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Details

**Open Date** 07/02/2025

**Requisition Number** PRN42575B

**Job Title** OCHE Specialist

**Working Title** Communications Specialist

**Job Grade** F

**FLSA Code** Administrative

**Patient Sensitive Job Code?** No

**Standard Hours per Week** 40

**Full Time or Part Time?** Full Time

**Shift** Day

Work Schedule Summary

Hybrid: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

**VP Area** President

**Department** 01379 - USHE Commissioner

**Location** Campus

**City** Salt Lake City, UT

**Type of Recruitment** External Posting

**Pay Rate Range** $55,000 - $65,000

**Close Date** 10/02/2025

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist is a full-time position responsible for supporting the digital communication efforts of the Utah System of Higher Education ( USHE ). Under the direction of the Director of Communications in the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education ( OCHE ), the Communications Specialist will manage and update content on the USHE websites (ushe.edu and others), ensure timely publication of announcements and reports, assist with website accessibility and usability improvements, and support the creation and copyediting of print and digital content, including the USHE newsletter.

This position will play a key role in planning, creating, scheduling, and monitoring content for USHE’s social media channels, including Twitter/X (@USHECommr, @HigherEdUtah, @USHECounselor) and other platforms as needed. The Communications Specialist will work to maintain a consistent voice and brand across platforms, track engagement analytics, and adjust strategies based on performance and current trends. This role will also support broader digital communication strategies to ensure consistency, accuracy, and clarity of information across all platforms.

The Utah System of Higher Education ( USHE ) is governed by the Utah Board of Higher Education and is comprised of Utah’s sixteen public colleges and universities. The CEO of USHE is the Commissioner of Higher Education. For more information, visit ushe.edu.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

+ Manages and updates content on USHE .edu using WordPress and Elementor, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, usability, and consistency across pages.

+ Writes, copyedits, and publishes effective internal and external content, including website copy, press releases, social media messages, reports, newsletters, presentations, and other digital and print materials as assigned.

+ Develops, implements, and maintains a strategic social media calendar for USHE Twitter accounts (@USHECommr, @HigherEdUtah, @USHECounselor) and other platforms, aligning with departmental and stakeholder goals.

+ Creates, schedules, and monitors engaging content for social media; responds to audience inquiries; and maintains consistent brand voice and tone.

+ Builds a consistent and effective social media presence by applying current best practices, tracking emerging trends, and optimizing content for reach and engagement.

+ Works closely with the Communications team to maintain a consistent tone, voice, and branding across all content and platforms.

+ Interfaces with internal departments to identify web communication needs and propose timely content solutions.

+ Assists in the development of strategic communications related to key state education initiatives.

+ Conducts research on higher education and industry topics to inform content development and messaging.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge:

+ Highly skilled in social media platforms and tools.

+ Ability to quickly learn additional communications and social media management tools.

+ Must be an experienced content writer with proven ability in engaging a wide spectrum of audiences and creating compelling, multi-channel content.

+ Experience with an email platform, specifically email creation, list management, and campaign plans (such as MailChimp and Constant Contact).

+ Superb proof-reading and content editing skills and familiarity with AP style.

+ Social video production and photography knowledge preferred.

+ Experience and proficiency in professional writing, project planning, organization, and time management

+ General knowledge of marketing, public relations, and communications best practices.

+ Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

+ Proficient in MS Office Suite.

+ Experience in Canva preferred.

+ Must have foundational knowledge of WordPress and Elementor page builders.

+ Ability to adapt to new conditions, assignments, technologies, and deadlines.

+ Knowledge of higher education systems is a plus.

Core Characteristics:

+ Demonstrates initiative in all tasks

+ Strives to problem solve and help other departments wherever possible

+ Demonstrates creative strategic planning skills

DISCLAIMER

OCHE has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and primary duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. _Additional functions_ _and requirements_ may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and OCHE reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as OCHE may deem appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

+ A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but equivalent work experience in a related field will be considered, with one year of education equating to one year of experience.

Experience

+ 2-4 years of experience in a related field preferred

Preferences

**Type** Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.