The ASPIRE Center, headquartered at Utah State University, has an immediate opening for a Director of Marketing and Communications (Marketer SR). The Director will play a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the ASPIRE brand and shaping how stakeholders and the public engage in the vision of an electrified future in transportation. The Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive public relations and marketing strategies that foster awareness, engagement, ongoing stakeholder relationships, and support for ASPIRE's vision. The role will have an initial emphasis on the State of Utah and its Electrified Transportation Initiative, with additional support across the ASPIRE Center. 

This position is telework eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended

Strategic Communication Planning: 

• Develop and execute an integrated communication plan that aligns with ASPIRE's strategic objectives and research goals.
• Create a consistent and compelling narrative that communicates ASPIRE's impact and value to diverse stakeholders.

Media Relations:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers
• Prepare and distribute press releases, organize press conferences, and respond to media inquiries. Coordinate with USU and partner college and campus offices and stakeholders.

Content Development:

• Produce high-quality written and visual content, including articles, reports, press releases, infographics, and multimedia materials.
• Ensure content is accurate, engaging, and tailored to various audiences.

Digital and Social Media Management:

• Manage and enhance ASPIRE's online presence through websites, social media platforms, and email campaigns.
• Monitor social media channels, engage with followers, and promote ASPIRE's research achievements.

Public Relations:

• Engage with external stakeholders, government agencies, industry partners, and the academic community to foster collaboration and support for ASPIRE.

Event Planning and Promotion:

• Coordinate and promote events, workshops, webinars, and conferences related to ASPIRE's research areas.

Internal Communication:

• Ensure consistent and transparent internal communication, keeping staff, researchers, and partners informed of key developments and successes.

Brand Management:

• Protect and promote ASPIRE's brand identity and reputation through consistent messaging and visual standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications or public relations.
• Experience working with universities, state agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and/or related industries.
• Proficiency in digital and social media platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and lead cross-functional teams.
• A passion for science and technology communication.

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. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile

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

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.

The ASPIRE Center is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) that is headquartered at Utah State University. Our research leads the nation in supporting adoption and advancing the electrified transportation industry! We are the first of its kind in the world to take a holistic approach to eliminate range and charging as barriers to electrifying all vehicle classes, from passenger cars to heavy duty trucks. The ASPIRE team serves as a trusted guide for society and as a champion for inclusive pathways into a diverse engineering workforce specially trained to support the ensuing cross-industry transformations. ASPIRE has grown to over 400 participants across 10 university partners and has more than 60 industry and innovation members actively engaged in its programs. The Center has raised more than $100 million in research and development and pilot project support since 2020 and maintains efforts in research and development and "beyond research" commercialization, pilot projects, and planning support. Since 2023, ASPIRE has been designated by the State of Utah as the lead institution for statewide strategic planning for electrified transportation.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. 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. 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 reasonable accommodations 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 hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

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 or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

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:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

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

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023