Public Information Officer, DHHS
FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $28.94 - $43.49 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid
Recruiter – Niccole Johnson | niccolejohnson@utah.gov | 801-538-3956
Application Deadline – 6/18/2026
Key Responsibilities
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is looking for a dedicated and skilled person to work as a Public Information Officer within the DHHS Public Information Office. This position works on the DHHS Public Affairs and Education team to support divisions and offices to administer employee and stakeholder communications strategy.
Responsibilities include:
- Acts as a media liaison and spokesperson, coordinates media interviews, writes and issues statements to the media or for the general public, and may prepare subject matter experts dealing with sensitive, confidential and potentially controversial issues;
- Has a proactive media pitching role and also responds to local and national media inquiries accurately and in a timely manner;
- Anticipates media interest and develops, correlates, and implements communication strategies consistent with the DHHS mission and message in order to educate on agency policies and programs that enhance the understanding, perception, and image of DHHS;
- Develops ideas, edits, and writes frequent content for DHHS social media channels, emails, publications, and websites using AP Sand DHHS’s style guide;
- Develops, packages, and disseminates information; research, verify facts, and answer inquiries, complaints;
- Representing DHHS at public events, community activities;
- Formal and informal meetings, and public hearings;
- Assists with policies and legislative requirements, issues, and requests for information.
- Support and advise on communication strategy to further the DHHS mission;
- Develop and ensure written content released to the media or public are accurate and consistent with the DHHS mission and brand;
- Monitor and share media and social media mention of DHHS, including relevant articles or issues that would advise strategic directions;
- Work with graphic artists, web designers, photographers, and videographers to gather and communicate information in a visual way;
- Act as a liaison between DHHS and other agencies, work units, organizations, or suppliers and coordinate and advise on communications strategy on joint efforts;
Qualifications
The Public Information Officer should have the following experience and skills:
- Support and advice on communication strategy to further the DHHS mission; Knowledge of media relations, communication, and public relations principles, including alternative ways to inform and entertain audiences via written, oral, and visual media;
- Proven ability to communicate with news and other media, respond to media inquiries, and prepare and coordinate the issuance of public statements;
- Strong written and verbal expression to effectively convey information and ideas that are understood by the media and the public;
- Understanding of AP style and a familiarity with editing principles;
- Comfortable using and writing in plain language to explain complex concepts;
- Demonstrated originality and creativity in the use of storytelling to engage audiences, explain difficult concepts, or build trust;
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and clients, or an understanding of basic project management principles;
- Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, English, journalism, or similar degree, or equivalent experience.
Preferences
- A degree and professional experience working in an external facing communications or public relations role is preferred
- Other desired but not required skills include: Spanish language proficiency, advanced photography or videography, understanding of PR analytics and data, familiarity with Utah media, or experience with implementing AI into the public affairs workflow.
Supplemental Information
- Employees are always expected to deal with people in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact, respect, and professionalism;
- Employees should understand applicable laws, rules, regulations, and or policies and procedures;