University of South Florida
Job Description
Organizational Unit:
The USF Health College of Nursing is one of 14 colleges at the University of South Florida and one of four that make up USF Health. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, USF is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a Community-Engaged institution-reflecting its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service.
Nationally recognized as a leader in nursing education and research, the College of Nursing serves more than 2,000 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year. For the fourth consecutive year, our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been ranked No. 1 among Florida's public universities by U.S. News & World Report-rising to No. 23 in the nation in 2025.
As an integral part of USF Health, the College of Nursing is guided by a mission grounded in excellence, innovation, and respect. We are dedicated to educating future nurses, advancing nursing science, and applying evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes and community well-being.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and management of all communications, marketing, and public relations efforts for the College of Nursing. This position guides a multi-functional team to enhance the college's visibility, reputation, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring the consistency and integrity of the college's brand across all channels. The Director oversees the creation and dissemination of content, manages the communications and marketing budget, and supports the college's mission by advancing its reputation and foster meaningful engagement with all stakeholders. The incumbent reports to the Dean of the College of Nursing.
Responsibilities
Oversee the Office of Marketing and Communications and associated staff Develop and implement communications and marketing strategies aligned with college goals Maintain the college's brand and voice across all channels Oversee press relations, storytelling, and brand consistency Analyze marketing and communication efforts and provide insights for continuous improvement Prepare reports for leadership and support major events Manage communications budgets and sensitive issues Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Requires a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of seven years related exempt experience, including five years of managerial experience. Experience leading a team, project, program or function.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree. • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field (Master's preferred) Five (5) years or more of progressive experience in communications. Proven track record of managing media relations and strategic communications, ideally in higher education or healthcare Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Experience with digital strategy, including social media and analytics
About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Organizational Unit:
The USF Health College of Nursing is one of 14 colleges at the University of South Florida and one of four that make up USF Health. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, USF is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a Community-Engaged institution-reflecting its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service.
Nationally recognized as a leader in nursing education and research, the College of Nursing serves more than 2,000 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year. For the fourth consecutive year, our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been ranked No. 1 among Florida's public universities by U.S. News & World Report-rising to No. 23 in the nation in 2025.
As an integral part of USF Health, the College of Nursing is guided by a mission grounded in excellence, innovation, and respect. We are dedicated to educating future nurses, advancing nursing science, and applying evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes and community well-being.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and management of all communications, marketing, and public relations efforts for the College of Nursing. This position guides a multi-functional team to enhance the college's visibility, reputation, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring the consistency and integrity of the college's brand across all channels. The Director oversees the creation and dissemination of content, manages the communications and marketing budget, and supports the college's mission by advancing its reputation and foster meaningful engagement with all stakeholders. The incumbent reports to the Dean of the College of Nursing.
Responsibilities
Oversee the Office of Marketing and Communications and associated staff Develop and implement communications and marketing strategies aligned with college goals Maintain the college's brand and voice across all channels Oversee press relations, storytelling, and brand consistency Analyze marketing and communication efforts and provide insights for continuous improvement Prepare reports for leadership and support major events Manage communications budgets and sensitive issues Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Requires a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of seven years related exempt experience, including five years of managerial experience. Experience leading a team, project, program or function.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree. • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field (Master's preferred) Five (5) years or more of progressive experience in communications. Proven track record of managing media relations and strategic communications, ideally in higher education or healthcare Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Experience with digital strategy, including social media and analytics
About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.