The Utah Division of Emergency Management is looking for a dedicated and skilled person to work as a Public Information Officer. This position works on the Public Outreach team to support the division to administer employee and stakeholder communications strategy.
- Acts as a media liaison and spokesperson and may prepare subject matter experts dealing with
- sensitive, confidential, and potentially controversial issues, to speak to the media.
- Has a proactive media pitching role and also responds to local and national media inquiries
- accurately and in a timely manner.
- Anticipates media interest and develops, correlates and implements communication strategies
- consistent with the DEM mission. Prepares messages in order to educate the public and stakeholders
- on agency policies, programs, and outreach that enhances the understanding of preparedness,
- awareness, deployments, and other activities of DEM.
- Develops ideas, edits, and writes frequent content for DEM social media channels, emails,
- publications and websites using AP Style and department writing standards.
- Develops, packages and disseminates information and researches, verifies facts and answers
- inquiries and complaints.
- Responds to GRAMA requests.
- Coordinates and sometimes leads Integrated Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) messaging to support
- state and local responses.
- Leads projects and publications for employee communications.
- Serves as project manager for the external and internal division websites. Enforces DEM and
- department visual brand.
- Resolves public information issues via the DEM info email.
- Helps by representing 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
The model candidate for this position is someone who can:
- Work collaboratively and productively in person or over telework (either as a teleworker or with
- teleworkers)
- Use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with
- information or data to draw conclusions
- Use media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including communicate
- information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented
- in AP Style writing and social media language with short deadlines
- Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand information and ideas as
- presented verbally Review and/or edit documents for accuracy, confidentiality and relevance
- Research methods, techniques, and/or sources of information
- Use alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media
- Deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, respect and professionalism
- Understand applicable laws, rules, regulations and or policies and procedures
- Coordinate the activities or tasks of people, groups and/or organization(s)
- Understand the agency and its organizational program(s)
- Use word processing (Google platforms), presentation, layout/design, video streaming, and
- web-publishing software applications
- Understand 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, any may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description.
About the Role
Location –
4315 S 2700 W
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions
Why You Should Join Our Team
You will not only work with a professional team helping the residents of Utah become better prepared for emergencies and disasters, but you will also receive great benefits. Click here to see the variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program the State of Utah offers.
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture.
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 that include 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.
