Communications Specialist (Public Relations Spec II) chez Utah State University

Overview:

The Communications Specialist supports the College of Arts & Sciences (ArtSci) by planning, writing, and editing a wide range of communication materials that elevate the college’s voice and visibility. Reporting to the Communications Manager and working closely with the broader marcom team, this role helps develop content that supports strategic initiatives, event promotion, internal messaging, and storytelling across platforms.

 

The ideal candidate is a skilled and versatile copywriter and editor with a strong sense of audience, purpose, and tone. This role contributes to written content across press releases, feature stories, emails, social media, and more—ensuring all messaging aligns with college priorities and university brand standards.

Responsibilities:

30% Content Development & Writing

• Write department-level press releases, emails, and long-form social media copy.
• Conduct interviews, follow up with partners, and confirm information to ensure accuracy and depth in written content.
• Draft written components for marketing materials including mailers, newsletters, email campaigns, and other distributed content.
• Create internal communication tools such as outlines, team briefs, and talking points to support cross-team coordination within ArtSci.
• Support the marcom team by contributing written elements for multimedia projects, including scripts, captions, and narrative content for video and photography.

30% Copyediting & Quality Assurance

• Edit press releases, digital copy, and other communication materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with university standards.
• Review content produced by other marcom team members and student workers for clarity, grammar, and tone.
• Provide editorial feedback and support to enhance the overall quality of communication deliverables.

15% Communication Strategy & Planning

• Develop weekly task plans in collaboration with the Communications Manager to meet project deadlines and campaign goals.
• Monitor and support communication tasks assigned to other team members as part of coordinated campaigns.
• Assist in creating and executing communication strategies that align with ArtSci marketing efforts, including digital and multimedia content.

15% Analytics & Reporting

• Track communication performance using tools such as email and social media analytics, engagement metrics, and response rates.
• Assist the Communications Manager in monitoring workflow and timing across communication projects.
• Collaborate with marketing and social media teams to assess the impact of communication efforts and adjust plans as needed.
• Support the inclusion of measurable goals and outcomes in all communication initiatives.

10% Coordination & Collaboration

• Attend internal and cross-unit meetings to align messaging, share updates, and plan communication initiatives.
• Coordinate with team members on the preparation, production, and delivery of communication materials.
• Support other general marcom and storytelling efforts as needed to meet college-wide objectives.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing for various formats (press releases, social media, feature stories, email, etc.).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in AP style and the ability to adapt tone for different audiences.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across teams and with various stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
• Familiarity with brand standards and accessibility practices in written communication.
• Experience conducting interviews, developing story ideas, and pitching content.
• Familiarity with basic content management systems or email marketing platforms.
• Understanding of content performance metrics and how to use them to inform writing strategy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Calm and positive demeanor with the ability to execute projects professionally.
• Strong organizational skills for managing records, files, and task assignments with due dates.
• Ability to handle stressful situations, think clearly under pressure, and maintain a problem-solving mentality.
• Autonomous self-starter with the ability to work and complete tasks efficiently without supervision.
• Proactive in reaching out and following up with contacts and team members on tasks, needed information, and project progress.
• Effective communicator with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and personalities.
• Collaborative personality to foster teamwork and an uplifting atmosphere.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Efficient time management skills.
• Ability to brainstorm and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Core Characteristics

• As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:
• Take the initiative
• Maintain confidentiality
• Be accountable
• Behave ethically
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic
• Be inquisitive
• Be detail oriented
• Be self-motivated
• Efficiently manage multiple tasks
• Be a team player
• Be committed to improving USU

 

Required Documents:

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV".
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application.

3. Writing Portfolio (a link to a website or webpage will work)

 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary:Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits.ADA:

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

University Highlights:

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

 

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

 

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

 

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

 

*updated 09/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination:

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

 

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

 

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Matthew Pinner Executive Director Civil Rights & Title IX Office [email protected] 435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D 1400 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael Title IX Coordinator [email protected] 435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D 1400 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

 

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

 

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

 

*updated 06/2025

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