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Director of Communications & Public Affairs

State of Utah
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Department of Public Safety, Director of Communications & Public Affairs


The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a vital agency in the Executive Branch of Utah State Government, dedicated to "Keeping Utah Safe." This position serves as a senior leader and the primary communications strategist for the Department, overseeing all internal and external communication efforts and reporting directly to upper administration. The Director is responsible for the overall strategic communications, brand management, and coordination of information across the Department's 13 divisions, including the Utah Highway Patrol, Division of Emergency Management, and State Bureau of Investigation.

Principal Duties
 

This role requires a proactive and strategic approach to communication, ensuring the DPS message of overall safety is consistently and effectively conveyed to diverse audiences. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Relations: Directing high-level communication strategies to inform, influence, and engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Governor's Office, other state agencies, the Legislature, and the general public. This position acts as a key liaison between DPS and these governmental entities.

Crisis Communications Management: Developing and leading rapid, effective crisis communication plans during critical incidents and emergencies to protect the Department’s reputation and provide timely, accurate public information. This includes handling and speaking about high-profile, controversial, politically sensitive, and difficult situations with multiple media outlets and stakeholders. 

Brand Stewardship & Standards: Driving the brand and communication standards of DPS, ensuring all internal and external messaging, digital assets, and publications reflect the Department's mission, vision, and values.

Media and Public Affairs Leadership: Serving as the Department's chief media representative by ensuring various members of our department can be camera-ready and supervising and coordinating Public Information Officers (PIOs) from various divisions to support the overall mission. This involves preparing and coordinating the issuance of public statements and working directly with media outlets.

Internal Communications Strategy: Developing, implementing, and maintaining an internal communication strategy to keep more than 1,600 state employees across Utah informed, engaged, and aligned with DPS goals and departmental culture.

Digital & Graphic Design Oversight: Implementing comprehensive social and online media strategies to grow the Department's online presence, manage content, and oversee the selection and creation of graphic charts, illustrations, and other materials for publications and displays.

Executive Consultation: Providing expert consultation and recommendations on media strategy to senior leadership and Department heads.

Records Compliance: Applying a strong working knowledge of Utah's Government Records Access Management Act (GRAMA).

The Ideal Candidate
 

  • The ideal candidate will have significant leadership and supervisory experience and a deep understanding of the complexity of communications within a law enforcement and public safety agency.

Preference may be given to:

  • Experience as a spokesperson, Public Information Officer, or Communications/Public Affairs Director

Why Should You Join Our Team?
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 12 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 can be found here.
 
Benefits
The State of Utah offers a total compensation package that consists of much more than your paycheck. Some of the generous benefits that the State of Utah provides are: 3 medical plans, 3 dental plans, 4 vision plans, 401K match, 104 hours of annual leave, 104 hours of sick leave, 12 paid holidays, free counseling & wellness benefits and much more. Competitive benefits that begin on DAY ONE OF EMPLOYMENT! To view our benefits, please click here.