Director of Communications (Internal Candidates Only).

Department Information

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. The Governor's staff includes offices for budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.

Transparency Posting

The announcement is for transparency purposes only to comply with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

An intended appointee within the Governor’s Office Communications team has been identified for this position.

Description Of Job

Position Title: Director of Communications

Department: Communications

FLSA Status: Exempt

Organizational Relationships: This position reports to the Chief of Staff and is part of the Governor’s Executive team. This position is responsible for the entire communications strategy for the Governor’s Office. This position oversees the Governor’s speechwriter, press secretary, three digital staff members, Federal Communications Advisor, t wo deputy press secretaries, Governor’s Special Assistant to the Governor, and the Logistics and Scheduling coordinator, as well as interfaces with cabinet, public information officers and staff across all state government agencies.

Expected Annual Travel: Frequent travel anticipated.

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, and oversees execution of all public-facing communications for the offices listed above.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop, lead and implement the Governor’s office and official State communications strategy.
• Provide strategy and communications counsel and advice to the Governor, Lt. Governor, First Gentleman, Cabinet and executive leadership.
• Work with the Chief of Staff and 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.
  
  

Education/Experience

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

5- 10 years of relevant and closely-related experience.

Supplemental Information

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks a year)
• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month (10 days a year)
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Medical and dental plans
• State paid life insurance policy of a minimum of $50,000 or 1x annual salary
• Choice of 2 retirement plans
• 401K and 457 plans
• State paid Short Term Disability coverage
• Additional optional life and disability plans
• Credit Union Membership
• RTD pass
• Training and professional development
  
  

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits .

Inclusion and Belonging

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success , and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor 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 Staffing Coordinator (the Senior Human Resources Director) at gov_hr@state.co.us.

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.