- Job Title: Marketing Communications Specialist I
- Company: University of Central Florida (UCF)
- Location: UCF HSC at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL
- Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 office days per week)
- Category: Marketing & Communications
- Date Posted: May 16, 2025
- Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)
- Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Serving as a multimedia communications specialist for the College of Medicine (COM)
- Reporting on COM activities, priorities, and news events
- Producing content for various media outlets, both traditional and emerging
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to build the national reputation of UCF's medical school
- Managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
*ASSUMPTION:* This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Write engaging press releases and website stories on news of interest at the medical school
- Manage and complete multiple, simultaneous projects while meeting deadlines
- Work with the Communications team to develop and implement media plans, designing and creating compelling visual marketing assets
- Serve as a professional public representative of the COM and COM leadership, including event engagement and media relations
- Collaborate with UCF News and Information, Marketing, and other stakeholders to coordinate and amplify coverage
- Assist with the design, production, and release of related college catalogs, bulletins, marketing materials, and community information
- Complete university and college training and updates
*ASSUMPTION:* This role may require working evenings or weekends to cover events or meet deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Journalism, Communications, Marketing)
- Experience: 0+ years of relevant experience (entry-level position)
- Required Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders
- Proficiency in using content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
- Experience with social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Preferred Skills:
- 2+ years of experience in journalism, public relations, or marketing writing
- Experience with video and photo editing software
- Familiarity with animation software and type
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects)
*ASSUMPTION:* Candidates with relevant internship experience may also be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $48,722 - $65,165 (anticipated, final salary determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations)
- Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Retirement Savings Options (403b and 457 plans)
- Employee Discounts (tickets to many Orlando attractions)
- Education Assistance (tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities)
- Flexible Work Environment (hybrid schedule)
- Working Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a possibility for hybrid work as per UCF policy. Hours may vary based on business needs.
*ASSUMPTION:* The salary range provided is an estimate based on UCF's salary structure for this position. Final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Higher Education
- Company Size: 201-500 employees (UCF Office of Research)
- Founded: 1963 (UCF), 1978 (College of Medicine)
- Company Description: UCF is a public research university and a major partner in Florida's economic development. The College of Medicine is UCF's youngest medical school, focusing on medical education, research, and patient care.
- Company Specialties: Economic Development, Research, Education, Investment, Startup, Technology Transfer, Growth, Venture Lab Accelerator, Business Incubation, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Entry to Mid-Level
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Communications and Marketing in the College of Medicine.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 office days per week)
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression to Marketing Communications Specialist II or similar roles within UCF's Communications and Marketing department
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and gain experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
*ASSUMPTION:* This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within UCF's Communications and Marketing department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art technology and amenities
- Office Location(s): UCF HSC at Lake Nona, Orlando, FL
- Geographic Context: Orlando, FL, is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving job market, numerous attractions, and a high quality of life.
- Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a possibility for hybrid work as per UCF policy. Hours may vary based on business needs.
*ASSUMPTION:* This role may require working evenings or weekends to cover events or meet deadlines, depending on the needs of the College of Medicine.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application submission, phone or video screen, in-person interviews, and a portfolio review
- Key Assessment Areas: Writing and communication skills, project management, creativity, and cultural fit
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, including press releases, articles, social media content, and multimedia projects
- Research UCF and the College of Medicine to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the organization
*ASSUMPTION:* UCF uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords from the job description in your resume can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress)
- Social Media Platforms (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Video and Photo Editing Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop)
- Animation Software (e.g., Adobe After Effects)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
*ASSUMPTION:* Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required. UCF provides training and resources to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Integrity, Excellence, Community, Creativity, and Innovation
- Work Style: Collaborative, fast-paced, and dynamic; employees are expected to be self-motivated, adaptable, and results-driven
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with UCF's core values, particularly in the context of this role?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders?
- How does your personal work style fit with UCF's work culture?
*ASSUMPTION:* UCF values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Working evenings or weekends to cover events or meet deadlines
- Adapting to a dynamic, ever-changing work environment
*ASSUMPTION:* These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Marketing Communications Specialist II (UCF)
- This role requires more experience and may involve supervisory responsibilities
- Public Relations Specialist (UCF)
- This role focuses more on media relations and less on multimedia content creation
- Marketing Coordinator (Local Marketing Agency)
- This role may involve more client-facing responsibilities and less focus on internal communications
*ASSUMPTION:* This role offers a unique blend of internal and external communications responsibilities, making it an excellent fit for candidates interested in both marketing and public relations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a multimedia campaign to promote a College of Medicine research initiative
- Creating engaging content for the College of Medicine's social media platforms
- Designing and producing a promotional video for a College of Medicine event
- Writing and distributing press releases to announce College of Medicine achievements and milestones
*ASSUMPTION:* These sample projects demonstrate the breadth of responsibilities and the opportunity for creativity in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing priorities for the College of Medicine's Communications and Marketing team in the next 6-12 months?
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the College of Medicine?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Communications and Marketing department?
- How does UCF support work-life balance for employees in this role?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what are the opportunities for advancement?
*ASSUMPTION:* These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and your enthusiasm for the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through [this link](https://ucf.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/careers/job/UCF-HSC-at-Lake-Nona/Marketing-Communications-Specialist-I_R110882) by May 24, 2025
- Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, including press releases, articles, social media content, and multimedia projects
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
