Senior Director - Public Relations Job at Utah Valley University in Orem

Utah Valley University is seeking a visionary Senior Director of Communications to lead strategic public relations efforts that strengthen and elevate the university’s reputation at local, state, regional, and national levels. In this pivotal role, you will serve as UVU’s lead media relations strategist and spokesperson—shaping narratives, driving high-impact earned media campaigns, and guiding proactive and responsive communication initiatives.

From positioning and narrative development to crisis communications and influence marketing, you will architect strategies that resonate across traditional and emerging platforms. You’ll establish budgets, timelines, and quality standards while fostering trust and collaboration across the university community. This role also offers the opportunity to cultivate strong, lasting relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers—ensuring UVU’s story is heard, understood, and valued.

• Obtain earned media coverage in local, regional, and national outlets by pitching stories, building relationships with reporters, writing press releases, arranging interviews, and highlighting the university's work or leadership. Execute corporate reputation and integrated marketing campaigns. Serve as campus spokesperson alongside the AVP, representing the institution publicly, providing quotes / statements, and participating in press briefings or interviews.
• Lead teams with various levels of experience, creating opportunities for growth and promoting a successful work environment.
• Monitor and address organizational issues proactively, developing and implementing crisis communication plans across channels to minimize reputational risk and guide leadership during high-stakes situations.
• Produce high-quality internal and external communications, including presentations, press materials, social media posts, newsletters, and reports.
• Form dynamic teams with creative, account, and integrated staff to develop top-tier work. Supervise marketing personnel, managing budgets, work allocation, training, performance evaluations, and other personnel actions.

Qualifications include a master's degree in a related field with four years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree with six years of experience, or a combination totaling ten years of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications : Master’s degree preferred; minimum of 6 years in PR agency, media, or team management roles.

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