Chief Communications Officer
Colorado Department of Revenue, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Overview
About This Position:
The Chief Communications Officer will be responsible for bringing together a holistic and integrated vision for the BHA’s strategic communications and marketing. Reporting to the Commissioner, they will provide transformational leadership to a team developing and implementing thoughtful, people-centered communications strategies. The role advances the BHA’s mission and impact by leading a powerful and dynamic team that fosters an environment of collaboration, curiosity, innovation, belonging, and authenticity. The Communications Officer works with the team in a way that creates safety and comfort for themselves and others. This role is a key partner in BHA leadership, developing strategy, crafting editorial content, harmonizing internal communications, and establishing trusting relationships with staff, community, and the press. The Communications Director works with agency partners, provider networks, and the people of Colorado to manage brand development and lead all communication efforts, bringing experience as a passionate storyteller, a digital innovator, and an excellent verbal and written communicator. Responsibilities
Develops and executes a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the BHA in coordination with the Governor’s office and collaboration with the BHA communications team, with a focus on thought leadership, executive positioning, and proactive brand building through earned media, social media, events, and digital platforms. Adopts new digital tools and implements process improvements. Brings a deep empathy for people in Colorado experiencing crisis and seeking meaningful, trusted, and accessible behavioral health care. Collaborates with BHA leadership team, community, and external partners who specialize in behavioral health to ensure communications strategies are mission-aligned and tied to the BHA strategic plan. Provides guidance and tactical insights to support teams across the BHA to effectively apply creative concepts, ensuring that programs have the right assets and channels to support the overall strategy. Operates with a growth mindset, consistently testing and refining tactics while striving for greater efficiencies. Develop and manage a crisis communications plan. Shapes, reports, and improves key communications KPIs with a strong numbers orientation and a curiosity about experimentation. Travels within and outside the State of Colorado for state agency and stakeholder meetings. Ensures all external communication efforts meet team and BHA accessibility standards with experience writing alt-text and implementing other digital accessibility practices. Leads BHA audience and channel mapping work to better understand the alignment of tools and audience segments. Demonstrates knowledge of best practices around equitable, plain, and accessible language. Leads the development and evolution of the BHA brand and style guides. Serves as executive authority for BHA marketing campaigns and digital advertising, supporting and guiding decisions made by the Deputy Communications Director. Imagine and plan BHA press conferences and public-facing media events. Leads the BHA approach to storytelling and content creation, developing a collection of collateral, including publications, reports, web content, email, social media, video, print, and ads. Works with staff and consultants to set and achieve targets for social media engagement; oversees content creation, ad spending, and community partnerships. Identifies audiences, develops, and ensures implementation of consistent and targeted messaging for the BHA to each type of audience. Represents the interests of the BHA in the media; supporting the Media Manager to prioritize where and how senior leadership and an expanded team of subject matter experts can and should be leveraged in the media to increase credibility and exposure. Oversee the development of content and dissemination of BHA external communications including but not limited to the website, public reports, press releases, and newsletter(s). Works with department heads to craft messaging and manage the flow of information across the organization developing talking points, as well as slide decks and other presentation resources. Implements internal communications objectives with tactical deliverables to drive engagement and ownership of the mission, culture and administration priorities. Manages processes/protocols for internal communications. Nurtures relationships with agency partners, central to BHA’s strategic plan and infrastructure for the daily functions of the BHA. Collaborates and leads engagement during major communications moments and tragedies, as appropriate. Evaluates results and assesses activities, employee surveys, events and other tools, and uses data to propose and test new solutions. Leads the Behavioral Health Joint Information Center (BH JIC), coordinating meeting logistics, drafting agendas, and facilitating interagency collaboration. Engages both leadership and the team across teams to manage change as well as shapes a culture of collaborative, values-aligned behavioral health reform. Supervises through first or second-tier management a total of 6 FTE staff. Fulfills all supervisory duties including training, coaching, and regular supervision to ensure the programs are appropriately staffed and selected staff members are the best qualified and prepared for maximum productivity and job and program success. Plans, prioritizes, and assigns workload, and analyzes and monitors workflow and progress to ensure the quality and quantity of work meets standards, deadlines for deliverables, and program goals and objectives. Establishes work schedules, and reviews and approves work time and absences using the automated system. Identify training and developmental needs and provide training to develop skills. Provides feedback and coaching; writes, reviews, and signs performance plans; evaluates and sign performance evaluations. Resolves employee performance problems and issues, disputes, and informal (Step 1) grievances; issues corrective actions and initiates discipline as needed. Write and review position descriptions, recommend promotions or demotions, changes in pay, and sign personnel action forms. Initiate the hiring process, provide subject matter expertise during the comparative analysis process, interview applicants, and hire employees after consultation with the second-level appointing authority. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Department and Statewide policies and procedures. Minimum Qualifications
Experience Only: Nine (9) years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field OR Education And Experience: A combination of related education in ccommunications, advertising, marketing, English, journalism or a closely related field and/or relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field equal to nine (9) years. Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to produce professional-grade print and digital collateral using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Experience managing website content through a CMS and using web traffic metrics to inform SEO strategy and content updates. Proven track record of executing email marketing campaigns, with a preference for candidates experienced in MailChimp. Demonstrated writing skills with the ability to produce high-quality, error-free content tailored to diverse professional audiences. Experience drafting high-level briefing documents, speeches, and talking points that accurately reflect an executive’s unique voice and tone. Ability to develop and adapt messaging across a wide range of channels, including social media, web, print, and partner-facing platforms. Experience serving as a formal spokesperson or primary media contact for a complex organization. Professional background working within the unique regulatory, administrative, or legislative frameworks of a government entity. Demonstrated success in providing direct communication support to and collaborating with C-suite or senior-level executives. Exceptionally organized with a proven ability to manage complex projects and maintain meticulous records independently. A history of contributing effectively to high-performing teams while maintaining full ownership of individual portfolios. Proven resilience in fast-paced environments, with the ability to manage competing daily deadlines and pivot priorities seamlessly as organizational needs shift. Conditions Of Employment
Standard background check and reference check required This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position. Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc. Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date. Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose that information on the application and explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position. About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. We offer: Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a 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 State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center Employee Wellness program Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more Remote work arrangements for eligible positions *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives 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.
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About This Position:
The Chief Communications Officer will be responsible for bringing together a holistic and integrated vision for the BHA’s strategic communications and marketing. Reporting to the Commissioner, they will provide transformational leadership to a team developing and implementing thoughtful, people-centered communications strategies. The role advances the BHA’s mission and impact by leading a powerful and dynamic team that fosters an environment of collaboration, curiosity, innovation, belonging, and authenticity. The Communications Officer works with the team in a way that creates safety and comfort for themselves and others. This role is a key partner in BHA leadership, developing strategy, crafting editorial content, harmonizing internal communications, and establishing trusting relationships with staff, community, and the press. The Communications Director works with agency partners, provider networks, and the people of Colorado to manage brand development and lead all communication efforts, bringing experience as a passionate storyteller, a digital innovator, and an excellent verbal and written communicator. Responsibilities
Develops and executes a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the BHA in coordination with the Governor’s office and collaboration with the BHA communications team, with a focus on thought leadership, executive positioning, and proactive brand building through earned media, social media, events, and digital platforms. Adopts new digital tools and implements process improvements. Brings a deep empathy for people in Colorado experiencing crisis and seeking meaningful, trusted, and accessible behavioral health care. Collaborates with BHA leadership team, community, and external partners who specialize in behavioral health to ensure communications strategies are mission-aligned and tied to the BHA strategic plan. Provides guidance and tactical insights to support teams across the BHA to effectively apply creative concepts, ensuring that programs have the right assets and channels to support the overall strategy. Operates with a growth mindset, consistently testing and refining tactics while striving for greater efficiencies. Develop and manage a crisis communications plan. Shapes, reports, and improves key communications KPIs with a strong numbers orientation and a curiosity about experimentation. Travels within and outside the State of Colorado for state agency and stakeholder meetings. Ensures all external communication efforts meet team and BHA accessibility standards with experience writing alt-text and implementing other digital accessibility practices. Leads BHA audience and channel mapping work to better understand the alignment of tools and audience segments. Demonstrates knowledge of best practices around equitable, plain, and accessible language. Leads the development and evolution of the BHA brand and style guides. Serves as executive authority for BHA marketing campaigns and digital advertising, supporting and guiding decisions made by the Deputy Communications Director. Imagine and plan BHA press conferences and public-facing media events. Leads the BHA approach to storytelling and content creation, developing a collection of collateral, including publications, reports, web content, email, social media, video, print, and ads. Works with staff and consultants to set and achieve targets for social media engagement; oversees content creation, ad spending, and community partnerships. Identifies audiences, develops, and ensures implementation of consistent and targeted messaging for the BHA to each type of audience. Represents the interests of the BHA in the media; supporting the Media Manager to prioritize where and how senior leadership and an expanded team of subject matter experts can and should be leveraged in the media to increase credibility and exposure. Oversee the development of content and dissemination of BHA external communications including but not limited to the website, public reports, press releases, and newsletter(s). Works with department heads to craft messaging and manage the flow of information across the organization developing talking points, as well as slide decks and other presentation resources. Implements internal communications objectives with tactical deliverables to drive engagement and ownership of the mission, culture and administration priorities. Manages processes/protocols for internal communications. Nurtures relationships with agency partners, central to BHA’s strategic plan and infrastructure for the daily functions of the BHA. Collaborates and leads engagement during major communications moments and tragedies, as appropriate. Evaluates results and assesses activities, employee surveys, events and other tools, and uses data to propose and test new solutions. Leads the Behavioral Health Joint Information Center (BH JIC), coordinating meeting logistics, drafting agendas, and facilitating interagency collaboration. Engages both leadership and the team across teams to manage change as well as shapes a culture of collaborative, values-aligned behavioral health reform. Supervises through first or second-tier management a total of 6 FTE staff. Fulfills all supervisory duties including training, coaching, and regular supervision to ensure the programs are appropriately staffed and selected staff members are the best qualified and prepared for maximum productivity and job and program success. Plans, prioritizes, and assigns workload, and analyzes and monitors workflow and progress to ensure the quality and quantity of work meets standards, deadlines for deliverables, and program goals and objectives. Establishes work schedules, and reviews and approves work time and absences using the automated system. Identify training and developmental needs and provide training to develop skills. Provides feedback and coaching; writes, reviews, and signs performance plans; evaluates and sign performance evaluations. Resolves employee performance problems and issues, disputes, and informal (Step 1) grievances; issues corrective actions and initiates discipline as needed. Write and review position descriptions, recommend promotions or demotions, changes in pay, and sign personnel action forms. Initiate the hiring process, provide subject matter expertise during the comparative analysis process, interview applicants, and hire employees after consultation with the second-level appointing authority. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Department and Statewide policies and procedures. Minimum Qualifications
Experience Only: Nine (9) years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field OR Education And Experience: A combination of related education in ccommunications, advertising, marketing, English, journalism or a closely related field and/or relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or closely related field equal to nine (9) years. Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to produce professional-grade print and digital collateral using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Experience managing website content through a CMS and using web traffic metrics to inform SEO strategy and content updates. Proven track record of executing email marketing campaigns, with a preference for candidates experienced in MailChimp. Demonstrated writing skills with the ability to produce high-quality, error-free content tailored to diverse professional audiences. Experience drafting high-level briefing documents, speeches, and talking points that accurately reflect an executive’s unique voice and tone. Ability to develop and adapt messaging across a wide range of channels, including social media, web, print, and partner-facing platforms. Experience serving as a formal spokesperson or primary media contact for a complex organization. Professional background working within the unique regulatory, administrative, or legislative frameworks of a government entity. Demonstrated success in providing direct communication support to and collaborating with C-suite or senior-level executives. Exceptionally organized with a proven ability to manage complex projects and maintain meticulous records independently. A history of contributing effectively to high-performing teams while maintaining full ownership of individual portfolios. Proven resilience in fast-paced environments, with the ability to manage competing daily deadlines and pivot priorities seamlessly as organizational needs shift. Conditions Of Employment
Standard background check and reference check required This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position. Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc. Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date. Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose that information on the application and explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position. About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. We offer: Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a 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 State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center Employee Wellness program Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more Remote work arrangements for eligible positions *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives 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.
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