Communications & Outreach Specialist

Calling all communications pros! The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities is searching for a talented individual to help us connect with our community. If you're a self-driven, creative thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment, this is your chance to shine.
 
 **This position will work in the office for training (up to 6 months) and then will have the opportunity to telework up to 3 days per week if eligibility requirements are met. 
 
 PRINCIPAL DUTIES
 In this position, you will help the Division of Securities tell its story both internally and externally. You will assist in developing and creating public outreach materials/assets to communicate Division programs, goals, and objectives to a wide breadth of audiences. Examples of assignments include, but are not limited to the following:

• Developing a public outreach plan for the Division, including projected ways of spending money on outreach.
• Coordinating with the Department of Commerce's communications director on outreach and education.
• Coordinating with other outreach personnel at Commerce.
• Developing content for multiple channels, including graphics, content for social media, the Division's website, and physical outreach materials.
• Organizing, Coordinating, and/or Presenting Division topics to key stakeholders.
• Working with the Communications team Graphic Designer to develop assets for Division use.
• Researching issues impacting consumers, including evaluating data and reports from government and nonprofit entities. Sharing this information with Division management and creating materials (as directed by management) to address the issues.
• Helping to improve the customer experience for those who interact with the Division.
• Assisting with Department and Division responses to requests from members of the public, the media, and interest groups.
• Writing or drafting correspondence, reports, documents, and/or other written materials.
• Editing written material for accuracy, format, and arrangement of material.
• Receiving, researching, and responding to incoming questions or complaints; providing information, explaining policy and procedures, and/or facilitating a resolution.
• Providing technical assistance on agency issues, services, program(s), and/or computer hardware and software, etc.
• Coordinating and/or acting as a liaison between an agency or work unit and other agencies, work units, organizations, supplies, etc.
• Maintaining and/or creating files or record-keeping systems. Sorts, labels, files, and retrieves documents or other materials.

This position requires a highly organized and self-directed individual with exceptional time-management skills, capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Strong communication and interpersonal abilities are essential, as is the ability to produce clear, accurate, and engaging written and visual content. The ideal candidate will possess excellent public speaking and presentation skills, enabling them to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 2 years of experience working in a professional communications role.
• Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, and social media management.

PREFERRED

• Proficiency in using graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
• Experience with or knowledge of securities, investments, or similar topics.
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking and presentations.
• Strong understanding of social media strategies.
• Spanish fluency (in addition to English).

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Division's leadership team and the Commerce Communications Director. You'll spearhead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications plan, playing a pivotal role in shaping the Division's message. This is an opportunity to engage in challenging, meaningful work that directly benefits the community and fosters trust in Utah's commercial activities.

This position is eligible for a rich benefits package, generous paid time off, and a great work-life balance. You can learn more about the offered benefits here. For information about our division please visit our website.

AGENCY

The Department of Commerce is the licensing and registration agency for Utah's professional and business community. Its mission is to strengthen trust in Utah’s commercial activities through education, licensing, enforcement, and regulation.  We provide oversight of business registrations, trademarks, Uniform Commercial Code filings, professional and occupational licensing, consumer protection, public utilities, securities, real estate, and residential mortgage lending. Please visit our website for more information about our agency.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
  • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other medical insurance coverage.
  • 5 dental plan options, with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other dental insurance coverage.
  • 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
• Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
  • Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems prior to 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.
  • Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.
    • Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))
    • Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.
  • Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.
• Paid Time Off:
  • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
  • Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.
  • We have 12 paid holidays.

Supplemental Information:

• Top applicants may be required to participate in a writing activity.
• Classification: Information Specialist III #29008. 
• Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.
• Effective July 1, 2021, in-state work rules require all work to be performed while physically within the state’s borders.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions/transfers.
• As a condition of employment with the Department of Commerce, employees shall receive compensatory time off in lieu of payment in cash for all overtime worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA53-3-202(1)(a).
• Work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) or similar activities.