Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30282

Salary Grade: I

Summary

This is a single incumbent classification which is responsible to manage Utah State University’s reputation and reputational risk in often fast-paced, highly charged situations using crisis communication strategies and tactics that encompass all the university’s primary channels and audiences. The incumbent works directly with the University President and Marketing and Communications leadership.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Public Relations Specialist SR reports to the Associate Vice President of Communications. This classification has no supervisory responsibilities.

Typical Functions

1. Coordinates internal and external communication strategies and tactics about high-profile issues such as sexual misconduct prevention and response.
2. Builds media relationships and prepares proactive communications to address issues before they arise.
3. Prepares communications in response to high-profile current issues that pose reputational risk to the university and serves as backup university spokesperson as needed.
4. Writes and coordinates copy for USU websites, including SAAVI, Title IX, Sexual Assault and Resources, USU Public Safety, and other high-profile units.
5. Collaborates with the sexual violence prevention Implementation and Coordination Committee to plan and execute communications, in various formats, for mandatory prevention training and response.
6. Works with the Implementation and Coordination Committee to ensure information is provided accurately and consistently and meets the requirements of the Campus Save Act, Title IX, and the Clery Act.
7. Plans and executes social marketing campaigns for bystander intervention, consent, amnesty, and sexual assault resources.
8. Works with USU Public Safety to meet Clery Act obligations, including annual security report, timely warning notices, emergency notifications, and other crisis communications.
9. Coordinates activities with Aggies Think, Care, Act to promote USU’s values of social responsibility, human dignity, diversity and inclusion, and freedom of expression on campus.
10. Co-Chairs the President’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion. Serves on the Sexual Violence Task Force and Mental Health Working Group.
11. Assists in policy writing, including the policies on sexual misconduct, campus safety, and free speech.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
2. Knowledge of publishing procedures and requirements, including desktop publishing.
3. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate media activities and promotional events.
4. Website/electronic media development skills.
5. Knowledge of journalism, marketing, and branding principles and techniques.
6. Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
7. Ability to formulate and execute annual short and long-term marketing plans.
8. Ability to summarize and interpret facts and trends as they pertain to complicated materials.
9. Ability to move a project from concept to execution.
10. Knowledge of university policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree plus six years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

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

Disclaimer

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.