Director Of Communications Jobs

Department Information

Colorado Department of State

This announcement will be open until filled.

The Colorado Secretary of State’s office seeks applications from highly qualified candidates for the position of Communications Director. This position is a Senior Executive Service (SES), a performance-based pay plan reserved for senior-level management positions.

INNOVATE- SERVE-BALANCE- IMPROVE-THRIVE

Are you looking for a career that allows you to improve your world and the world around you? The Colorado Department of State (CDOS) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a position that makes a direct impact on enhancing the lives of Coloradans.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference through the work you do each day, consider joining the dedicated employees of the Colorado Department of State. Whether working from your home or collaborating onsite, your professional experience will be connected and meaningful. Our office offers an RTD Eco-pass (currently free of charge) and is conveniently located near Civic Center Station, RTD light-rail lines, and the 16th Street Mall. In addition to a great location and fulfilling, impactful work, we offer:

• Paid life insurance
• Medical and dental health plans
• 12 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off and sick leave
• Automatic short-term (and optional long-term) disability coverage
• Employee wellness programs and an on-site fitness center
• Strong, yet flexible retirement benefits including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
• Access to a diverse array of technical, leadership and supervisory training opportunities

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation

Important Note

• Will have the option to work a hybrid work schedule with a combination of in-office workdays and remote work.
• This position requires documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. More details are included in the Conditions of Employment section of this announcement.

Our Culture & Environment

Coloradans come from all walks of life and so do we.

Who We Are

Our mission is to make government easy and accessible for people to further democracy, support economic opportunity for all Coloradans, and demonstrate a standard of integrity and excellence. Our vision is to ensure all Coloradans have a voice in our future, help Coloradans and their businesses thrive, and be the best at what we do.

What We Believe

The State of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At the Colorado Department of State, we are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building work environments that are inclusive and reflect our communities and the diverse talents of all people. We highly encourage people from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.

Our agency website: Colorado Secretary of State's Office

Description of Job

Position Duties

Develop and implement the Department’s strategic communications

• Develop recommendations for improving the reach and effectiveness of the Department’s communication plans.
• Monitor social media and news media for relevant content and information that informs the decisions of the Department and the communication strategy.
• Liaise with division leadership to incorporate Department programs and resources into the communications calendar.
• Oversee graphic and video content for use on social media.
• Direct the development of written Department communications including press releases, speeches, talking points, newsletters, fact sheets, social media content, memos, and outreach plans.
• Oversee the Department’s communications calendar.
• Oversee the execution of social media strategy.
• Ensure the social media and digital assets are fully leveraged.

Media relations

• Develops and manages medica contact lists.
• Serve as the lead spokesperson for the Department with media and oversee response to requests for interviews and statements.
• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external communication requests.
• Proactively engage with media as it relates to implementing the Department’s communications strategy and goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the media.

Oversee and develop the Department’s public facing communications content

• Provide creative support for internal and external communications.
• Draft written content including press releases, outreach plans, talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, social media content and speeches.

Supervise the Communications team

• Provide strategic, technical, and professional guidance to employees.
• Oversee the work assignment and supervise the Assistant Communications Director, and Digital Media Specialist.

Assignments for this position are diverse in nature and require determining practical solutions in a fast-paced environment. This person will work independently, manage tight schedules, handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Long hours, nights, and weekend work is often required.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Public Affairs, Political Science, Digital Marketing, or a closely related field.

Two (2) Years Of Experience In

• Developing and implementing communications strategies.
• Data analytics experience.
• Writing or content creation.
• Social media and media relations.
• Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to apply standards and create practical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Writing or content creation.
• Supervision and leadership support experience.
• Experience developing graphic and video content.
• Social media and media relations.
• Data analytics experience.

Required Competencies

• Proficiency utilization of social media platforms.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong prioritization skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Planning and execution skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Position requires some travel – this includes travel outside local area and overnight stays.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• This position will be required to successfully pass a background check.

• *Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
• This position requires documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination*. New employees will be required to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination upon hire.
• Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.

Supplemental Information

Completing the Application

• Please submit a cover letter, current resume and three professional references by e-mail to: [email protected]
• Applications submitted without the required information will be considered incomplete and will NOT move forward in the selection process.
• Early submission of application materials is encouraged. Screening of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Online applications will not be accepted.

ADAAA Accommodations and Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of State is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Laura Darby, at [email protected] or call (303) 894-2200 ext. 6113 or Kathryn Mikeworth, at [email protected] or call (303) 894-2200 ext. 6312.

E-verify

The Department of State participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program’s Right to Work for all newly hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you will be required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at http://dhs.gov/e-v erify