Assistant Communications Director
About The Position
Are you ready to drive impactful communication strategies and guide a talented team as the next Utah Department of Commerce Assistant Communications Director? The Assistant Communications Director (ACD) is a high-level leadership role that bridges the gap between executive vision and operational execution. Serving as a subject-matter expert and a diplomatic liaison, the ACD manages the day-to-day operations of the communications and outreach team. This allows the Communications Director to focus on broad department-level strategy while the ACD ensures that projects are prioritized, staff are coached, and media relations are handled with precision. The ideal candidate is a master of project management and a people-first leader who can navigate the nuances of organizational hierarchy to ensure all stakeholders are aligned. The ACD will work a hybrid schedule after a three-month in-person onboarding period. The hybrid schedule allows for two remote-work days each week.
Requirements
- 4 years or more of a proven track record of supervising diverse teams, including hiring and performance management.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills with a sharp eye for detail.
- 4 years or more of strategic media relations work, including responding to requests, press release design/dissemination, maintaining strong relationships with reporters/producers, and press event organization.
- Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build consensus between different levels of leadership, while effectively managing stakeholder expectations.
- Ability to manage immediate tactical needs without losing sight of long-term department goals.
- Must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Nice To Haves
- Highly experienced at guiding a project from initiation to completion, mitigating risks, managing stakeholder expectations, and finalizing deliverables.
- Experience working in a local, county, municipal, state, or federal government agency, or at a public/state higher education institution.
Responsibilities
- Directly supervise communications and outreach staff, including hiring, performance evaluations, and delegating work assignments.
- Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development; implement team meetings and training sessions to elevate the department's capabilities.
- Manage day-to-day team processes, workflows, and internal organization to ensure a high-functioning unit.
- Assist the Communications Director with media responses, interview coordination, and press inquiries.
- Act as a diplomatic bridge between executive leadership and program-level leadership to ensure cohesive messaging and conflict resolution.
- Serve as the official representative for the department or the Communications Director in high-level meetings and public forums as needed.
- Oversee department projects from conception to completion, managing assignments, prioritization, and the approval pipeline.
- Serve as the lead communicator and editor for various programs; provide final copy editing and brand approval for all department assets and materials.
- Act as a subject-matter expert for mass media campaigns and department-specific outreach initiatives.
Benefits
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
