Public Relations Specialist

University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT

Full-time - Mid Level

Salt Lake City, UT

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Utah is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to serve as the Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications, primarily focusing on the football program. This role involves managing media relations, developing communication strategies, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to enhance the visibility and positive image of Utah Football and the Athletics Department.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary media contact for Utah's football program and possibly another sport.
• Manage all aspects of media relations, including access to the program, head coach, staff, and student-athletes.
• Develop and implement publicity, messaging, and storytelling strategies for the football program.
• Establish and maintain positive relations with local and national media through effective communication and outreach.
• Produce and collaborate on content creation for digital and creative media platforms.
• Co-manage social media accounts and plan content calendars to promote the program.
• Create online team record books, media guides, game notes, and news releases.
• Generate feature content and unique coverage for UtahUtes, staffing home and away events.
• Supervise student workers and statistical crews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, sport management, or a related field (equivalency of one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).
• Three years of relevant experience in public relations or communications, preferably in collegiate or professional sports.
• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
• Significant experience working with news media in collegiate or professional sports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent internal and external communication abilities.
• Elite oral and written communication skills.
• High emotional intelligence, strong work ethic, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Ability to problem-solve and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, preparation, and accountability.
• Experience in social media and creative content strategy.
• Knowledge of NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules and compliance related to this position.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop), Microsoft Office suite, StatCrew, NCAA Live Stats, and digital asset management programs.
• Proficiency with content management systems, preferably SIDEARM.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with conference and national awards programs.
• Basic knowledge of various social media platforms.
• Considerable initiative, creativity, collaboration, and a love of sports.
• Minimum of five years in a college athletics or professional sports communications office.
• Experience in public relations work or the digital/electronic news media.

Benefits

• Eligible for Utah Retirement Systems enrollment.
• Potential for additional benefits as a full-time staff member.