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Position Title:

Communications Manager/Public Information Officer (PIO)

Job Description:

We are looking for a Communications Manager/Public Information Officer (PIO) to support the Salt Lake City Fire Department’s Community Relation Division (CRD).

About the Position:

Under the general direction of the Community Relations Division Chief, the Communications Manager/PIO will be responsible for developing, executing, and implementing a full range of public relations activities, including but not limited to assisting in social media, special events, publication production, community outreach, and media responses.

Position Salary Range:

E30 - $72,232/yr. - $98,630/yr.

The established market rate for this position is $98,630/yr.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

+ Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)

+ Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

+ Paid vacation and personal leave

+ Six to twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment

+ Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

+ A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

+ Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

+ Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Learn more about our benefits here: https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/.

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will close on June 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (MST).

Key Responsibilities:

+ Supervises and provides directions to the CRD Firefighter Specialist.

+ Creates, coordinates, and manages messaging for the Fire Department to various audiences, including the public and SLCFD personnel.

+ Assists in tracking social media programs, including daily monitoring and response to input as determined in conjunction with the CRD Chief.

+ Serves as the Fire Department’s PIO in collaboration and coordination with the other CRD PIOs and city PIOs.

+ Serves as Fire Department spokesperson, conducting on-camera interviews, issuing media releases and public announcements, and organizing news conferences.

+ Coordinates photography, interviews, statistics and other needed information.

+ Serves as the Fire Department’s contact for local, national and international media and develops and directs radio, television, film and newspaper advertising campaigns.

+ Coordinates with CRD PIOs on media relations during emergencies, facilitating interviews, information releases, and media research.

+ Coordinates annual events such as the Fire and Life Safety Fair, Fun Fest, and Fire Prevention week activities for the department.

+ Utilizes the Crisis Communication Plan to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.

+ Establish and maintain associations and contacts with national, state and local representatives to ensure the Fire Department is properly represented within the industry, local community and the public.

+ Provides internal and external customer service while building relationships and partnerships with City personnel.

+ Manages public and stakeholder concerns, monitors emerging issues and response actions, and promotes the department through positive media exposure.

+ Maintains a positive working relationship and effective communications with Fire Department Administration, personnel, professional peers, and the general public.

+ Timely response to media inquiries that come through the media hotline.

+ Creates monthly community newsletter.

+ Keeps CRD Chief and/or Executive Staff advised regarding the coordination of information dissemination.

Minimum Qualifications:

+ Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or related fields plus three (3) years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field.

+ Proficient in using computers and modern software applications, with strong skills in writing, editing, copywriting, and copy-editing, complemented by effective verbal communication abilities.

+ Demonstrates ability to follow instructions, multi-task, meet deadlines and perform duties in a high demand work environment.

+ Proficient in current design, graphic, and web publishing tools, as well as social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and government platforms.

+ Ability to potentially work non-traditional hours.

+ Ability to travel independently from one location to another as assignments require.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Ability to maintain positive working relationships and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with Fire Department management, supervisors, direct reports, professional peers, other employees, and the public.

+ Demonstrates superior communications skills, including the ability to deal effectively with members of both broadcast and print media and to appear on behalf of the Fire Department on radio or broadcast television.

+ Experience with Crisis Communications and/or experience in communications and public relations in the fields of public safety, emergency management, or public health.

Working Conditions:

+ Generally comfortable working conditions, however, will be expected to operate in or near and emergency scene.

+ Exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior, time-constraints, and or multiple demands and priorities.

+ May be required to work non-traditional hours.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with City policy and applicable law.  Criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify a candidate from City employment.

Position Type:

Full-time

Department:

Fire

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs—with integrity and professionalism.

We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.

If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.

Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.

Health & Wellness

+ 95% City-paid medical insurance

+ Dental, vision, life insurance

+ HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)

+ Wellness clinic for employees & families

+ Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Perks

+ Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)

+ Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))

+ Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more

Thinking about applying or weighing another offer?

Use our Total Compensation Calculator (https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/) to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more.

We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.

+ 12 vacation days to start

+ 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday

+ Up to 80 hours personal leave annually

+ 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave

+ Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699Or email: [email protected]

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.