Responsibilities

• 40% Lead the production and implementation, and evaluation of marketing and digital media/communications efforts, including print, web, and advertisements - including but not limited to: print and digital advertisements in magazines, paid social media campaigns, etc. This function includes managing and updating content on the Return ‘Em Right website, working with advertising partners on collateral, and developing graphics and marketing campaigns and analyzing data to inform and contribute to the optimization of communications strategies across a variety of platforms; leading organizational efforts through regular evaluation and monthly reporting of marketing performance metrics.
• 30% Lead the management of the production and monitoring of marketing and advertising products, per direction from IFAS-ICS, FSG, and the Program Management Team (PMT). Lead graphic design for digital and print products; develop and support the production of creative assets for campaigns in collaboration with the social media coordinator to ensure a comprehensive approach to reaching targeted audiences.
• 10% Coordinate the procurement and distribution of promotional materials such as apparel, print materials, and other "swag" items, including liaising with manufacturers, tracking inventory, and managing shipments. Work with manufacturers/vendors to ensure program participants are receiving gear/swag/print materials in a timely manner and vendors are receiving payment in a timely manner via UF procurement channels.
• 10% Attend weekly meetings with direct supervisor/team members (FSG/IFAS ICS), core team (NOAA, etc.), to provide progress updates on existing projects, review upcoming campaigns, and plan for larger strategic initiatives.
• 5% Represent Return ‘Em Right at outreach and industry events. Attend trade shows and transport RER booth and other promotional items to events and set up. Related to internal events: participation in monthly virtual PMT meetings and in an annual in-person PMT meeting.
• 5% Other – may include technical editing of documents, reviewing presentations, assisting with education module developments, etc.
• This position has no supervisory authority. This position reports directly to the Program Director and the project principal investigator. The individual must be able to work independently with remote team members across multiple organizations and proactively, with general guidance provided by project supervisors and the PMT. Regular consultation and evaluation is expected with the Florida Sea Grant Program Director and project principal investigators.
• 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday at the Florida Sea Grant office on the University of Florida campus. This work schedule may be adjusted with supervisory approval. May be expected to work beyond normal work hours or occasionally on weekends. Travel as needed for meetings, events, etc., up to 10%.

Requirements

• Marketing and Communications Specialist I - Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience; or an associate's degree and five years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Marketing and Communications Specialist II - Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience; or an Associate’s degree and six years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or related field and 2 or more years of experience in the development and implementation of communications campaigns, public relations campaigns, or related work.
• Experience coordinating website content and page updates, with the ability to apply basic design principles to enhance user engagement and accessibility.
• Experience using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Suite or similar to design a variety of content such as print materials, print advertisements, digital advertisements, social media and web graphics, etc.
• Experience tracking and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs) across marketing, social media, and engagement channels to measure effectiveness and guide strategy.
• Strong knowledge of and passion for recreational saltwater fishing.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and coordinating work assignments independently.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively as part of a team, including but not limited to remote team members across multiple organizations.