"Manager of External Communities"

Job Summary

The Division of Games at the University of Utah invites applications for an External Communities Relations Manager to lead and expand our relationships with key partners in the games industry, alumni community, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other external (off-campus) constituencies. This is a dynamic and highly collaborative role supporting one of the nation's leading academic programs in game development, design, and research.

The successful candidate will play a central role in connecting our academic mission with the broader ecosystem of games-related practice and policy, helping ensure that our students, faculty, and programs are informed by and engaged with external voices and opportunities.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

• Industry Engagement: Build and maintain strong partnerships with game studios, publishers, and technology firms. Facilitate studio visits and workshops, speaker engagements, student recruitment pipelines, and collaborative initiatives.
• Alumni Relations: Develop and manage initiatives that support continued alumni engagement, including communications, events, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs.
• Community and Government Relations: Serve as a liaison to state, local, federal, and international government partners, as well as non-profit and community organizations engaged in digital media, education, workforce development, and other areas where games may have impact. Support initiatives that position the Division as a resource/partner for policy discussions, economic development, and community collaboration both locally and globally.
• Events and Outreach: Coordinate and represent the Division at external events including conferences, community festivals, industry mixers, academic showcases, and trade shows.
• Strategic Communication: Work with Division leadership to craft targeted messaging and outreach strategies aligned with program goals and stakeholder interests.
• Collaborative Program Development: Support development of externally facing programs such as internships, co-op opportunities, studio partnerships, and sponsored projects.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Operations Program Manager, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Operations Program Manager, III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Required: Bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, business, game development, or a related field. Minimum 3 years of experience in external relations, community engagement, industry partnerships, or related work. Familiarity with the games industry and/or educational programs in games, interactive media, or digital content. Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to represent the Division of Games with professionalism and enthusiasm to a broad range of audiences.

Preferred: Graduate-level education or professional experience in game development or digital media. Experience working in or with higher education institutions. Existing networks in the games industry or in regional, national, or international community/government organizations. Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder initiatives or programs.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN43191B

Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday-Friday

Department: 01508 - Games

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $65000-$95000

Close Date: 12/31/2025

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/189380