Internal Communications Manager
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Internal Communications Manager to plan, lead, and deliver clear, engaging communication programs that inform, align, and inspire our diverse workforce across approximately 90 locations statewide. The ideal candidate understands how internal communications impacts employee engagement and has a strong understanding of organizational practices that support employee satisfaction, attraction, and retention. This person must be able to partner with executives and cross-functional leaders, effectively reach both field and office-based employees, and measure impactso teams know what's happening, why it matters, and how they can contribute. This position reports to the Director of Communications, supervises an employee and consultants, and collaborates closely with Employee Development, Region leadership, Communications, DTS / IT, Safety / Risk, and other stakeholders. This is a 40-hours / week on-site position, with the potential (but not guarantee) of a future hybrid work schedule.
Principal Duties
- Develop and own a comprehensive internal communications strategy aligned to UDOT's mission, values, and priorities; ensure messages are clear, timely, inclusive, mobile-friendly, and accessible to employees with varied roles and educational backgrounds.
- Plan and manage an editorial calendar across channels including email and newsletters, intranet / Google Sites, Google Chat spaces, Google Meet / all-hands, video updates, manager toolkits, digital signage (ScreenCloud), SMS alerts, printed posters, microlearning (7Taps), and LinkedIn for employer brand alignment.
- Write, edit, and produce high-quality, plain-language content including department updates, leadership messages, all-hands scripts, organizational change announcements, FAQs, safety and operations updates, project spotlights, and employee stories.
- Advise executives and functional leaders on messaging, tone, timing, and change management; prepare leaders for internal moments with talking points, Q&A, and coaching.
- Plan and execute key internal events in partnership with Communications and Regions : monthly town halls, the annual conference, awards luncheons and celebrations, and other department-wide engagements.
- Drive change communications for department-wide initiatives (organizational changes, major projects, policy updates, transformation programs, and process improvements) with clear cascades and manager enablement.
- Build and maintain core channels : optimize intranet structure and governance (Google Sites), manage newsletters (e.g., Mailchimp), coordinate content for ScreenCloud digital signage and printed posters, and establish templates and standards for consistent branding and voice.
- Establish measurement and feedback loops; track reach, engagement, and sentiment across channels (e.g., Google Analytics on Sites, Mailchimp metrics, pulse surveys); report insights and continuously improve programs, tailoring content for field crews and office-based staff.
- Partner with HR, DTS / IT, Legal, Safety, and Region communications to ensure alignment, accuracy, and risk management; coordinate cascades so managers can localize messages and lead effective huddles.
- Create manager toolkits, slide decks, talking points, short huddle materials, and quick-reference guides; provide training on effective, plain-language communication.
- Ensure accessibility and inclusivity across formats (captions / transcripts, translation / localization where needed); prioritize mobile-first content for employees with limited computer access.
- Visit work sites statewide to understand audience needs, capture stories, strengthen relationships, and improve channel effectiveness.
Minimum Qualifications
At least five (5) years of experience in internal / employee communications, corporate communications, or related fields with a demonstrated track record of planning and delivering effective programs.Experience advising senior leaders and communicating change with clarity, transparency, and empathy.Experience with Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Google Sites, Google Chat, Google Meet) and email / newsletter platforms (e.g., Mailchimp).Experience and / or familiarity with basic design and video tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express) and analytics dashboards.Exceptional writing and editing skills with a clear, concise, audience-first and plain-language style; ability to translate complex information for diverse employee groups.Strong program and project management skills : planning, prioritizing, and delivering in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment across many locations.Comfortable with data and measurement; able to translate metrics and feedback into actionable improvements.Ability to travel in-state for key events, site visits, and engagement with regional teams; ability to occasionally support after-hours communications during incidents or urgent updates.Preferences
Experience communicating to both field / non-desk employees and highly educated professional staff in a large, multi-site public sector organization.Experience with employer branding / EVP, manager enablement, and storytelling that highlights mission impact and regional work.Experience with change management.Experience and / or familiarity with crisis / issue communications and emergency notification workflows.Experience managing intranet governance and information architecture (Google Sites), ScreenCloud digital signage content, and SMS alert programs.A portfolio that demonstrates strong writing, plain-language content, change communications, and channel management.Background in transportation, infrastructure, construction, or operations environments; safety communications experience.Bilingual or multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish) and / or experience with translation / localization and accessibility standards.Supplemental Information
Candidates who pass the initial resume screening may be asked to provide writing samples / portfolio.Some in-state travel will be required, with very infrequent overnight trips.Working Conditions - Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.Physical Requirements - Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.Employee may be reassigned to a different location as deemed necessary by the Region Director / Group Leader.Why Should You Join Our Team?
The work we do matters. If you want to make a positive difference doing meaningful work, this is the right place for you. Our mission statement is, "Enhance quality of life through transportation." We define quality of life through a framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and Strong Economy. We help the State of Utah and its traveling public to get to where they want, when they want, in the way they want and we make sure they can do it safely.
You will become part of a team with an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. Our organization lives by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these are your values too, you'll be a great fit.
Aside from working for a cause-driven, cutting edge agency that is leading all other transportation departments in the nation, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Working for the State of Utah provides a positive work-life balance. Click here to view a summary of the benefits we offer.
UDOT is a strengths-based organization, which means its approach is based on identifying and developing individual and organizational strengths. Our philosophy is to address challenges by bringing our strengths to each situation and create the best solutions. Candidates are encouraged to be familiar with their strengths and consider how they may potentially be of benefit to the roles for which they are applying. UDOT uses the CliftonStrengths Assessment, but there are multiple strengths assessment tools available online, and no formal assessment is required.
For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, please click here .