Communications Director Jobs in Utah

INTRODUCTION

Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) seeks a strategic and experienced Senior Director of Communications to lead and advance the Foundation’s integrated communications function. Reporting to the President and Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication, marketing, and public relations strategies that elevate HCF’s mission, strengthen donor and community engagement, and ensure alignment with Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and the University of Utah. This position provides leadership and supervision for a four‑member communications team and oversees all owned communication channels, including the HCF website, social media platforms, electronic communications, annual publications, video storytelling, and donor stewardship communications. The Senior Director of Communications manages the Huntsman Cancer Foundation brand, leads organizational storytelling, supports direct mail fundraising campaigns and event marketing, provides communications support for the Foundation’s long‑standing partnership with Sigma Chi, and serves as a key liaison to Huntsman Cancer Institute, ensuring cohesive storytelling, brand alignment, and consistent messaging across partner organizations.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Leadership

- Develop, implement, and evaluate an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances HCF fundraising priorities, brand positioning, and organizational goals.
- Serve as a senior communications advisor to the President and COO, providing counsel on messaging, positioning, storytelling, and reputation management.
- Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of four communications professionals, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture aligned with HCF values.
- Establish annual goals, priorities, and performance metrics for the communications function.

Brand Management & Storytelling

- Serve as the steward of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation brand, ensuring consistent voice, visual identity, messaging, and tone across all communications.
- Lead foundation‑wide storytelling that highlights donor impact, patient experience, research innovation, and mission outcomes.
- Develop long‑term narrative frameworks and messaging strategies that support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and institutional priorities.
- Ensure alignment with Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah branding and communications standards while maintaining HCF’s distinct philanthropic identity.

Marketing, Public Relations & Content Oversight

- Oversee editorial strategy, content development, and ongoing management of the HCF website.
- Direct social media strategy, including content planning, engagement, growth, integrated campaigns, and performance analytics.
- Oversee monthly electronic communications and targeted digital outreach to donors and stakeholders.
- Lead planning, development, and production of major annual publications, including donor impact and campaign materials.
- Identify and oversee public relations opportunities and messaging for high‑visibility initiatives and announcements.

Donor Stewardship & Direct Mail Support

- Lead communications strategy and storytelling that support donor stewardship across all giving levels, from annual donors to principal and legacy supporters.
- Partner closely with development leadership to support direct mail fundraising campaigns, including message development, storytelling, creative direction, and alignment with broader communications and brand strategy.
- Ensure direct mail content reflects donor‑centric messaging, reinforces donor intent, and aligns with campaign goals and institutional priorities.
- Oversee donor‑focused communications such as impact reports, gratitude messaging, campaign updates, videos, and event‑related stewardship materials.

Video Production & Multimedia Storytelling

- Lead strategy and oversight for video and multimedia content that supports fundraising, donor stewardship, campaigns, events, and brand storytelling.
- Collaborate with internal partners and external vendors to develop high‑quality video assets, including impact stories, campaign features, and event videos.
- Ensure video content aligns with brand standards, messaging priorities, and distribution strategies across channels.

Event Marketing & Campaign Support

- Lead communications and marketing strategy for HCF fundraising events, including promotional campaigns, digital storytelling, video assets, and post‑event stewardship communications.
- Partner with development and events teams to align marketing strategy, brand presence, and donor experience across all event touchpoints.
- Oversee development of event‑specific collateral and communications timelines to support participation and revenue goals.

Sigma Chi Partnership Support

- Provide strategic communications and marketing support for HCF’s partnership with Sigma Chi, supporting joint fundraising, awareness, and engagement initiatives.
- Oversee messaging, content development, and storytelling related to Sigma Chi programs and events.
- Collaborate with Sigma Chi leadership, internal stakeholders, and development partners to ensure consistent, mission‑aligned communications.

Partnership & Liaison Role

- Serve as the primary communications liaison between Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Huntsman Cancer Institute.
- Coordinate shared messaging, content approvals, and collaborative communications initiatives.
- Work cross‑functionally across HCF departments and with external vendors to support organizational priorities.

Operational & Administrative

- Manage communications budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and production timelines.
- Use analytics to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform strategy.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, brand standards, and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

- Demonstrate strength in relationship management
- Strong public speaking, communications, and marketing capabilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Outlook, CRM Systems (Blackbaud RE/NXT, Engaging Networks) and Google platforms
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
- Ability to work effectively in both remote and travel-based environments
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
- Independent troubleshooting, Cross-Platform Adaptability, Digital Literacy
- Comfortable working across teams and supporting collaborative development goals
- Strong mindset with strong execution and attention to detail

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 (801) 581-7447 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 (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 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 at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.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.

As per University 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.

Location

Other
City
Salt Lake City, UT

Job Title

Director, Public Relations/Communications

Working Title

Senior Director of Communications

Standard Hours per Week

40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Shift

Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday thru Friday – 8:30 am to 5 pm, with some nights and weekends, depending on various events. This is currently a hybrid position (subject to change at any time). Working offsite M/F (work from home) unless, needed in the office and onsite T/W/TH

Pay Rate Range

155000 to 175000

Open Date

06/05/2026

Close Date

07/17/2026

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

07/03/2026