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State of Colorado

Vice President of Communications

State of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80219


To apply, please go to: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=35831

Apply promptly! A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.

Who We Are: System Administration, which also houses the Office of the President, is located in the uptown neighborhood of Denver with a few smaller offices located on the campuses. Many of our departments support the educational and research missions of the four University of Colorado campuses, but System Administration is not considered a campus. We provide diverse opportunities for professional development, innovation, and collaboration with talented staff and faculty. Learn more about CU System Administration. The Office of University Relations is responsible for all official public communication regarding the Office of the President, which includes but is not limited to responding to requests from constituents, the news media for information, interviews, and official statements. University Relations also produces the weekly CU Connections, news and information for CU Faculty and Staff, collaborates on the systemwide marketing initiative and the implementation of an online communications outreach tool, among many other print, web, and social media projects. Position Summary: The Vice President of Communication is the leader of University Relations and reports directly to the Senior Vice President for External Relations and Strategy (SVP). With policy direction provided by the president of the university and SVP, the Vice President of Communication serves as a member of the president’s executive staff and coordinates and facilitates internal and external communications and communications-related strategy for the University of Colorado (CU) System. The position coordinates and collaborates with communication colleagues on its four campuses (Boulder, Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Colorado Springs). The position provides strategic communication/issues management advice to the university president, SVP, and the leadership team, as well as to the institution’s governing Board of Regents. Its primary duties include regular communications, executive communications for the president (and in selected instances, the university’s governing Board of Regents), issues management, crisis communications, media relations, and contributing to and providing support for other work of the external relations team in the areas of marketing, outreach, and engagement initiatives. The position often writes drafts of communications for the president, board of regents, and other members of the executive team and works closely with the team to ensure an effective voice for the president in a variety of written and oral presentations. The vice president oversees a communications office of professional-level staff at the system level responsible for executive communications, social media, website content and management (cu.edu), and system-wide internal communications (CU Connections). The position also serves as media spokesperson and press secretary for the president and Board of Regents, in addition to selected media relations for state and national legislative issues. This position works closely with campus communications vice chancellors regarding awareness of campus issues that may affect the president and/or regents. The position convenes and leads regular meetings of the campus communication leaders to address items of common interest. The vice president also may need to coordinate with the University of Colorado Foundation’s leadership and communications team related to communications and issues management related to fundraising. This position reports to the Senior Vice President for External Relations and Strategy and is a member of the president’s executive staff, is an Officer of the Administration, and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff System. Where You Will Work: This position is located at 1800 Grant St. in Denver, Colorado, and is expected to be in the office 3-4 days per week. Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as a member of the president’s executive team and leads the university’s communications, issues management, and crisis communications. At the direction of the SVP and in collaboration with the leadership team, plans, directs, and executes the overall communications strategy for the president, Board of Regents, and system administration. Builds and maintains strong relationships with the media across Colorado. Coordinates to advance the president’s goals, partnering with the president’s executive team and other team members on operational and key initiatives. Manages the University Relations office to include oversight of the department’s budget and supervision of professional-level staff. Serves as media spokesperson on issues relating to the president, Board of Regents, system administration and selected legislative issues and selected fundraising issues. Coordinates with campus communications vice chancellors and convenes and chairs regular meetings of that group. Oversees executive communications, including the president’s monthly electronic newsletter (circulation of 500,000 students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, donors, regents, community members), social media, selected internal communication, and speeches. Writes communications and presentations for the president, and for the board of regents or other team members as needed. Works closely with the executive writer on execution of materials for the president. In coordination with the SVP, provides strategic advice to university leadership. Works with External Relations team to pitch stories to the local media regarding outreach and engagement, legislative and advancement activities. Pitches media on stories that are a priority for the president and the university. Under direction from the SVP, contributes to CU’s systemwide marketing, branding, and communications vision and strategy. Manages social media, multimedia, and video content, to advance communications goals. Develops and implements crisis communications plans or major announcements, as necessary. Coordinates with CU Foundation and Advancement leaders and communicators on communications/issues management related to fundraising. Ensures all communications reflect the diversity of all of Colorado. Leads all public-facing communications to ensure timely updates on all outward-facing platforms. Performs other duties and special projects assigned. Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university (work experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis for education). Five (5) years of experience managing technical ATS support or implementing HR business applications, preferably in a higher education environment. Two (2) years of experience in project coordination or management, preferably in a higher education environment, with strong knowledge of the recruitment lifecycle and processes, or direct experience working as a recruiter. Preferred Qualifications:

Seven (7) years’ professional experience implementing HR business applications. One (1) year of experience in a team lead or supervisory role, which may include assigning and reviewing the work of others, providing guidance to internal and external team members, and/or assisting management with performance reviews (this requirement may be substituted by formal leadership training). Current employee in Higher Education. Experience with multi-campus institutions. Experience working with State and Federal labor laws and regulations. Experience creating and maintaining relationships across multiple teams and departments, including executive relationships. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with employees and the general public. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details clearly. Applies knowledge of functional best practices and related technology trends to guide campuses toward appropriate ATS technology solutions. Knowledge of current HR-related legislation and processing requirements. Knowledge of software development lifecycle methodologies. Demonstrated knowledge and application of customer service competencies. Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to examine data and trends in order to produce results. Evaluates current business processes and understands end-user needs to recommend and deliver quality system solutions. Communicates with internal and external contributors regarding the resolution of issues, requirements gathering, and providing status updates and presentations. Ability to collaborate with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal by sharing knowledge and strategy and maintaining constant communication. Strong customer service skills, including the ability to actively listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor. Ability to address and handle competing priorities, handle ambiguity, and handle conflict. Ability to complete assigned tasks (incidents, service requests, identified problems, operational changes, enhancements, etc.) within set timelines. Ability to lead and coordinate change and assist with system integrations and HR processes. Ability to develop and maintain relationships with UIS, campus collaborators, and third-party vendors. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other University personnel, and the public. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to handle multiple concurrent tasks and responsibilities, and to deal with changing priorities while maintaining personal effectiveness. How to Apply: For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application at https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=35831: A cover letter identifying the job-specific minimum qualifications you possess. A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness. No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance. Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options. Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan, and a 457 deferred compensation plan. Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts. Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break. 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood. A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents. Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office. Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage. Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available. For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide. Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

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