Safety Communications Manager

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic & Safety Division is seeking an experienced and collaborative Safety Communications Manager to lead and coordinate all internal and external communications for programs administered by the Behavioral Safety Team. In this critical role, you will oversee end-to-end messaging and outreach for our core safety initiatives, including Zero Fatalities, Truck Smart, and Safe Routes Utah.

This position serves as the primary communications hub for the team, managing relationships with external PR/media contractors, aligning messaging with the broader UDOT Communications team, and ensuring seamless coordination across agency partners, region liaisons, and internal divisions.

About the Role

• Salary Range: $33.37 - $59.01
• FT/PT Status: Full Time
• Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Location: Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
• Recruiter: Porter Cook I [email protected]
• Application Deadline: 11/4/2026*
• *This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Use a data informed approach to identify key messages and target audiences.
• Oversee all internal and external communications for all behavioral safety programs, ensuring consistent tone, mission alignment, and strategic clarity.
• Lead communications planning for behavioral safety, tailoring messages to target audiences across Utah.
• Work with our PR/media contractors to measure and report on campaign analytics, PR reach, media impressions, and overall audience engagement.
• Provide communications and messaging support for the Traffic and Safety Division.
• Act as the primary manager and point of contact for our contracted PR/Media agency.
• Direct and coordinate contractor deliverables for all press events, content placements, social media campaigns, earned media opportunities, and broadcast efforts.
• Ensure all contractor-produced visual assets, press kits, and digital content align with program goals and standards.
• Direct contractor work, enforce high standards, and hold the contractor accountable for delivering top-tier creative assets, effective media placements, and high-impact press campaigns on scope, time, and budget.
• Proactively inform and coordinate with appropriate members of the UDOT Communications team on campaigns, public announcements, and major communication tasks.
• Maintain alignment between Behavioral Safety messaging and broader UDOT statewide goals and news releases.
• Oversee and coordinate with the Zero Fatalities communications working group to ensure public messaging from all agencies is consistent and supported.
• Coordinate messaging, campaign rollouts, and localized outreach with Region Liaisons and across UDOT Divisions and Regions.
• Collaborate with Agency Partners (e.g., Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Highway Patrol, local school districts, and safety advocates) to deliver unified behavioral safety campaigns.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; or, four (4) or more years of relevant experience, or, an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four (4) years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outstanding interpersonal skills to build alignment across internal divisions, regional liaisons, and state agency partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in project/contractor management and oversight.
• Media relations and press/event management experience.
• High-level quality control skills with sharp attention to editorial, visual, and narrative detail.
• Decisive leader, clear communicator, highly organized project manager, and passionate advocate for public safety.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

The Agency

For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, click here.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.