Communications Director - Marketing and Communications Specialist V

$89,520 - $115,008/Yr

State Of Colorado - Denver, CO

Part-time - Senior

Hybrid - Denver, CO

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Communications Director for the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response (DCPHR) at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the communication strategies that support the division's mission to monitor, detect, diagnose, and respond to public health events. This position is designed for a seasoned professional with extensive experience in public health communications, media relations, and strategic messaging. The Communications Director will oversee a team of communications specialists, ensuring that all communications are timely, accurate, and aligned with the division's goals and the broader objectives of the CDPHE. In this hybrid role, the Communications Director will be responsible for developing and implementing communication policies and standards that enhance the quality of information disseminated to the public and partner organizations. This includes crafting press releases, media statements, and other public communications tools that effectively convey critical public health information during outbreaks and emergencies. The Director will also serve as the primary liaison for media relations, managing inquiries and developing comprehensive communication plans that address complex public health issues. The position requires a strong leader who can work collaboratively across divisions and with external partners to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication strategies. The Communications Director will also be tasked with monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of communication initiatives, making recommendations for improvements, and ensuring that the division's communications align with state and federal public health guidelines. This role is essential in fostering community engagement and ensuring that the public is informed about health programs and services that impact their lives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee division-wide communication projects as requested by Division management.
• Develop policies and standards for communication services and products.
• Provide timely and accurate information on emerging public health issues.
• Lead the development and implementation of new communication systems and procedures.
• Establish procedures for efficient operation and workflow of DCPHR communication needs.
• Develop and monitor a strategic framework to align with Division and Department priorities.
• Serve as the primary communications liaison for media relations within DCPHR.
• Write and edit news releases, media statements, and public communications tools.
• Develop talking points and prepare spokespersons for media interviews.
• Respond to controversial media inquiries and crisis situations.
• Maintain relationships with local, state, and national media organizations.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign workload for the communications team.
• Identify training needs and provide skill development for team members.
• Conduct performance evaluations and manage employee performance issues.

Requirements

• Eight years of relevant experience in public health communications or marketing campaigns.
• At least four years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• A combination of education in Communications, Marketing, or a related field and relevant work experience may also qualify.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google applications.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with the State of Colorado's public health programs.
• Prior experience developing communications plans for controversial topics.
• Outstanding skills in verbal and written communications to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated proficiency in collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong initiative and self-management skills.

Benefits

• Free parking
• Access to RTD bus lines
• Flexible working arrangements
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program