media-related events.
Liaise with communications representatives from other colleges and organizations to support and promote joint announcements.
Assist in coordination of content across all appropriate platforms. Coordinate web-based email platform scheduling and use.
Support special projects, as needed, and work with University Communications team to strategize and enhance opportunities to promote URI and its entities.
Support Assistant Director when public safety emergencies, changes in operations due to storms and/or other crises arise. Assist with emergency management in the areas of crafting emergency and crisis communications and media relations.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform additional duties as requested.
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, printers, and relevant digital programs and software.
Required Qualifications
REQUIRED:
1. Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, liberal arts, or related field.
2. Minimum of five years full-time employment in public relations, news reporting, editing, and/or communications.
3. Demonstrated experience in the areas of public information dissemination, public relations, and media placements.
4. Demonstrated project management experience.
5. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
6. Demonstrated experience working with web-based and other email platforms.
7. Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
8. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
9. Demonstrated strong grammar, punctuation and editing skills (including familiarity with AP style).
10. Demonstrated ability to interpret institutional policies, plans, objectives, rules and regulations and communicate that interpretation to others.
11. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED:
1. Demonstrated communications and/or media relations experience at an institution of higher education.
2. Demonstrated experience in Web CMS.
3. Demonstrated experience working with graphic designers, photographers, and printers in the creation of print materials.
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The University of Rhode Island is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability.
Environmental Conditions
This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Posting Date 06/25/2025
Closing Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach the following 4 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:
(#1) Cover letter.
(#2) Resume.
(#3) Other Document – three samples of work attached (as one complete document).
(#4) Other Document – References – the names and contact information of three professional references. (Note: this document is required even though references may be listed on the application).
Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/15323
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