Safety Communications Manager

State of Utah • Salt Lake, UT

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic & Safety Division is seeking an experienced, collaborative Safety Communications Manager to lead and coordinate internal and external communications for programs administered by the Behavioral Safety Team. The role oversees end-to-end messaging and outreach for initiatives including Zero Fatalities, Truck Smart, and Safe Routes Utah, and serves as the team’s primary communications hub. The manager coordinates with external PR and media contractors, UDOT’s Communications team, agency partners, region liaisons, and internal divisions.

The position is full-time and based at the Calvin Rampton Building in Taylorsville, Utah. The salary range is $33.37–$59.01. Appointment is under Schedule Code B, Competitive Career Service, with a 12-month probationary period. A criminal history check is required. The application deadline is November 4, 2026, though the posting may close earlier after the minimum advertising period if sufficient applicants are received.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; or four or more years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four years.
• Successfully pass a criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

• Outstanding interpersonal skills to build alignment across internal divisions, regional liaisons, and state agency partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in project and contractor management and oversight.
• Media relations and press/event management experience.
• High-level quality control skills and sharp attention to editorial, visual, and narrative detail.
• Decisive leadership, clear communication, highly organized project management, and a passion for public safety.

Responsibilities

• Use a data-informed approach to identify key messages and target audiences.
• Oversee internal and external communications for behavioral safety programs, maintaining a consistent tone, mission alignment, and strategic clarity.
• Lead behavioral safety communications planning and tailor messages to audiences across Utah.
• Work with PR and media contractors to measure and report campaign analytics, PR reach, media impressions, and audience engagement.
• Provide communications and messaging support for the Traffic and Safety Division.
• Serve as the primary manager and point of contact for the contracted PR/media agency.
• Direct and coordinate contractor deliverables for press events, content placements, social media campaigns, earned media opportunities, and broadcast efforts.
• Ensure contractor-produced visual assets, press kits, and digital content align with program goals and standards.
• Direct contractor work, maintain high standards, and hold the contractor accountable for delivering creative assets, media placements, and press campaigns on scope, time, and budget.
• Inform and coordinate with UDOT Communications team members on campaigns, public announcements, and major communication tasks.
• Maintain alignment between Behavioral Safety messaging and broader UDOT statewide goals and news releases.
• Coordinate with the Zero Fatalities communications working group to ensure consistent, supported public messaging across agencies.
• Coordinate messaging, campaign rollouts, and localized outreach with Region Liaisons and across UDOT divisions and regions.
• Collaborate with agency partners, including the Department of Public Safety, law enforcement, Highway Patrol, local school districts, and safety advocates, to deliver unified behavioral safety campaigns.

Benefits

• The opportunity to contribute to UDOT’s mission of enhancing quality of life through transportation and supporting good health, connected communities, better mobility, and a strong economy for Utah.
• A team culture built on Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility, with values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager