The Utah Senate is seeking a full-time Public Information Officer. The Public Information Officer provides support in crafting public information. Exceptional writing, editing, and organizational skills and outstanding strategic thinking, planning, and communications abilities are essential.

A successful candidate will work under the direction of the deputy chief of staff to assist in sharing strategic messaging to educate Utah citizens on policy areas, current issues and pertinent information. They will also help draft written material, including press releases, op-eds, speeches and statements for senators to relay information to constituents at speaking engagements, media interviews and panel discussions.

This position will assist in overseeing public relations, developing and implementing communication strategies and performing various public relations assignments. The Public Information Officer does not perform any campaign work or raise funds for any Senate election.

• Research, write, edit and/or review correspondence, press releases, blogs, speeches, talking points, video scripts, opinion editorials, documents and/or other written materials.
• Works with team members to brainstorm ideas for new content topics, opportunities and ways to communicate the senators' sponsored legislation, committee hearings, and floor activity.
• Coordinates with others to obtain information for writing press releases, videos, announcements, event materials, and provides event support.
• Assists in ensuring external communications are well-written, accurate, validity of sources are appropriate, professional, and consistent with the senator’s message.
• Works with the communication team to organize and host public events and press conferences.
• Assists in developing, maintaining and executing public relations strategies.
• Creates infographics, charts, working drawings, illustrations, etc., for publications/displays or similar projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 
  Can communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing.
• Can maintain strict confidentiality, work with multiple senators and maintain the trust and confidence of each senator.
• Read and understand the information presented in writing and verbally.
• Can follow written and/or oral instructions.
• Can utilize proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Can operate a computer and other office equipment.

• Experience in public relations, communications or journalism; 3-5 years of professional experience is strongly preferred.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding strategic thinking, planning abilities and organizational and communications skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Experienced and highly motivated communicator.
• Principles and practices of public relations.
• Knowledge and understanding of AP style guide.
• Use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods, including alternative ways to inform via written, verbal and visual media.
• Can handle sensitive information with integrity and confidentiality.
• Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, identify necessary work tasks, and develop programs with minimum supervision.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including long hours, nights and weekends.
• Has sensitivity, tact and professionalism toward people.
• Proven content writing experience.

SALARY:
The salary range for this position is $30-$38 an hour.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER REPORTS TO:
Deputy Chief of Staff

BENEFITS:
This position is eligible for a full benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, a retirement plan, plus paid leave to include annual, sick, and holiday pay.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Submit a cover letter and resume via email to utahsenate@le.utah.gov. In the subject line, put “position title, your name.”