Public Relations Specialist I

Overview

The Psychology Department within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) is seeking a dynamic and skilled individual to join our team as a PR Specialist. This unique dual-role position will not only involve collaboration with departmental members but also include a partnership with the CEHS Central Communications Team to provide consistent and high-quality support across both the Psychology Department and the wider college.

 

As the Communications & Event Coordinator, you will report directly to the department head and play a crucial role in managing internal and external communications as well as overseeing project management initiatives. You will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to enhance the visibility and reputation of the departments within CEHS. Your key responsibilities will include planning, researching, and implementing effective marketing and communication strategies that align with and advance the department's objectives.

 

This position is eligible for excellent benefits including: 13 paid holidays, earn 22 days of paid leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, 50% tuition reduction for employee and spouse, competitive health benefits packages and a generous contribution into your retirement. View more information here: Summary of Benefits

Responsibilities

This individual will be responsible for the following key functions distributed as outlined:

 

Marketing and Communications

• Develop and execute marketing strategies, including content creation for websites, bios, newsletters, email campaigns, brochures, and social media.
• Co-create a communication strategy, manage content schedules, and maintain communication platforms focusing on both internal and external audiences ––prospects such as faculty, current students, donors, graduate-student prospects, and alumni. Serve as a CEHS communicator for the department and participate in college in meetings and events.
• Collaborate with the CEHS Central Communications Team to extend marketing and communication support, ensuring synergy between the Psychology Department and CEHS efforts.
• This includes content development, assistance with media outreach, event coordination support, and strategic communication planning specific to CEHS needs.

Events & Communication Projects

• Plan, coordinate, and execute various projects and events throughout the year, engaging with staff, faculty, and students, as well as external organizations. Examples of significant events include the Psychology Department Faculty Retreat, Faculty & Department Socials, Faculty Meetings, Department Awards, Student Orientations, and Interviews.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide office support to faculty and students through tasks like printing, copying, scanning, and scheduling.
• Manage communication inputs, including phone, email, and in-person inquiries.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, advertising, communications, or related field, or an equivalent combintaion of education and experience in required. 
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Article and Press Release Writing
• College-level writing skills with familiarity in AP Style.
• Strong computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and adaptability to new technologies.
• Ability to multi-task under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills, focusing on time management and detail orientation.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey technical information.
• Proactive, initiative-driven, and capable of working independently.
• Collaborative and strategic approach to responsibilities.
• At least two Preferred Skills listed below.

Preferred Skills

• Email Marketing (MailChimp and listservs)
• Event Coordination and Planning
• Website design/maintenance (OU Campus, HTML, CSS)
• Public Relations
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Survey Research and Data Analysis
• Information Design (e.g., brochures, presentations)
• Graphic Design, experience with Canva
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Experience working in a university environment or corporate setting

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover letter describing your qualifications for this position to be uploaded in the Candidate Profile under under "Documents 1-10"

Writing sample to be uploaded in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"

Names and contact information for at least three professional references to be provided in the Candidate Profile

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Minimum $50,000; Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is committed to academic excellence in research, teaching, and service activities across a wide array of education and human service fields. The college is home to eight academic departments with approximately 200 faculty who are engaged in innovative research and high- level graduate and undergraduate education. The college’s programs and outreach missions are strengthened by an on-campus elementary laboratory school and five stand-alone centers, including the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence. Faculty, students, and staff within the college also engage with a broad range of community partners to both provide opportunities for community-engaged research projects and learning, which enhances the overall quality of education and human service programs throughout the state of Utah.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

 

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

 

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

 

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

 

*updated 07/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

 

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

 

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

matthew.pinner@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1400 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

 

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

cody.carmichael@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1400 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

 

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

 

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

 

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

 

*updated 06/2025