State of Colorado Job Opportunities
Communications director
State of Colorado Job Opportunities, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80219
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!CDHSCareers
Ready to apply Before you do, make sure to read all the details pertaining to this job in the description below.About This Position:The Communications Director 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.
Residency Requirement:This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Experience Only:Nine (9) years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field.OREducation and Experience:A combination of related education in communications, 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 metricsExperience working with eMarketing systems, MailChimp preferredExcellent communication skills, including superior writing skillsExperience writing overview documents and talking points using the voice of an executiveExperience writing and communications through multiple channels, including websites, social media, print communication, partner communication, eMarketing communication, and moreExperience serving as a spokesperson for an organizationExperience in the public sector/governmentAbility and willingness to work with executives and senior leadersHighly motivated and organizedAbility to work independently and as a contributing member of a teamAbility 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 deadlinesConditions of Employment:Standard background check and reference check required.Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s 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.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 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.How to ApplyThe Assessment ProcessFor additional recruiting questions, please contact Melissa.Baca@state.co.us.About Us:If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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. 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 plansEmployer supplemented Health Savings AccountPaid life insuranceShort- and long-term disability coverage11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leaveBenefitHub state employee discount programEmployee Wellness program MotivateMeExcellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and moreRemote work arrangements for eligible positions*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.Our Values:We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.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.We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.ADAA Accommodations:
CDHS 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, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
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Ready to apply Before you do, make sure to read all the details pertaining to this job in the description below.About This Position:The Communications Director 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.
Residency Requirement:This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Experience Only:Nine (9) years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field.OREducation and Experience:A combination of related education in communications, 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 metricsExperience working with eMarketing systems, MailChimp preferredExcellent communication skills, including superior writing skillsExperience writing overview documents and talking points using the voice of an executiveExperience writing and communications through multiple channels, including websites, social media, print communication, partner communication, eMarketing communication, and moreExperience serving as a spokesperson for an organizationExperience in the public sector/governmentAbility and willingness to work with executives and senior leadersHighly motivated and organizedAbility to work independently and as a contributing member of a teamAbility 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 deadlinesConditions of Employment:Standard background check and reference check required.Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s 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.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 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.How to ApplyThe Assessment ProcessFor additional recruiting questions, please contact Melissa.Baca@state.co.us.About Us:If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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. 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 plansEmployer supplemented Health Savings AccountPaid life insuranceShort- and long-term disability coverage11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leaveBenefitHub state employee discount programEmployee Wellness program MotivateMeExcellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and moreRemote work arrangements for eligible positions*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.Our Values:We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.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.We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.ADAA Accommodations:
CDHS 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, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
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