Public Information Officer

About the role

The Utah Division of Emergency Management is seeking a Public Information Officer to join the Public Outreach team. This role supports the division in administering employee and stakeholder communications strategy, acts as a media liaison, prepares subject matter experts for media appearances, and manages various communication channels.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a media liaison and spokesperson, preparing subject matter experts for media appearances on sensitive, confidential, and potentially controversial issues.
• Develops and implements communication strategies to enhance public understanding of preparedness, awareness, deployments, and other DEM activities.
• Writes and edits content for DEM social media channels, emails, publications, and websites using AP Style and department writing standards.
• Coordinates and sometimes leads IPAWS messaging to support state and local responses.
• Manages projects and publications for employee communications and leads the external and internal division websites.
• Ensures compliance with DEM and department visual branding, resolves public information issues via the DEM info email, and represents DEM at public events and community activities.
• Serves on boards, councils, committees, or task forces as needed.
• Assists with policies and legislative requirements and/or issues and/or requests for information.
• Participates in the Public Information Officers Association and helps plan the annual conference.

Qualifications

• Collaborative and productive in person or over telework.
• Uses logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Uses media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including communicating information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; reading and understanding information presented in AP Style writing and social media language with short deadlines.
• Speaks clearly, concisely, and effectively; listens to, and understands information and ideas as presented verbally.
• Reviews and/or edits documents for accuracy, confidentiality, and relevance.
• Uses research methods, techniques, and/or sources of information.
• Deals with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, respect, and professionalism.
• Understands applicable laws, rules, regulations, and/or policies and procedures.
• Understands the agency and its organizational programs.
• Uses word processing (Google platforms), presentation, layout/design, video streaming, and web-publishing software applications.
• Understands principles, theories, and practices of public information.
• Has or has the understanding of building good relationships with the media to ensure trust and transparency.

Requirements

• All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description.

About the role

This position is located at 4315 S 2700 W, Taylorsville, Utah, 84129, United States. Background check and drug test are required. The schedule code is AX - Employees in supervisory positions.

Benefits

Join our team and enjoy job stability, career growth, meaningful work, and a supportive work environment. Learn more about the variety of benefits including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program the State of Utah offers. 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

The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 13 divisions and bureaus, including the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management, Driver License division, Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification, and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team, and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah. The Department of Public Safety offers a unique and rewarding employment opportunity. More information about our agency, please visit https://dps.utah.gov/.

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.