Recruitment/Posting Title Public Relations Specialist II
Job Category URA-AFT Administrative
Department Eagleton Institute of Politics
Overview
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.
For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Public Relations Specialist II for the Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) which is part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics. The RDL was established through a transformative gift received in November 2024. Its mission is to serve as a vibrant hub for civic engagement and a collaborative workshop for studying, analyzing, and addressing the challenges and opportunities of contemporary democracy. RDL embodies a bold commitment to equipping students with the tools and knowledge to engage with, strengthen, and sustain democracy for future generations. The Lab also seeks to examine emerging threats, such as the influence of social media, and explore their profound impact on democratic processes.
Among the key duties of the position are the following:
- Helps further RDL’s mission by executing strategic communication plans to highlight groundbreaking programs.
- Connects RDL with students, faculty, staff, practitioners, and external stakeholders/partners.
- Coordinates RDL’s public profile and relationships with key audiences through targeted outreach and strategic communications plans.
- Serves as primary liaison to the media for the RDL.
- Builds relationships across traditional and social media, both in New Jersey and nationally, to increase awareness of and engagement with RDL’s research, education, events, and resources.
- Partners with leading democracy-focused organizations to promote shared content and messaging.
- Partners with the RDL’s student digital content creators to disseminate engaging, student-led social media content.
- Participates in Institute-wide and/or cross-team projects.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 04
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 59893.480
Mid Range Salary 73909.480
Maximum Salary 87925.480
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:
- 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
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discounts programs
For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours (per week)
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
Union Description URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Minimum Education and Experience
- Minimum of a BA in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as two years of work experience in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must have excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communications skills. Creativity and excellent organizational skills are a must.
- Demonstrated digital media marketing skills and the ability to identify and master new communications tools quickly are required.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable meeting and working with a broad range of people – from high-level public officials to media representatives to vendor staff to students – in a variety of highly visible settings.
- Must be able to independently manage multiple tasks and short deadlines in high-stress situations. Must be very organized, efficient, and detail oriented.
- Must be comfortable working for an organization that is political yet non-partisan and straddles the worlds of politics and academia.
- Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), Photoshop, email marketing tools, social media, and desktop publishing.
- Must be proficient in CiviCRM or equivalent contact management platforms.
- Must be available to work some evenings and weekends.
- Must be proficient in website management.
- Thorough grounding in U.S. and New Jersey politics and government is essential, whether through coursework, professional experience, or personal involvement. Because RDL and Eagleton’s research and programs focus on American politics, the incumbent should understand the relevant positions, processes, and relationships and be aware of sensitive political issues.
Preferred Qualifications
- Some web development experience preferred.
Equipment Utilized
- Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or other basic photo editing tools, CiviCRM, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
- Must also know how to use social media management tools like Hootsuite and Buffer.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Eagleton offices are located within a historic building with no elevator.
- The duties of this position regularly involve navigating stairs numerous times a day.
- An applicant may request a reasonable accommodation if they have a disability that restricts them in their ability to climb and/or navigate stairs.
Special Conditions
- This position is paid from a five-year gift, and continuation is contingent upon available funds.
Posting Number 25ST0271
Posting Open Date 03/05/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus Douglass (RU-New Brunswick)
City New Brunswick
State NJ
Location Details
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