Department:

UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Ready to turn great work into powerful stories? Join the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability team as a communications professional who brings programs and community impact to life through strategic, engaging messaging.

In this collaborative role, you’ll partner with Extension staff to develop compelling content, ensure consistent and timely communication, and elevate outreach efforts across multiple channels. You’ll also work closely with Sarasota County Communications and UF/IFAS Communication Services to align messaging and maintain high-quality standards.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while enjoying an exceptional work-life balance and outstanding benefits. If you're passionate about visual storytelling, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to help shape how Sarasota County connects with its residents, we encourage you to apply. Join a team that values creativity, service, and innovation in support of our community.

About the Position

In this role, you will be responsible for...

Communication Efforts:

• Develop and deliver educational, outreach, and promotional content to support departmental programs and initiatives

• Serve as a communications consultant by strategizing, designing, and implementing communication plans, materials, and campaigns

• Manage the creation, review, distribution, and maintenance of print and digital communications, including media releases, social media, websites, newsletters, reports, and multimedia content

• Oversee website content, including development of new pages, content management system administration, and ADA accessibility compliance

• Act as the primary point of contact for media relations, coordinating responses, drafting media releases, and supporting media outreach efforts

• Edit and review written materials, providing guidance to staff on clear and effective communication, including technical and scientific content

• Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to identify and promote key messages, stories, and program impacts across multiple communication channels

Data and Reporting:

• Track measures related to web and social views and engagement, educational materials created, and more

• Support regular reporting processes including compiling, editing, writing, and designing accomplishments and metrics reports, fact sheets, and annual reports for leadership and community

• Maintain files, photos, videos, and documents in systematic way to support reporting, file access, and retention

• Use appropriate technologies, including programming and data management tools, to support reporting and data analysis

Project Management and Collaboration:

• Oversee and guide the Communications Associate I position; partners in collaborative projects and facilitates division of tasks between the two roles

• Manage feedback from staff and multiple stakeholders in developing materials and implementing communications strategies

• Lead project meetings and staff engagement to ensure successful completion of projects

• Maintain, track, and report on project status and progress and collaboration steps

• Serve as liaison to County and UF Communications teams on projects to ensure brand standards are maintained and opportunities for cross-promotion are maximized

About the Schedule

Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, Mass Communications -WITH- 3 years of related work experience

• -OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the above fields -WITH- 2 years (or more) of related work experience

• -OR- At management discretion, 7+ years of related professional experience may substitute for the required education

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration

• Ability to read and write HTML, CSS, and web scripting languages as tools to develop and maintain web pages

• Ability to develop and maintain GIS-based maps and data as tools for program- and office-related analysis and reporting

• Ability to read and write Python, PHP, SQL and/or other coding languages as tools for program- and office-related data management, analysis and reporting

• Understanding communications-related technology/hardware, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite products like Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, or other software applications focused on design, image/video editing, data management, photography, video and audio equipment; webinar/teleconference components; and event display equipment

• Adept with communications-related software and web-based tools, including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Publisher, Excel and Access; Eventbrite or similar event management; GIS and/or online mapping programs; photo and video editing packages; newsletter or other digital broadcast applications; and Web content management systems

Level II Fingerprinting: This position is subject to passing a Level II Fingerprinting

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $64,812.80 - $76,772.00/ annually, based on experience

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.