University of Utah
Director, Public Relations/Communications
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84193
Details
Open Date
09/17/2024
Requisition Number
PRN39883B
Job Title
Director, Public Relations/Communications
Working Title
Director, Public Relations/Communications
Job Grade
H
FLSA Code
Executive
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday-Friday 8-5
Some nights and weekends as needed
VP Area
Academic Affairs
Department
00002 - SR VP Academic Affairs Oper
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
82400 to 140000
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Job Summary
The Director of PR/Communications for the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs ( SVPAA ) is responsible for directing, overseeing and implementing all aspects of public relations and communication functions for the office of the SVPAA . The director must be able to craft both internal and external messaging for the Senior Vice President and other campus leaders, as well as writing communications to represent the Office of the SVPAA and Academic Affairs operations campus wide. The director acts as a catalyst between the Office of the Senior Vice President and all members of the campus community—students, faculty and staff—to ensure continuity and quality of service.
Communications platforms include regular email updates, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, social media posts, event scripts and talking points. Institutional communications projects include: preparing documents and presentations for university accreditation reports, Board of Trustees meetings, Truth in Tuition events, university town halls, the Council of Academic Deans, and SVP initiatives, among others. Routine communication tasks include: writing internal communications with staff, faculty and students; preparing press releases, media pitches and editorials; providing external customer service and relationship-building with various members of the University of Utah campus community; and editing sensitive or privileged human resource and financial management communications. This position will also be responsible for building and leading a PR/Communication hub, which will coordinate resources among other Academic Affairs units and coordinate communications within the Academic Affairs portfolio.
Responsibilities
Directs and implements policies and procedures in the areas public relations and communication objectives that are consistent with University of Utah’s goals and objectives.
Develops strategic communications call for Academic Affairs. Implements and administers new and existing programs and services to internal and external customers. Evaluates program effectiveness. May carry out and implement logistic plans and procedures, ensuring that the unit objectives are met.
Participates in University-wide committees to establish customer service standards and administrative plans and policies.
Facilitates and leads cooperative and collaborative community and institutional relationships.
Ensures customer satisfaction by analyzing complaints, concerns and suggestions and providing appropriate follow-through.
Develops departmental strategies consistent with the assigned departments continuous quality improvement program.
Establishes internal objectives and implements procedures to meet goals.
Serves as part of the department management team.
Is a proven problem solver. This position frequently addresses problematic situations and often acts as a mediator or a negotiator. A major task is to understand the communication needs of Academic affairs and help determine how those needs should be met.
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area of assignment or equivalency (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education).
Eight years of progressively more responsible management experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly for a range of audiences, including academic leadership, faculty, staff and students.
Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years of experience working within a higher education setting and a firm understanding of academic governance, faculty roles, student services and more.
Experience developing and implementing internal communication strategies.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess communication needs and effectiveness of strategies.
Experience handling sensitive information with discretion.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with academic leadership, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure; demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department.
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint, Twitter, Instagram, and Qualtrics is helpful.
Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Open Date
09/17/2024
Requisition Number
PRN39883B
Job Title
Director, Public Relations/Communications
Working Title
Director, Public Relations/Communications
Job Grade
H
FLSA Code
Executive
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday-Friday 8-5
Some nights and weekends as needed
VP Area
Academic Affairs
Department
00002 - SR VP Academic Affairs Oper
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
82400 to 140000
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Job Summary
The Director of PR/Communications for the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs ( SVPAA ) is responsible for directing, overseeing and implementing all aspects of public relations and communication functions for the office of the SVPAA . The director must be able to craft both internal and external messaging for the Senior Vice President and other campus leaders, as well as writing communications to represent the Office of the SVPAA and Academic Affairs operations campus wide. The director acts as a catalyst between the Office of the Senior Vice President and all members of the campus community—students, faculty and staff—to ensure continuity and quality of service.
Communications platforms include regular email updates, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, social media posts, event scripts and talking points. Institutional communications projects include: preparing documents and presentations for university accreditation reports, Board of Trustees meetings, Truth in Tuition events, university town halls, the Council of Academic Deans, and SVP initiatives, among others. Routine communication tasks include: writing internal communications with staff, faculty and students; preparing press releases, media pitches and editorials; providing external customer service and relationship-building with various members of the University of Utah campus community; and editing sensitive or privileged human resource and financial management communications. This position will also be responsible for building and leading a PR/Communication hub, which will coordinate resources among other Academic Affairs units and coordinate communications within the Academic Affairs portfolio.
Responsibilities
Directs and implements policies and procedures in the areas public relations and communication objectives that are consistent with University of Utah’s goals and objectives.
Develops strategic communications call for Academic Affairs. Implements and administers new and existing programs and services to internal and external customers. Evaluates program effectiveness. May carry out and implement logistic plans and procedures, ensuring that the unit objectives are met.
Participates in University-wide committees to establish customer service standards and administrative plans and policies.
Facilitates and leads cooperative and collaborative community and institutional relationships.
Ensures customer satisfaction by analyzing complaints, concerns and suggestions and providing appropriate follow-through.
Develops departmental strategies consistent with the assigned departments continuous quality improvement program.
Establishes internal objectives and implements procedures to meet goals.
Serves as part of the department management team.
Is a proven problem solver. This position frequently addresses problematic situations and often acts as a mediator or a negotiator. A major task is to understand the communication needs of Academic affairs and help determine how those needs should be met.
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area of assignment or equivalency (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education).
Eight years of progressively more responsible management experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly for a range of audiences, including academic leadership, faculty, staff and students.
Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years of experience working within a higher education setting and a firm understanding of academic governance, faculty roles, student services and more.
Experience developing and implementing internal communication strategies.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess communication needs and effectiveness of strategies.
Experience handling sensitive information with discretion.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with academic leadership, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure; demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department.
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint, Twitter, Instagram, and Qualtrics is helpful.
Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.