Public Relations Coordinator

Details

Open Date

12/12/2025

Requisition Number

PRN43813B

Job Title

Public Relations Associate

Working Title

Public Relations Coordinator

Career Progression Track

D

Track Level

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

Given the nature of this position, the successful candidate is expected to work primarily onsite at the Natural History Museum of Utah. The ability to be present at occasional early morning, evening, and weekend events is a must.

VP Area

Academic Affairs

Department

00018 - Utah Museum of Natl Hist Oper

Location

Campus

City

Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

External Posting

Pay Rate Range

31600 to 44900

Close Date

01/11/2026

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

Job Summary

The Public Relations Coordinator supports the museum’s strategic communications priorities and statewide initiatives. As a highly valued member of our team, they will work to ensure consistent local media coverage of NHMU , strive for national news mentions, act as the primary media liaison for the museum, and support partnerships with key stakeholders — including a range of city, county, and state stakeholders. The museum is seeking an individual with public relations experience, proficiency with AP Style, knowledge of modern media, creativity in storytelling, and a drive to engage a wide range of audiences.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities for the Public Relations Coordinator include:

• Drafting press releases that promote the museum, its programming, exhibitions, and events, for distribution upon review by the Marketing Manager and select content experts (i.e. scientists or administrators).
• Compiling press kits with relevant photos, videos, video opportunities, and spokesperson bios.
• Conducting media pitching and follow-up communications for various museum initiatives, with PR agency support.
• Collaborating with content experts throughout the museum to surface media opportunities (i.e. research stories).
• Acting as a media spokesperson for the museum, including on-camera television interviews, as required.
• Developing key messages and talking points for museum staff in preparation for media appearances.
• Conducting occasional media training for museum staff.
• Escorting museum staff for off-site media appearances (i.e. studio interviews).
• Greeting and escorting members of the media when on site at the museum, including occasional early morning, evening, and weekend visits.
• Overseeing social media influencer relations.
• Compiling regular reports to evaluate earned media, including reach and advertising value equivalence.
• Management of the museum’s website press room for the posting and archiving of media kits and press releases.
• Working with the Marketing Manager to monitor a PR services budget and track spending throughout the fiscal year.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Communications, English, Liberal Arts, or a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Experience in desktop publishing, word processing, computer networks and web page design preferred. Experience in public relations work or the print news media also preferred.

Preferences

Preferred applicants should have experience writing and distributing press releases, knowledge of AP Style, experience representing non-profit or other community organizations, and strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. The ideal candidate has a passion for museums and natural history, is excited to help achieve ambitious, strategic objectives, and approaches projects with a sense of enthusiasm.

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.