Public Affairs Associate

201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Posted on  

Job Description

Coordinates publicity/public relations activities by formulating national and regional media pitches, writing news releases, accompanying external film crews on shoots, writing research highlights, producing a podcast and leading tours of Huntsman Cancer Institute. Develops and maintains strong relationships with local and national journalists. Assists Public Affairs manager in planning and hosting major events.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide.
In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position.

Responsibilities
Disclaimer
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions
1. Writes news releases, research highlights and feature articles.
2. Conducts tours of Huntsman Cancer Institute.
3. Assists in planning, organizing, and publicizing special events.
4. Acts as department liaison to media representatives.
5. Meets publication and other deadlines for printed materials.
6. Helps produce a Cancer-Free Frontier podcast.
7. Pitches regional and national news stories.
8. Develops and maintains strong relationships with local and national journalists.
9. Responds to media inquiries on deadline.
Problem-Solving
The incumbent has the authority to gather and write content of written, filmed or printed information. He/she also has the authority to lead tours and accompany external film crews on shoots as directed by the Public Affairs Manager.
Key problems facing the incumbent include writing news releases and creating pitches for effective media outreach; and disseminating information that will ignite interest or encourage participation. Other key problems include taking complex research and summarizing it into engaging, easy to read summaries. Working on many projects simultaneously, and as a cohesive part of a team, while delivering all assignments on time and with excellence.

This position does not have any budget responsibility and supervises staff only indirectly by giving work direction.
Comments
Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Additional Qualifications
Undergraduate or graduate student in, Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Communications, English, Liberal Arts, or a related area, or equivalency required. A master’s degree is a plus.

Experience in writing news releases, news stories and working in radio is preferred. Experience in public relations or journalism is also preferred. Ability to meet deadlines on time and with excellence is a must. Excellent organizational skills and follow-through skills are required. The ability to work on deadline with a team in a fast-paced environment.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Communications, English, Liberal Arts, or a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Experience in desktop publishing, word processing, computer networks and web page design preferred. Experience in public relations work or the print news media also preferred.

Preferences

Type
Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  • * Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
    • Yes
    • No
  • How many years of work experience do you have in journalism, public relations, or a related field?
    • No experience
    • Less than 1 year
    • 1 year or more, but less than 3 years
    • 3 years or more, but less than 5 years
    • 5 years or more
  • Indicate your level of experience/expertise with web-based content management systems and web page design.
    • None
    • Minimal
    • Moderate
    • Extensive
  • Indicate your level of experience/expertise with Adobe products such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Dreamweaver.
    • None
    • Minimal
    • Moderate
    • Extensive
  • Do you have any current relatives working in HCI?

    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  • Resume
Optional Documents
  • Cover Letter
  • Addendum to the University of Utah - Veteran Only - Call 801.581.2169 after submission
  • Appropriate discharge document (such as a DD-214 – Member Copy 4) – Veteran Only – Call 801.581.2169

Open Date
08/02/2024

Requisition Number
PRN39427B

Job Title
Public Relations Associate

Working Title
Public Affairs Associate

Job Grade
D

FLSA Code
Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No

Standard Hours per Week
40

Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time

Shift
Day

Work Schedule Summary

VP Area
President

Department
01267 - HCI Public Affairs

Location
Campus

City
Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment
External Posting

Pay Rate Range
44000 to 61000

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes