Public Information Manager

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Salt Lake City, UT

5d•$27 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking a detail-oriented communications leader for its Salt Lake City office. The Public Information Manager works with division employees, partners and news media on outreach and communications related to wildlife, wildlife management, safety, viewing, conflicts, and activities such as hunting and fishing. The role researches, writes and distributes information on local and statewide topics, represents the division as its lead spokesperson, and may include hands-on fieldwork with fish and wildlife. The position provides strategic oversight of division communications, including directly supervising two videographers and helping set priorities for video and audiovisual projects. The manager develops clear, engaging content for the division’s website, blog and social media channels and coordinates with communication team members across the state. The position is full-time and hybrid, based in Salt Lake City, and requires residence in Utah. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with on-call availability on weekends and holidays and during emergencies. Occasional overnight travel is required for meetings, conferences and wildlife management projects.

Requirements

Superior verbal communication skills; must be articulate, engaging, concise, and comfortable speaking with the media in person, by phone and on camera.
Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing.
Ability to take or select compelling photos and video footage that complement written work.
Experience using and monitoring multiple social media channels in a professional setting.
Ability to upload information into a website content-management system.
Strong interpersonal communication skills to build trust and positive relationships.
Creative and pragmatic problem-solving skills and ability to improve processes.
Understanding of the history and traditions associated with hunting, fishing and shooting sports, and recognition of how these activities support wildlife conservation.
Professional communications experience using the Associated Press Stylebook.
Must reside within the state of Utah.
Available for on-call work on weekends and holidays and during emergency situations; able to travel overnight occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, media or a related field is preferred; additional consideration may be given for professional communications or journalism experience.
Experience taking professional-quality photos and video footage outdoors.
Professional experience using social media channels.
Professional experience using photo- and video-editing software.

Responsibilities

Stay informed and involved in division projects and efforts, then create and share stories that engage the public and increase support for wildlife management and conservation.
Provide strategic oversight for division communications, directly supervise two videographers, and help set priorities for division video and audiovisual efforts.
Serve as the division’s lead spokesperson and work with the media on statewide wildlife issues and current topics.
Explain complex issues in clear, easy-to-understand terms.
Build relationships and communicate regularly with reporters at established and emerging media outlets.
Write accurate news releases and media invitations on statewide and regional topics.
Develop content for the division’s website, blog and social media channels.
Coordinate with communication team members statewide to identify and promote story ideas, events, and upcoming management projects and efforts.