Communications Manager

Job Summary

The Communications Manager develops, manages, implements, and monitors the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District's (MSD) strategic communication efforts with respect to public relations, government relations, social media, and marketing. This individual collaborates with the MSD member communities, private‑sector business community, and various governmental agencies.

Minimum Education Qualification

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Marketing, Communication, or a closely related field, plus five (5) years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid and unencumbered Utah driver's license.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute strategic comprehensive communication, marketing, branding, and outreach plans and programs.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, making adjustments to achieve strategic messaging goals.
• Oversee organizational communication policies, public relations, media strategies, and staff training to build rapport with communities and the media.
• Serve as the designated contact for media inquiries related to emergency operations, special events, or programs that advance community and MSD objectives.
• Provide talking points, direct responses, press releases, and special reports; convey complex issues in succinct, easy‑to‑read content.
• Assume MSD Public Information Officer (PIO) roles during emergencies and disasters as assigned.
• Act as MSD Point of Contact (POC) for CISA's Priority Telecommunications Services (PTS), including GETS and WPS.
• Manage MSD's websites and social media efforts, liaise with news agencies, and support MSD members as requested.
• Ensure website and media content meet all privacy, ADA, and security requirements.
• Monitor news, social media, and other outlets for information pertaining to the organization; advise staff on sensitive political issues and effective communication techniques.
• Assist Mayors, City Managers, and other key leaders with media communications, marketing plan development, promotional efforts, and the production/design of brochures, newsletters, postcards, and other written or digital media.
• Support special events such as dedications, groundbreakings, open houses, community events, and ribbon cuttings.
• Ensure all communication materials developed with artificial intelligence tools comply with the MSD Policy, using AI only for approved purposes, safeguarding sensitive information, and maintaining accuracy.
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned.

Knowledge

• Methods, techniques, and styles of business and article writing, organization, spelling, grammar, editing, punctuation, and word usage.
• Communication and public relations concepts, practices, principles, and strategies.
• Working knowledge of the Internet and website content management systems; ability to oversee website design, development, and maintenance (need not be a web programmer) for MSD and its Member Communities.
• Administration of social media accounts and tracking analytics.
• Principles and practices of organization administration, budgeting, and public information.
• Proficiency with a variety of word processing and desktop publishing equipment and software programs (Adobe Creative), used across traditional and social media platforms.
• Principles, techniques, procedures, and methods used in the composition and production of a variety of print, digital, and video communications.
• Information dissemination techniques utilizing news media, social media, websites, mailers, newsletters, and presentations.
• Project management.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional professional communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the news media, employees, government officials, and the general public in a variety of settings and circumstances.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus but not required.
• Coordinate community relations activities and professionally understand crisis management.
• Collaborate in a dynamic environment with other agencies, employees, and member representatives on shared projects.
• Simultaneously manage multiple complex projects.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This position requires work in a wide variety of conditions, from a typical office setting to field work, and may include attendance at evening meetings and events. While performing duties, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, move, talk, and hear; occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms; and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The role can be highly stressful, especially during times of turmoil, and requires the incumbent to maintain composure and professional bearing at all times.