The Salt Lake City Council Office is seeking an experienced and proactive Media Relations Specialist to amplify our media outreach efforts and engage with constituents across the City’s seven districts. This role will collaborate with members of the media to ensure that the Council’s priorities, policies, and public input efforts are communicated clearly and effectively to the public.
Strong accountability and communication skills are essential in this position. Fluency in Spanish or another second language, including American Sign Language, is a plus.
This is a part-time position not to exceed 28 hours per week.
Wage: $28/hour to $33/hour depending on experience and qualifications.
Why You’ll Love Working Here: You’ll be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, collaboration, and meaningful public engagement. Your work will have a direct impact on how the Salt Lake City Council communicates with its diverse community and supports a transparent, participatory local government.
Key Responsibilities:
- Amplify media outreach efforts by building and maintaining relationships with local media outlets, pitching stories, and ensuring the Council’s priorities and policies are communicated effectively.
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of local market reporters, beats and opportunities.
- Proactively pitch stories to media outlets, aligning with Council initiatives and public interest.
- Respond to media inquiries in a timely and accurate manner, serving as a contact for the press.
- Develop media materials, including press releases, media advisories, pitches, and talking points.
- Coordinate with Council Office workgroups to facilitate integrated public engagement efforts, including messaging that aligns with both district-specific and Council-wide priorities.
- Work proactively and flexibly to meet deadlines and adjust to changing needs, ensuring media strategies stay relevant and responsive.
- Coordinate press events and media appearances for Council members, including preparation of background materials and talking points.
- Monitor media coverage and provide insights on public engagement, refining strategies to improve visibility and media outreach.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field, or equivalent years of experience.
- 3-5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or similar roles, ideally in a government or public sector setting.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into plain language.
- Strong understanding of public policy or local government operations.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with media outlets and secure earned coverage.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with local media landscape and trends in public sector communications.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience using public relations software and media monitoring tools (e.g., Cision, Critical Mention, TVEyes).
- Knowledge of AP Style and strong proofreading skills.
- Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and verbal.
- Experience planning and coordinating press events or media appearances.
- Proven experience as a speechwriter, communications specialist, or in a similar role, ideally in a public sector setting.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Moderate physical effort, comfortable working conditions, and handling of light weights. Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking may be required. Subject to extended exposure to computer visual display terminals
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Apply at: https://slcgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SLC/details/Media-Relations-Specialist--Part-Time----City-Council_JR4186
