Media Specialist and Public Information Officer

$70,140 - $112,236/Yr

Trinidad State Junior College - Denver, CO

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Denver, CO

Educational Services

About the position

The Media Specialist and Public Information Officer position at the Colorado Department of Human Services is responsible for managing media relations and public communications for the Office of Behavioral Health (BHA). This role involves developing and executing media strategies, managing social media presence, and serving as a key point of contact for media inquiries. The position aims to effectively communicate and engage with the public, partner agencies, and the media regarding behavioral health programs and services.

Responsibilities

• Manage all media requests and responses in a timely, accurate, and consistent manner.
• Prepare advisories, fact sheets, and press releases to communicate with media, the public, and BHA stakeholders.
• Detect public relations issues and address them expediently with senior leadership.
• Decide the appropriate subject matter expert for media responses.
• Provide editing support and feedback on public awareness efforts and external messaging.
• Translate complex information concisely for media and the public.
• Write, edit, and distribute media advisories, releases, and fact sheets.
• Plan and oversee press conferences and media events, including logistics and materials preparation.
• Develop key messaging for Department stakeholders in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Prepare staff for media interactions, including training on media readiness.
• Manage social media accounts and create original posts.
• Curate and post content about BHA programs and updates.
• Monitor social media accounts and respond to posts/messages.
• Create an editorial calendar for BHA material on various platforms.
• Analyze, track, and report social media trends.
• Coordinate translation services and manage related contracts.
• Support communication needs for external engagements and meetings.
• Identify opportunities for public speaking and media highlights for BHA.
• Develop presentations and talking points for executive leadership.

Requirements

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in a related occupation.
• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience equal to seven (7) years.

Nice-to-haves

• At least 3 years of Public Relations experience.
• Experience working with the media and maintaining relationships with media outlets.
• Experience with Colorado-based media outlets.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Experience as a spokesperson to the media.
• Experience developing social media campaign plans.

Benefits

• Strong retirement benefits including 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.
• Employee discount program through BenefitHub.
• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe.
• Flexible schedules and excellent work-life programs.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.