Job Description
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, and building an economy that works for everyone, as well as empower state agencies to build a culture of operational excellence and bold innovation driven by continuous performance improvement. The Governor's staff includes offices for budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.
FLSA Classification: Exempt (not overtime eligible)
Summary of Functions: The Director of Communications provides strategic leadership and vision for the Governor’s key political and communications priorities in partnership with the Governor, Lt. Governor, First Gentleman, cabinet and executive leadership.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Provide strategic leadership and vision for Governor’s key political and communications priorities in partnership with Governor, Lt. Governor, First Gentleman, Cabinet and Executive Leadership.
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Develop, lead and implement the Governor’s office and official State communications strategy.
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Provide strategy and communications counsel and advice to the Governor, Lt. Governor, First Gentleman, Cabinet and executive leadership.
Work with Deputy Chiefs of Staff to develop and execute external stakeholder strategy and high level partnerships in concert with Governor, Lt Governor Cabinet, and executive staff.
Develop and implement the state and Governor’s Office brand.
Track, monitor and summarize the narrative on key strategic priorities to inform decision making.
Oversee all of the Governor’s public appearances, media relations, speeches, newsletters, briefs and other internal and external communications and messaging.
Develop and implement administration’s digital communications strategy including website and social media content, and delivery.
Manage relationships, pitches, and response with local, state and national outlets, editorial boards, thought leaders, and reporters.
Develop and execute on priorities for the Governor’s time/schedule
Preferred Qualifications:
Conditions of Employment
Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.
Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and may be required to submit to regular serial testing. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their Covid-19 vaccination status with proof of vaccination. Testing, if required, will take place in-person and will be considered paid work time.
Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, all as defined by the State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.To Apply:
A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements.
The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:
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Medical, dental and vision plan coverage - including extensive prescription drug coverage (many preventive medications covered at no cost)*.
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Health Savings Account (with state contribution) when electing HDHP medical coverage*.
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Wellness programs - participation can reduce employee premiums*.
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Short-term and optional long-term disability coverage*.
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Life and Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance*.
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*.
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Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
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11 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
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Welcome Aboard Program - July 1, 2023.pdf
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Retirement benefits** - including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans - https://www.copera.org/
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Hybrid work arrangements.
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Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Discount Program.
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Training and professional development opportunities, including reduced college tuition through CSU Global ( contact CSU Global for latest offerings).
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Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP): offers confidential mental health counseling, professional coaching, employee mediation, 24/7 crisis support.
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Free RTD EcoPass to all eligible State Employees.