Events and Communications Specialist

Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah Health is seeking an Events and Communications Specialist to lead planning and execution of high-impact events and support strategic communications to elevate research visibility. Primary focus is event planning with secondary duties in communications and marketing across multiple channels.

The role sits within the Health System Research Office (HSRO) and reports to the Events and Communications Manager. This is a full-time, in-person position with benefits.

Qualifications

• EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience.
• Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels: Marketing Communication Specialist I; Marketing Communication Specialist II.
• This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track.
• This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track.
• Type: Benefited Staff

Responsibilities

• Work with the Research Program Development team and HSRO to organize and execute Initiative events such as monthly seminar series, educational trainings, and one-off events.
• Plan and lead large-scale initiative events such as annual symposia.
• Coordinate catering, creation of registration forms, compiling speaker information, scheduling speaker travel, coordinating external guest visits, and promotional material development.
• Support the production of initiative newsletters and communications with materials provided by Research Program Development staff.
• Create initiative materials, such as social media posts and event flyers, including basic formatting, layouts, and copy-editing.

Skills

Event planning

Marketing communications

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) + 2 years related experience

Job description

Details

Open Date 11/05/2026

Requisition Number PRN46685B

Job Title Marketing Communication Specialists

Working Title Events and Communications Specialist

Career Progression Track P00

Track Level P2 - Developing, P1 - Entry Level Pro

FLSA Code Professional

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 01488 - Health Research Admin Office

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $45,000 - $63,774

Close Date 02/05/2027

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

Job Summary

The Health System Research Office ( HSRO ) at University of Utah Health seeks a proactive Events and Communications Specialist (Marketing and Communications Specialist) to lead the planning and execution of high-impact events and support strategic communications to elevate research at University of Utah Health. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with exciting, mission driven events across a wide range of research disciplines at the University of Utah Health, helping to amplify the visibility and impact of groundbreaking research. While the primary focus will be on event planning, the position also includes secondary responsibilities in communications and marketing.

The Events and Communications Specialist will be a part of the Research Program Development Team in the HSRO which oversees the development and implementation of strategic research initiatives and other research capacity building activities. To learn more about the other HSRO Research Unit strategic research initiatives, please visit https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/research/areas-initiatives/.

The Events and Communications Specialist will report to the Events and Communications Manager in the Research Program Development Team.

This is a full-time position and must be available for in person work.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Position Specific Responsibilities

1. Work with the Research Program Development team and broader HSRO to organize and execute Initiative events such as monthly seminar series, educational trainings, and one-off events.
2. Plan and lead large-scale initiative events such as annual symposia.
3. Work will include the coordination of catering, creation of registration forms, compiling speaker information, scheduling speaker travel, coordinating external guest visits, and promotional material development.
4. Support the production of initiative or unit newsletters and communications with materials provided by Research Program Development staff.
5. Create initiative materials, such as social media posts and event flyers, including basic formatting, layouts, and copy-editing.
6. May support initiative social media channels using materials provided by Research Program Development staff and Initiative leadership on an as needed basis.
7. Update initiative websites as directed by the Events and Communications Manager.
8. Provide additional support to Research Program Development Team for tasks and small projects on an as needed basis.
9. Apply problem-solving skills to variety of challenges. Some resolutions may require some analysis and interpretation, requiring innovation and creativity.

Marketing Communication Specialist, I

Engage in the development and execution of strategic marketing communications to efficiently support product launch campaigns and company brand across various communication channels. Create communication programs that promote the organization and its products and services through various means including blogs and social media, websites, product collateral, logos, or other promotional products. Collaborate with external partners/vendors to execute promotional events and campaigns. Develop a calendar for social media campaigns and initiatives to ensure constant interaction and engagement with customers and prospects. Assist in analyzing marketing data to help shape future marketing strategies. Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.

This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track.

Marketing Communication Specialist, II

Engage in the development and execution of strategic marketing communications to efficiently support product launch campaigns and company brand across various communication channels. Create communication programs that promote the organization and its products and services through various means including blogs and social media, websites, product collateral, logos, or other promotional products. Collaborate with external partners/vendors to execute promotional events and campaigns. Develop a calendar for social media campaigns and initiatives to ensure constant interaction and engagement with customers and prospects. Assist in analyzing marketing data to help shape future marketing strategies. Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Marketing Communication Specialist, I: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.

Marketing Communication Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Experience with event planning is strongly preferred.
• Experience with communications/marketing.
• University experience.
• Project management and organizational skills.
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly and on short notice to meet tight deadlines.

Type Benefited Staff

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 [phone] 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 [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] 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 possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

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.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu

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As perUniversity of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.