Director of Public Affairs and Education

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package. Salary – $53.23 - $79.45 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid Recruiter – Niccole Johnson | niccolejohnson@utah.gov | 801-538-3956 Application Deadline – 9/10/2026*

• This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Are you passionate about media, social media, and graphic design? At the Utah Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), we believe that keeping Utah healthy and safe is a shared responsibility. We are looking for a Director of Public Affairs and Education, DHHS to bridge the gap between our administration, stakeholders, and the public, conveying critical safety messages both internally and externally. In this role, you won't just manage communications; you will lead a talented, motivated crew dedicated to making a tangible impact on our community's well-being.

As the Director of Public Affairs and Education, you will be a strategic architect of high-level programs and special projects. This is a rare opportunity to plan, develop, and coordinate vital services across various divisions and external agencies. You will serve as a key consultant, fostering essential relationships and telling the story of the great work that occurs everyday at DHHS. We are seeking a professional who can seamlessly provide expert supervision to a team of professional-level employees and set the strategic communications direction for our agency. If you are ready to take your career to the next level and lead with purpose, we encourage you to apply.

Preference May Be Given To

• Individuals with a degree in journalism, communications, or public relations
• Individuals with leadership and supervisory experience
• Individuals with experience as a spokesperson, Public Information Officer, or as a communications/public affairs director.
  
  

Qualifications

• Prepares and coordinates issuance of public statements to the media and the general public;
• Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents and/or other written materials;
• Draws/creates and/or selects graphic charts, working drawings, illustrations, maps, etc., for publications/displays or similar projects;
• Implement social media strategies, grow online supporter base and traffic;
• Supervise and coordinate to support the overall mission.
• Sets the strategic plan for communications
  
  

Other Duties

• Develops and coordinates plans and policies, resources, and mission as well as goals, vision, and expectations of an Office or program; prepares and updates plans and priorities.
• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions to resolve communications problems.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations and/or agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc.
• Monitors program budget including revenues, expenditures and budget projection, etc. Represents the agency with internal and external groups in their area of expertise and maintains relationships with these groups.
• Supervises subordinate personnel including: hiring, determining workload and delegating assignments, training, monitoring and evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions.
  
  

Supplemental Information

• Effective July 1, 2021, State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.
• Please note, a position's eligibility for remote and/or hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion, at any time and for any reason.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.
  
  

About The Role

Location –

195 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116

United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AD - Employees Reporting to Dept. Head, Commissioners, or Dept. Director

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
  
  

The Agency Become an integral part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and contribute to the vision of advocating for, supporting, and serving all individuals and communities in Utah; and ensuring all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives. Help us achieve this through effective policy and a seamless system of services and programs.

EEO Statement The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.