Chief Communications Officer

Full Job Description

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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Requirements

About This Position:

The Chief Communications Officer will be responsible for bringing together a holistic and integrated vision for the BHA’s strategic communications and marketing.

Reporting to the Commissioner, they will provide transformational leadership to a team developing and implementing thoughtful, people-centered communications strategies.

The role advances the BHA’s mission and impact by leading a powerful and dynamic team that fosters an environment of collaboration, curiosity, innovation, belonging, and authenticity.

The Communications Director works with the team in a way that creates safety and comfort for themselves and others.

This role is a key partner in BHA leadership, developing strategy, crafting editorial content, harmonizing internal communications, and establishing trusting relationships with staff, community, and the press.

The Communications Director works with agency partners, provider networks, and the people of Colorado to manage brand development and lead all communication efforts, bringing experience as a passionate storyteller, a digital innovator, and an excellent verbal and written communicator.

Description of Job:

• Develops and executes a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the BHA in coordination with the Governor’s office and collaboration with the BHA communications team, with a focus on thought leadership, executive positioning, and proactive brand building through earned media, social media, events, and digital platforms.

• Prioritizes and designs systems with accessibility; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); plain language; and belonging.

• Adopts new digital tools and implements process improvements.

• Brings a deep empathy for people in Colorado experiencing crisis and seeking meaningful, trusted, and accessible behavioral health care.

• Collaborates with BHA leadership team, community, and external partners who specialize in behavioral health to ensure communications strategies are mission-aligned and tied to the BHA strategic plan.

• Provides guidance and tactical insights to support teams across the BHA to effectively apply creative concepts, ensuring that programs have the right assets and channels to support the overall strategy.

• Operates with a growth mindset, consistently testing and refining tactics while striving for greater efficiencies.

• Develop and manage a crisis communications plan.

• Shapes, reports, and improves key communications KPIs with a strong numbers orientation and a curiosity about experimentation.

• Travels within and outside the State of Colorado for state agency and stakeholder meetings.

• Ensures all external communication efforts meet team and BHA accessibility, DEI, and belonging standards with experience writing alt-text and implementing other digital accessibility practices.

• Leads BHA audience and channel mapping work to better understand the alignment of tools and audience segments.

• Demonstrates knowledge of best practices around inclusive, equitable, plain, accessible, and gender-expansive language.

• Leads the development and evolution of the BHA brand and style guides.

• Serves as executive authority for BHA marketing campaigns and digital advertising supporting and guiding decisions made by the Deputy Communications Director.

• Imagine and plan BHA press conferences and public-facing media events.

• Leads the BHA approach to storytelling and content creation, developing a collection of collateral, including publications, reports, web content, email, social media, video, print, and ads.

• Works with staff and consultants to set and achieve targets for social media engagement; oversee content creation, ad spending, and community partnerships.

• Identifies audiences, develops, and ensures implementation of consistent and targeted messaging for the BHA to each type of audience.

Represents the interests of the BHA in the media; supporting the Media Manager to prioritize where and how senior leadership and an expanded team of subject matter experts can and should be leveraged in the media to increase credibility and exposure.

Oversee the development of content and dissemination of BHA external communications including but not limited to the website, public reports, press releases, and newsletter(s).

• Works with department heads to craft messaging and manage the flow of information across the organization developing talking points, as well as slide decks and other presentation resources.

• Implements internal communications objectives with tactical deliverables to drive engagement and ownership of the mission, culture and administration priorities.

• Manages processes/protocols for internal communications.

• Nurtures relationships with agency partners, central to BHA’s strategic plan and infrastructure for the daily functions of the BHA.

• Collaborates and leads engagement during major communications moments and tragedies, as appropriate.

• Evaluates results and assesses activities, employee surveys, events and other tools, and uses data to propose and test new solutions.

• Leads the Behavioral Health Joint Information Center (BH JIC), coordinating meeting logistics, drafting agendas, and facilitating interagency collaboration.

• Engages both leadership and the team across teams to manage change as well as shapes a culture of collaborative, values-aligned behavioral health reform.

• Owns and focuses on DEI, belonging, and accessibility, champions diverse stories, and centers lived experience.

• Supervises through first or second-tier management a total of 6 FTE staff.

• Fulfills all supervisory duties including training, coaching, and regular supervision to ensure the programs are appropriately staffed and selected staff members are the best qualified and prepared for maximum productivity and job and program success.

• Plans, prioritizes, and assigns workload, and analyzes and monitors workflow and progress to ensure the quality and quantity of work meets standards, deadlines for deliverables, and program goals and objectives.

• Establishes work schedules, and reviews and approves work time and absences using the automated system.

• Identify training and developmental needs and provide training to develop skills.

• Provides feedback and coaching; writes, reviews, and signs performance plans; evaluate and sign performance evaluations.

• Resolves employee performance problems and issues, disputes, and informal (Step 1) grievances; issue corrective actions and initiate discipline as needed.

• Write and review position descriptions, recommend promotions or demotions, changes in pay, and sign personnel action forms.

• Initiate the hiring process, provide subject matter expertise during the comparative analysis process, interview applicants, and hire employees after consultation with the second-level appointing authority.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Department and Statewide policies and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Only:

Nine (9) years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in ccommunications, advertising, marketing, English, journalism or a closely related field and/or relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field equal to nine (9) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Experience working with content management systems, general knowledge of SEO and web traffic metrics
• Experience working with eMarketing systems, MailChimp preferred
• Excellent communication skills, including superior writing skills
• Experience writing overview documents and talking points using the voice of an executive
• Experience writing and communications through multiple channels, including websites, social media, print communication, partner communication, eMarketing communication, and more
• Experience serving as a spokesperson for an organization
• Experience in the public sector/government
• Ability and willingness to work with executives and senior leaders
• Highly motivated and organized
• Ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a team
• Ability to work with multiple, competing deadlines daily; ability to easily transition from one priority to another and manage constant interruptions, while remaining productive and meeting deadlines

Conditions of Employment:

• Standard background check and reference check required

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

• Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.

• Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

1. Disclose that information on the application.

2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

3. Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications.

Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.

You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process.

You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

• You can find the official appeal form here.

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.
  

Additional Information

• How to apply to the State of Colorado (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

• For Statewide Hiring Freeze NON-EXEMPTED position ONLY:

  • This job offer is contingent upon funding availability from all sources, including state and federal (if applicable), to start or continue.

• For additional recruiting questions, please contact Stacy.Chinea@state.co.us

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).

Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado.

Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve.

We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing 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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services.

Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives 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.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll-Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g.

uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).

Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

Required Supplemental Questions:

(Multiple Choice) The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer.

Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.This information is available to me and I have read this information.

I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. Yes/No

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information.

An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process.

If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for.

(Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.

In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.