Job Details

Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist
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
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN42575B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Hybrid: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
Department: 01379 - USHE Commissioner
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $55,000 - $65,000
Close Date: 10/2/2025
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/185867
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