The Division of Community and Campus Engagement (C&CE) at Utah State University (USU) Eastern is seeking a highly organized and people-oriented person to serve as a Coordinator of Special Programs (Public Relations Specialist I) in the division. The coordinator moves forward critical special programs and public relations projects in the Division of C&CE. This position oversees various special programs, serves as a leading member of the Eastern PR Task Force, writes media articles, does design work, produces Qualtrics surveys, and plans campus events.

Those hired in the Public Relations Specialist series organize, coordinate, and oversee public relations strategies in order to advance the profile and reputation of a program, department, and/or college.  Those hired build and maintain positive relations with the public, the press, and electronic media.

• Supports the university’s goals and objectives by developing, implementing, and delivering publications, press and media communications, special promotions, and general information.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive list of press, media, and community communication mediums; writes, produces, and distributes press kits, feature stories, public service announcements, and other items for department, college, or event.
• Conducts media relations efforts; establishes and maintains contacts with key media personnel; develops and implements press conferences.
• Researches, writes, edits, and distributes electronic and printed marketing communication materials.
• Ensures publications match Utah State University’s branding position.
• Develops, coordinates, and executes multiple communication plans that support the department’s initiatives and strategies.
• Develops website content.
• May assist in the development and implementation of special events and promotional activities.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

40%
• Serve as a leading member of the Eastern PR (Public Relations) Task Force.
• Write articles/posts for various types of media.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates development of promotional materials, educational materials, newsletters, and/or brochures.
• Oversees the posting events on Eastern social media platforms.
• Assists with the content creation websites that inform the public of events at Eastern.
• Conceive and produce graphic designs for various types of SWAG.
• Conduct market research, including analyzing data, to identify target populations and to identify the appropriate media for distribution of promotional information.
• Partner with other marketing and public relations personnel to move forward projects.
• Build and maintain the positive brand of the division of Community and Campus Engagement.
• Handle confidential information with tact and discretion.
• Other duties, as assigned

40%
• Designs, coordinates, and implements special programs (e.g. Internships, Eastern Leaders Academy).
• Serves as a principal liaison between students, staff, other departments, and/or external constituencies.
• Facilitates seminars, meetings, and special projects.
• Coordinates activities of support staff, consultants, and/or volunteers engaged in implementation and administration of program objectives.
• May develop or participate in the development of funding proposals for the program.
• Ensure completion of clerical and administrative support tasks, including creation, typing, and editing of program correspondence, reports, handbooks, and other publications.
• Write and/or assist with writing grants and proposals as appropriate to the objectives and funding nature of the program; may participate in other fundraising activities.
• May train and direct lower level staff, student employees, volunteers, and/or graduate students.
• May teach or lead seminars, classes, and/or workshops.

20%
• Assist with the marketing and coordination of campus events including the Eastern Utah Economic Summit, the Legacy Dinner, and Town Ties.
• Plan and coordinate special events such as open houses and outreach and community events.
• Seek opportunities for efficiency improvement of existing processes.
• Collect and analyze data; prepare scheduled and special reports; Identify trends
• Create and maintain reports and data visualizations to aid in the delivery and understanding of data
• Assist in the initiation and development of grant proposals to various local, state, and federal funding agencies

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, advertising, communications, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with USU policies and procedures
• Knowledge of Banner, Service Now, Argos, EZ BUY, and ServiceNow
• Proficient in using Canva and Qualtrics
• Experience in marketing and public relations in a rural community

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

It is imperative that the Program Coordinator II have excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to act with tact and discretion. Additionally, the coordinator must be able to communicate with people from various backgrounds and cultures. It is important that the coordinator be energetic, dynamic, motivated, responsible, a leader, and a problem solver. The coordinator should also be autonomous, hardworking, well organized, and take initiative without direct supervision. The coordinator must be able to brainstorm and collaborate well with other colleagues, sometimes across multiple campuses. The coordinator must complete assignments while balancing multiple tasks at one time, without direct supervision. It is also important that the coordinator be comfortable with ongoing assessment and change.

• Knowledge of principles and practices related to program development.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to lead and train staff and/or students.
• Ability to interact with students, faculty and/or staff in a team environment.
• Knowledge of communication principles, media, and marketing techniques.
• Ability to gather and analyze statistical data and generate reports.
• Ability to exercise a high level of creativity, decision making, problem solving, and discretion as work is varied and may be undefined.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Knowledge of publishing procedures and requirements, including desktop publishing.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate media activities and promotional events.
• Website/electronic media development skills.
• Knowledge of journalism, marketing, and branding principles and techniques.
• Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to read and interpret designs, specifications, and schematic drawings.

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. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile
3. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

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

Employees typically work in an office environment and are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes. However, in certain instances employees may work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions. Employees could be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Employees nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing). Bending and stooping is occasionally required. Employees nearly continuously listen, hear, and talk.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. 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. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all 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. 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 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 04/2024

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