Marketing Communication Specialist

About Us

Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs that meet the needs of our region. At The River, we believe every student’s and every employee’s story matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.

Why Join The River

When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here, your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape futures, support student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day.

Responsibilities

• Create and Communicate
  • Write and edit content for the college’s owned media, including, but not limited to, website content, social media content, press releases, news stories, blogs, and other institutional publications.
  • Serve as a liaison between the college and the media, coordinating media inquiries and arranging interviews with college officials.
  • Support emergency communications by coordinating timely alerts, updates, and recovery messaging across all channels.
  • Leverage emerging technologies—including AI tools and automation—to streamline content creation and enhance digital reach.
  • Develop internal communications to keep faculty, staff, and students informed and inspired.
  • Safeguard sensitive information and ensure timely, accurate responses.
• Collaborate and Connect
  • Partner with the Strategic Events Team to plan and promote media events, press conferences, and College celebrations.
  • Own media relations—respond to inquiries, coordinate interviews, draft statements, and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
  • Support community outreach efforts across the college, working with other departments to align messaging and strengthen public engagement.
• Measure and Improve
  • Track and analyze media coverage, social engagement, and communications performance to identify trends and insights.
  • Prepare reports and recommend strategies to enhance The River’s visibility and reputation.
  • Support emergency response messaging and monitor public sentiment to ensure clarity and trust.
• Complete all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of related experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or social media.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with proficiency in AP style.
• Experience using social media management and content creation platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine laws.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with creative tools and web content management systems, particularly experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and Element451.
• Familiarity with local and statewide media landscapes.

Physical Demands

This position requires an ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time and to present oral lectures/demonstrations, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items occasionally in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds. Some lifting of computer and electronic equipment may be required. It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as a copier, fax, calculator, telephone, and other equipment as necessary.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; supplemental plans; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Affordable Coverage: PPO and HMO options starting at approximately $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.
• Retirement Security: Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation, plus optional tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and access to local attraction discounts.
• Growth & Development: Professional development opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement pathways.

Pay

Pay range starts at $49,287.08. All salary calculations start at the minimum salary and will be based on the candidate's education and experience.