Public Relations Associate

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 31,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Utah is seeking a Recruiting and Engagement Specialist for the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) division. This full-time role involves developing and implementing recruitment materials, conducting outreach, and evaluating program effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant bachelor's degree and effective communication skills, with some experience preferred. Opportunities for hybrid work may be available after six months.

Benefits

Hybrid work options after six months

University retirement benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Experience in public relations or media preferred.
• Effective communication and public speaking skills desired.

Responsibilities

• Develops recruitment materials for MLS division.
• Coordinates student engagement activities.
• Evaluates recruitment outreach effectiveness.

Skills

Communication

Public Relations

Marketing Materials Development

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, or related area

Tools

Desktop Publishing Software

Web Page Design Tools

Job description

Working Title Recruiting and Engagement Specialist - MLS

Job Grade

Job Grade D

FLSA Code

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Traditional Mon-Fri, with occasional requirement to work evenings or Saturdays. Some off-site travel will also be required. Option for hybrid work after six months.

VP Area

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department

Department 00247 - Pathology

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range 31600 to 55621

Close Date

Close Date 09/13/2025

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

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY
Develops materials for, implements and coordinates the Medical Laboratory Sciences ( MLS ) division’s student recruitment, engagement and outreach efforts. Oversees the provision of resources and materials for student recruitment and engagement activities for the Medical Laboratory Sciences division. Evaluates program recruitment and outreach effectiveness and makes modifications as necessary.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops age-appropriate MLS program recruitment materials and represents this information to a variety of target audiences throughout the State of Utah. Reviews and revises materials as needed and on an annual basis.
• Assists faculty in assessing community needs to determine appropriate outreach activities and opportunities to promote the Medical Laboratory Science profession to high school, junior high students, pre- MLS / MLS majors and minors.
• Coordinates and oversees the distribution of information about the MLS programs to schools and organizations interested in MLS .
• Develops and coordinates division-level student engagement activities.
• Designs and implements appropriate evaluation tools to determine effectiveness of recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Participates in education fairs and community outreach activities throughout the State.
• Plans, coordinates and implements division-level annual Medical Laboratory Professionals Week activities to raise awareness about the role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in health care.
• Creates and disseminates a bi-monthly newsletter for the MLS division’s students.
• Assists division management in tracking and maintaining advertising and student recruitment, outreach and engagement expenditures.
• Manages division social media accounts and website.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

* Light lifting and carrying of display materials. *

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

PREFERENCES
Demonstrated effective communication and human relation skills, and demonstrated ability to conceptually develop recruiting and marketing materials for various educational programs. Demonstrated public speaking skills; excellent writing skills; and the ability to foster individual/group facilitation. Valid Utah driver’s license required.

Type

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 [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 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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
  • Yes
  • No
• * How many years of work experience do you have in journalism, public relations, or a related field?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year or more, but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more, but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more
• * Indicate your level of experience/expertise with web-based content management systems and web page design.
  • None
  • Minimal
  • Moderate
  • Extensive
• * Indicate your level of experience/expertise with Adobe products such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Dreamweaver.
  • None
  • Minimal
  • Moderate
  • Extensive
• * Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment?

  (Open Ended Question)

Required DocumentsOptional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]