Assistant Communications Director

Full Job Description

Colorado Department of State

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR THE SPECIFIED TIME AND IS ONLY OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO AT THE TIME OF SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION.

SERVICE. INNOVATION. INTEGRITY. EXCELLENCE. INCLUSION.

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), a secure bike room accessible only to building tenants, and we are conveniently located near Civic Center Station, RTD light-rail lines, the 16th Street Mall, and Denver’s bike network.

In addition to a great location and fulfilling, impactful work, we offer:

• Employee wellness programs and an on-site fitness center
• 12 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off and sick leave
• Access to a diverse array of technical, leadership and supervisory training opportunities
• 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
• Medical and dental health plans
• Paid life insurance
• Automatic short-term (and optional long-term) disability coverage
• Excellent work-life balance through flex schedules, flexplace/remote work, and ad-hoc arrangements

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

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

Requirements

Administration Division
The Administration Division of the Department of State provides operational support to the Department, including human resources, finance, office management, legal and policy, eLearning, communications, legislation, and direct support to the Office of the Secretary of State. The Division works collaboratively to meet the needs of the Department staff and community stakeholders. Through the execution of each program, the Administration Division seeks to ensure alignment with key performance goals and uphold the mission, vision, and values of the Department.

The Communications Unit
The Communications unit exists to manage the public-facing communications for the Colorado Department of State. The unit communicates with staff at all levels of the Department, and engages with the general public, media, advocates, and stakeholders to provide information regarding the Department’s services and programs, including by creating collateral for external distribution.

Illustration of duties
In this role, you will be a valued member of the Communications team. Taking direction from the Communications Director and working closely with the executive team on a day-to-day basis, you will create and implement communications content and strategy to meet the needs of the Department. This includes serving as a point of contact for internal and external communications requests, drafting responses to reporter questions and requests for comment, and determining when to make changes to, or adapt, the communications strategy based on newly identified issues, crises, needs, or goals.

The ideal candidate will be a critical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly when needed. To succeed in this role, it is important that you have outstanding written and verbal communication skills, display an ability to plan and execute, and are committed to advancing a diverse and inclusive perspective.

This position will:

• Support all public-facing communications for the Department
• Support the Department's ability to effectively communicate with the media, constituents, and the general public
• Create and implement content and strategy to meet the needs of the Department and connect Coloradans to resources regarding the Department’s work in elections and business and licensing
• Assist in drafting written content and spoken remarks for the Secretary of State and other members of the Department.
• Assist in tracking, analyzing, and sharing news and policy updates in support of the entire Executive Team. This includes following state and federal legislation, executive orders, court proceedings, court orders, motions, and rulings pertinent to office operations
• Interact with staff at all levels of the Department
• Have assignments that are diverse in nature, and that require the ability to prioritize and determine practical solutions in a fast-paced environment
• Work independently, manage tight schedules, and handle multiple tasks, short and long term, simultaneously

This position must maintain confidentiality of all confidential and personal identifying information, personnel information, and any other confidential or proprietary information, and comply with all State and Department policies regarding professional conduct and professional practices.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a total of six (6) years in applicable professional experience and/or education in a field of study related to the work. To be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate that you meet one of the following options outlined below:

OPTION 1 – Experience

Six years of professional experience in strategic communications, including developing and implementing communication strategies; creating and distributing professional written materials such as press releases, outreach plans, talking points, and/or public awareness content.

OR

OPTION 2 –Experience and/or Education – Be sure you’ve attached a copy of your unofficial transcript to qualify for this option. (You may redact information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.)

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience as defined in Option 1 to equal six (6) years. Related education includes accredited course work in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

• Preference will be given to those candidates with previous State Service related to the work assigned to the position
• Demonstrated public information experience
• Knowledge of state, local, or federal government operations, policies, or legislative processes
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Crisis communication experience
• Ability to translate complex language and processes into easily understood communications collateral for a broad audience
• Experience writing for accessibility and inclusive audiences (plain language, ADA considerations)
• Experience coordinating press events, briefings, or public announcements
• Experience developing timelines, workflows, or editorial calendars
• Experience managing or contributing to an organizations social media accounts
• A strong ability to collaborate with coworkers and members of the media and public
• Ability to balance priorities and meet shifting deadlines in an evolving environment
• Professional etiquette with ability to maintain composure and remain positive under pressure
• Competencies to Include: Written Communication Skills • Verbal Communication Skills • Time Management/Prioritization • Social Perceptiveness • Critical Thinking • Problem Solving • Ability to plan and execute • Organizational Skills • Negotiation and Persuasion • Originality • Committed to advancing a diverse and inclusive perspective • Initiative

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Travel may be required to complete job duties, assist with off-site events, in-person meetings, for professional development/training opportunities, or as needed by supervisor to assist with other duties for the unit.
• Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.

Completing the Application

Applications will be reviewed by a Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Your application should specifically address your specialized experience, work products, accomplishments, etc. as they relate to the position duties and minimum and preferred qualifications.

• The minimum qualifications listed in the announcement are NOT optional.
• Cover letters and resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado application form.
• Cover letters and resumes may be attached to the application as supplemental information.

If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, your application may also be used as part of the comparative analysis process to identify a top group for further consideration.

The comparative analysis may consist of application reviews, answers to supplemental questions, review of submitted work samples, phone screens, structured interviews, and any other method determined to be valuable in identifying the right candidate.

Appeal Rights

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative.

This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Additional Information

Notifications

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/evaluation process will be via email.

Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position.

We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from “coloradosos.gov” and info@governmentjobs.com addresses.

It’s your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

Equal Pay for Equal Work

A wide salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work.

While all offers are compliant with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, there is no guarantee an offer will be at the top of the posted range based on the salary analysis.

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 Laura.S.Darby@coloradosos.gov or call (303) 894-2200 ext.

6113.

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-verify.