Assistant Communications Director

FT / PT Status – Full-TimeSalary – $33.72 - $40.95 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – HybridRecruiter – Tehra Gorski | tgorski@utah.gov | 8015306030Application Deadline – 7/5/2026

Are you ready to drive impactful communication strategies and guide a talented team as the next Utah Department of Commerce Assistant Communications Director?

The Assistant Communications Director (ACD) is a high-level leadership role that bridges the gap between executive vision and operational execution. Serving as a subject-matter expert and a diplomatic liaison, the ACD manages the day-to-day operations of the communications and outreach team. This allows the Communications Director to focus on broad department-level strategy while the ACD ensures that projects are prioritized, staff are coached, and media relations are handled with precision.

The ideal candidate is a master of project management and a people-first leader who can navigate the nuances of organizational hierarchy to ensure all stakeholders are aligned.

The ACD will work a hybrid schedule after a three-month in-person onboarding period. The hybrid schedule allows for two remote-work days each week.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities and day to day responsibilities of this position:

• Staff Management & Leadership
  • Team Supervision: Directly supervise communications and outreach staff, including hiring, performance evaluations, and delegating work assignments.
  • Coaching & Development: Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development; implement team meetings and training sessions to elevate the department's capabilities
  • Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day team processes, workflows, and internal organization to ensure a high-functioning unit.

• Media Relations & Diplomacy
  • Strategic Support: Assist the Communications Director with media responses, interview coordination, and press inquiries.
  • Executive Liaison: Act as a diplomatic bridge between executive leadership and program-level leadership to ensure cohesive messaging and conflict resolution.
  • Department Representative: Serve as the official representative for the department or the Communications Director in high-level meetings and public forums as needed.

• Project Management & Execution
  • Workflow Integration: Oversee department projects from conception to completion, managing assignments, prioritization, and the approval pipeline.
  • Content Excellence: Serve as the lead communicator and editor for various programs; provide final copy editing and brand approval for all department assets and materials.
  • Campaign Expertise: Act as a subject-matter expert for mass media campaigns and department-specific outreach initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate
The ACD isn't just a manager; they are the engine of the Communications Team. We are looking for someone who can translate executive goals into actionable tasks while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Management Experience: 4 years or more of a proven track record of supervising diverse teams, including hiring and performance management.
• Communication Mastery: Exceptional writing and editing skills with a sharp eye for detail.
• Media Relations Experience: 4 years or more of strategic media relations work, including responding to requests, press release design/dissemination, maintaining strong relationships with reporters/producers, and press event organization. 
• Diplomatic Acumen: Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build consensus between different levels of leadership, while effectively managing stakeholder expectations.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to manage immediate tactical needs without losing sight of long-term department goals.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications: 

• Project Management: Highly experienced at guiding a project from initiation to completion, mitigating risks, managing stakeholder expectations, and finalizing deliverables. 
• Experience working in a local, county, municipal, state, or federal government agency, or at a public/state higher education institution.

About the Role

Location –
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our TeamIn 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 AgencyIn addition to the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the Utah Department of Commerce is the licensing and registration agency for Utah’s professional and business community. The Department provides oversight of business registrations, trademarks, Uniform Commercial Code filings, professional licensing, consumer protection, public utilities, securities, real estate, and residential mortgage lending. You can learn more about the agency by visiting the website.

Supplemental Information

• Job classification: Manager I, Commerce (#83170).
• Effective July 1, 2021, in-state work rules require all work to be performed while physically within the state’s borders.
• A position’s eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions/transfers.
• Risks are those found in a typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, including safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, and observing fire regulations.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, and similar activities. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

EEO StatementThe 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.