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Director External Relations Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Utah Valley University

Development Director

Orem, UT · On-site

$90K - $106K/yr

Raises funds from external constituencies. Manages an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects ... Monitors Athletics alumni relations efforts and manages volunteers assisting with those efforts.

Podium

Director of Founder Communications

Lehi, UT · On-site

We're hiring our first Director of Communications to own our external communications strategy and ... We believe the best way to reach the people who matter is not traditional PR. The founder is the ...

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Director External Relations information

What does a director of external relations do?

A Director of External Relations is responsible for managing and enhancing an organization's relationships with external stakeholders, such as partners, government agencies, media, and the public. They develop communication strategies, oversee public relations campaigns, and represent the organization at events and in negotiations. Their main goal is to promote the organization's image, foster beneficial partnerships, and ensure effective communication with key audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of external relations?

To thrive as a Director of External Relations, you need expertise in public relations, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and typically a degree in communications, public affairs, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, CRM systems, and digital communication platforms is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and the ability to build and maintain relationships set exceptional professionals apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively promoting organizational objectives, managing reputation, and fostering strong external partnerships.

How does a director of external relations typically collaborate with internal teams to achieve organizational goals?

A Director of External Relations often works closely with various internal departments, such as communications, marketing, and executive leadership, to align external messaging with organizational objectives. This collaboration usually involves regular strategy meetings, sharing key updates, and ensuring that outreach efforts reflect the company’s mission and values. By fostering open communication between teams, the Director helps maintain consistent branding and strengthens stakeholder relationships. This cross-functional work environment is essential for executing successful campaigns and managing the organization's public image.

What is the difference between Director External Relations vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectDirector External RelationsPublic Relations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees in communications, public relations, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related fields
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-department collaboration, high-level stakeholder engagementMedia interactions, campaign management, media relations
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, corporations, government agencies, large organizationsCorporations, PR agencies, nonprofits
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior strategic roles in external communicationsManaging media relations and public image

The main difference is that the Director External Relations oversees strategic external communication efforts and stakeholder engagement at a high level, while the Public Relations Manager focuses on media relations and executing PR campaigns. The Director typically has broader responsibilities and higher credentials, working in senior leadership, whereas the PR Manager handles day-to-day media interactions.

What are the most commonly searched types of External Relations jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of External Relations jobs in Utah are:

What job categories do people searching Director External Relations jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Director External Relations jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Director External Relations jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Director External Relations job openings:

Director External Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director External Relations job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Development Director

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT • On-site

$90K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Utah Valley University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

482nd of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: $90,311.00 - $106,248.00 Annually
Location : Main Campus - Orem
Job Type: FT Exempt Salaried Staff
Job Number: FY2706468
Division: VP Institutional Advancement
Department: Major Gifts/Development Programs
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Required Documents Needed to Apply: Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents: License or Certification
Applicant Support: 1-855-524-5627
Support@schooljobs.com
Position Announcement
Join UVU's Development Team and Make an Impact!
Utah Valley University is seeking talented, relationship-driven development professionals to join our team as Development Directors. These positions offer an exciting opportunity to build meaningful philanthropic partnerships and help advance the priorities of one of Utah's largest and fastest-growing universities.
Development Directors serve as strategic partners to university leaders, working closely with donors, alumni, community and business leaders, faculty, staff, and campus partners to identify opportunities, cultivate relationships, and secure philanthropic support. From developing comprehensive fundraising strategies and securing major gifts to engaging advisory boards and supporting alumni and community initiatives, these roles offer the opportunity to see your work translate directly into meaningful impact.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to shape development priorities, build lasting relationships, collaborate across the university, and connect donors' passions with initiatives that strengthen the student experience and advance UVU's mission.
If you are an experienced development professional who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship-building skills and is excited by the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact, we invite you to join UVU's Institutional Advancement team.
Summary of Responsibilities
  • Raises funds from external constituencies. Manages an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects, identifies and qualifies prospects, engages and cultivates current and prospective donors, and directly solicits donors for major gifts and stewards donor relationships. Drafts and executes development gift agreements, gift acceptance letters, funding proposals, or other presentations associated with development. Represents UVU Athletics at key development and alumni events and fundraising or donor engagement opportunities. Travels to various functions around the country.
  • Organizes and implements development strategy internally. Prepares and implements development plans for the college or unit. Organizes and develops leadership within the unit's fundraising-oriented advisory or volunteer organizations. Monitors Athletics alumni relations efforts and manages volunteers assisting with those efforts. Supports central development efforts, including a majority of colleges or campus units, e.g. the President's Scholarship Ball. Collaborates with development staff across campus to achieve the goals of Athletics and of the University.
  • The Director of Development is expected to document development efforts, build a donor pipeline, and identify and research potential funding sources and opportunities. The Director must also maintain records on donor prospects according to university standards, including pertinent information on individuals and organizations and their interest in and ability to support the school's initiatives and programs. May supervise full or part-time support personnel and/or student workers or interns.
  • Other duties as assigned, which may include supporting university-level priorities in corporate sponsorship and engagement-focused events.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications
Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus three years of staff-level experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling seven years.
Preferred QualificationsHave personal transportation or means to travel to meetings at other sites related to the nature of this position.
Licenses or CertificationsValid Utah driver's license.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of and significant direct experience with fundraising procedures, techniques, and the ability to apply this knowledge in personal fundraising.
  • Strong knowledge of effective web-based search engines and search strategies.
  • Knowledge of academic operations, governance, and culture.
  • Knowledge of gift planning strategies.
Skills
  • Strong aptitude with standard office productivity software, which must include Microsoft Office programs.
  • Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Strong strategic planning and critical thinking skills.
Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to work with business, philanthropic, and community leaders.
  • Ability to plan effective development strategies for donors.
  • Ability to think conceptually, globally, and understand the comprehensive operation of an institution of higher education.
  • Ability to appropriately represent the dean/unit leader and the interests of their unit.
  • Experience with administration, including methods and techniques for the preparation, analysis, and conformity with budgets.
  • Ability to effectively manage records and databases.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a university community.
  • Possess a professional outlook and a keen sense of accountability and be highly energetic, focused, and outcome-oriented.
  • Ability to freely navigate multiple campus sites, including visits to other campus locations.

EEO Statement:
UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Utah Valley University's dedication to exceptional care offers quality service and benefits to employees while staying committed to meeting the needs of a diverse workforce.
UVU is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports employees and their family's overall physical and mental health, protects their income in case of unforeseen illness and life events, and assists in building financial security for retirement and the future.
Highlights from Utah Valley University's benefits package include:
  • Medical network and plan options with low employee premiums
  • Employer HSA contribution for those that elect the university's High-Deductible Health Plan
  • Other tax advantage, reimbursement account options (i.e. Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care)
  • Dental and vision plan options
  • Incentivized wellness program
  • Employer paid basic life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), and Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan with an employer contribution of 14.2% based on employee's compensation (100% vested on first day of full-time employment)
  • Undergraduate tuition remission benefit waiving up to 18 credit hours (each semester) for employees and their eligible dependents (spouses & children dependents unmarried and up to age 26)
  • Generous leave package which includes sick, vacation (staff only), and personal leave; 13 paid holidays; paid medical maternity and parental leave

For more information about the benefits offered, visit
01
Do you meet the required qualifications as outlined: Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, plus three years of staff-level experience or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling seven years?
  • Yes
  • No

02
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School or equivalent
  • Associates
  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Ph.D.
  • Ph.D. (abd)
  • Juris Doctorate

03
How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
  • <1
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8+

04
Do you have a valid drivers license?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you able to travel to meetings at other sites related to the nature of this position?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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