Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 01/29/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 03/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must submit: (1) letter of application; (2) a curriculum vitae detailing background and capability to conduct research; (3) undergraduate transcripts; and (4) names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three professional references that can be contacted. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Faith Critzer, Professor and Interim Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, at fcritzer@uga.edu.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title Public Relations Pro I FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communication, Journalism, or related field
• Two years of communications experience is desirable

Position Summary
The Communications, Public Relations, and Program Coordinator is a full-time position located on the Athens campus. This position is responsible for managing public relations for the department of Food Science and Technology (FST) within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) across the Athens and Griffin campuses. The role manages news distribution, coordinates media relations, and contributes to the ongoing news service of the College and UGA Extension. This position will manage daily stories, emerging issues and crises as needed, and coordinate editorial resources as necessary. This position will:

• Educate and inform our partners with marketing and communication stories that encompass a multitude of media platforms.
• Be responsible for writing news stories, press releases, and various content for the Department for multiple outlets and platforms.
• Serve as a communication hub for the Department of Food Science and Technology and play a role in strategizing, producing, coordinating, and disseminating departmental communication. These efforts will include local, national, and international outreach, development communication, alumni communication, as well as recruitment materials and communicating with faculty to gather and report stories pertaining to their work.
• The Coordinator prepares and disseminates news releases, media packets, impact statements and social media updates as well as provides support for video and photography requests as needed.

The position involves strong interpersonal and written communications skills, write clearly for web and print materials, some visual design skills and project management experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of publication production processes: writing, editing, photography, design and print
• Ability to abide by and enforce multiple deadlines for several projects
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style guidelines and copy editing/proofreading techniques for print, online and social media
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to ensure quality, topicality and up-to-date information

Physical Demands
Sitting and standing
Driving as needed to perform job tasks
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
Content and Copy Writing:

• News stories and various content series highlighting FST students, faculty, and research.
• Writing, editing and proofreading copy for various editorial and marketing materials, including annual reports, academic recruitment materials, Extension marketing materials, scientific storytelling, signature event materials and other media for FST.
• Drafting and producing FST newsletter to be circulated among stakeholders.
• Seek out, research, write, edit, and fact check news articles focused on FST research, teaching and Extension programs (3-5 news stories a week).
• Contribute to stories and/or features that will be published on various outlets (online and print) such as annual reports, various FST, CAES, and UGA websites, social media content, marketing materials, public service announcements, and radio/tv advertising.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities
Media Coordination and Reporting

• Work closely with Georgia, regional and national media outlets to promote FST faculty as experts for news stories and FST programs as newsworthy projects.
• Respond to media inquiries and direct to appropriate FST personnel. Archives projects upon completion.
• Proactively seek out opportunities to pitch to the media.
• Work with the CAES Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) and assist with international media coverage strategies.
• Reports weekly, monthly, and quarterly metrics and analysis on top trends, stories, and press hits.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
Website Design and Content Development

• Updating stories and news feeds as well as writing just-in-time content.
• Developing and maintaining FST social media participation.
• Development and updating presentations and promotional materials.

Percentage of time 20

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Faith Critzer Recruitment Contact Email fcritzer@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a valid Driver's license?
   • YES
   • NO

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents