Overview
Public Relations Specialist II Jobs in New Brunswick at Rutgers University
Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Public Relations Specialist II
Job Category
URA-AFT Administrative
Department
Eagleton Institute of Politics
Overview
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.
For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Public Relations Specialist II for the Eagleton Institute of Politics. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Public Relations Specialist II is responsible for helping to further the Eagleton Institute of Politics’ mission by executing strategic communication plans that promote the Institute’s research exploring emerging topics in American politics, expert commentary and analysis in the news, development priorities, student success, and alumni involvement.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Curates, coordinates, drafts, and disseminates Eagleton’s public profile and relationships with key audiences through targeted outreach and strategic Institute-wide communications plans that will help elevate the Institute’s brand and make all aspects of Eagleton’s work more visible to students, alumni, scholars, the Rutgers community, and the general public.
- Oversees the Institute’s communications team and supervises student interns to meet graphic, video, and digital communications needs of the Institute and its centers.
- Serves as the primary liaison to the media for the Institute and builds relationships across traditional and new media, both here in NJ and nationally, in order to increase Eagleton’s public presence.
- Improves and increases stakeholder engagement with Eagleton’s research, education, and public service resources.
- Expands the Institute’s outreach strategy to further its mission, partnerships, and audience.
- Collaborates with Eagleton’s 70th Anniversary Committee and assists with the campaign concept, planning and management.
- Assists and participates in other Eagleton programs and initiatives, including but not limited to the Institute’s public program series, education programs, and staff committees.
The Eagleton Institute is a collaborative team. On occasion, all members are asked to participate in Institute-wide and/or cross-team projects.
FLSA
Nonexempt
Grade
04
Salary Details
Minimum Salary
59893.480
Mid Range Salary
73909.480
Maximum Salary
87925.480
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status
Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours
37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.
Union Description
URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment
Staff – 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- BA in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as two years of work experience in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communications skills.
- Creativity and excellent organizational skills.
- Demonstrated digital media marketing skills and the ability to identify and master new communications tools quickly.
- Strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable meeting and working with a broad range of people — from high-level public officials to media representatives to vendor staff to students — in a variety of highly visible settings.
- Ability to independently manage multiple tasks and short deadlines in high-stress situations.
- Must be very organized, efficient and detail oriented.
- Must be comfortable working for an organization that is political yet non-partisan and straddles the worlds of politics and academia.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher), PhotoShop, email marketing tools, social media, and desktop publishing. Must be proficient in CiviCRM or equivalent contact management platforms.
- Thorough grounding in U.S. and New Jersey politics and government is essential, whether through coursework, professional experience, or personal involvement. Because Eagleton’s research and programs focus on American politics, the Public Relations Specialist II should understand the relevant positions, processes and relationships and be aware of sensitive political issues.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior knowledge and experience with Rutgers Visual Identity System and communications procedures.
Equipment Utilized
- Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite or other basic photo editing tools, CiviCRM, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Must also know how to use social media management tools like Hootsuite and Buffer.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Eagleton offices are located within a historic building with no elevator. The duties of this position regularly involve navigating stairs numerous times a day.
- An applicant may request a reasonable accommodation if they have a disability that restricts them in their ability to climb and/or navigate stairs.
Special Conditions
- This position requires the ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Posting Details
Posting Number
26ST0752
Posting Open Date
04/20/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Douglass (RU-New Brunswick)
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have a BA in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as two years of work experience in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity?
- Yes
- No
- * Are you a current member of URA-AFT Administration?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- List of Professional References (contact Info)
Optional Documents
Title: Public Relations Specialist II
Company: Rutgers University
Location: New Brunswick
