Communications & Media Relations Manager - Denver Metro

About CDOT and Benefits
About CDOT

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT for All

CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

Job Description
Description Of Job

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is looking to fill a Communications & Media Relations Manager position (Marketing & Communications Specialist IV) that will provide media relations, communications planning, and strategy for CDOT's projects and business needs in the Region 1 Denver Metro area. This area includes Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties.

Identify and work with key leadership on strategic initiatives, providing communications and media relations guidance and direction.

Ensure communications planning and strategy aligns with all goals and business needs.

Responsible for strategic issues management, which includes the planning, research, fact checking, and program and collateral development.

Oversee the communication and media relations needs for pre-construction, construction, and maintenance projects.

Develop and distribute information to primarily external and some internal audiences using a variety of tools.

Review, approve, and create content such as press releases, graphics, web content, and social media content.

Deliver effective and timely communications and media information for projects so motorists, travelers, communities, officials and the appropriate stakeholders are engaged with project development and planning and notified of construction and maintenance-related impacts.

Establish project specifications and provide oversight of communications and media relations tools on each project.

Address any issues on project that will rise to media or heavy public interest.

Research appropriate response, seek necessary approvals, and coordinate best approach to interviews, prepare subject matter experts for interviews, develop key messaging, and serve as spokesperson.

Coordinate and lead external events such as media briefings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and tours. Prepare all logistics and deliver successful events.

Lead internal communications strategy and implementation by working collaboratively with all stakeholders.

Provide executive support to the Region 1 Transportation Director such as guidance, talking points and presentations.

Provide guidance, support, and oversight of the day-to-day activities of the Region 1 Customer Service Lead.

Help organize regional customer service team to ensure consistency in responses and track trends.

Other job duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Your schedule will primarily be 8:00 am – 5:00 pm work hours, Monday-Friday, with the opportunity for a flexible schedule

Opportunity to work from home 1-2 days a week after training is completed

Some travel required, mostly during work hours throughout Metro Denver/Front Range

Occasional overnight travel 1-3 times a year throughout Colorado

Required to operate CDOT vehicles

Experience and Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Four (4) years of professional experience in a field closely related to the major job duties of this position.

AND at least three (3) years of relevant experience with the primary purpose in public or media relations, which included communications planning.

OR Education And Experience

A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least seven (7) years.

Education from a U.S. accredited college or university with coursework in the social sciences, such as anthropology, business administration, communications, English, geography, history, journalism, marketing, planning, public administration, public relations, psychology, sociology, or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.

At least three (3) years of relevant work experience with the primary purpose in public or media relations, which included communications planning.

Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. See Resume statements on the application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date will not be considered. Part-time work will be prorated.

College Transcripts
If you are using education to qualify, submit legible copies of official or unofficial transcript(s) showing completed coursework and credit hours, degree conferred if applicable, school name, and any NACES evaluation if required. Transcripts from outside the U.S. must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Failure to provide a transcript may result in rejection.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks.

A current valid driver’s license is required for all CDOT positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform essential functions.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section.

Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position.

Highest work/personal ethics and integrity.

Extensive experience in strategic external communications, transportation engineering and maintenance project communications, and internal communications.

Extensive experience speaking on the record with media and working with paid media companies.

Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of theories, principles, and best practices of public and media relations and communications.

Experience with strategic planning for communication campaigns.

Experience overseeing and directing consultants.

Polished facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral.

Ability to be creative and innovative when developing communication plans.

Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments.

Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner.

Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders with sensitivity to their needs, priorities, promises made and commitments.

Outstanding leadership skills.

Effective interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Excellent time and project management skills.

Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving ability.

Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy.

Dedication to safety.

Fluency in social media, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Applications, SAP, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

Supplemental Information and Applicant Checklist

Complete Applications Must Include The Following Documents: CDOT Application, Supplemental Questionnaire, cover letter, detailed chronological resume, transcripts or NACES evaluation if applying education-based, and DD214 if veteran status.

Additional notes: You may redact information on attachments identifying age, date of birth, or attendance/graduation dates. All materials must be submitted by the closing date. Transcripts must be provided within five business days if unavailable at submission. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Colorado is an equal opportunity and merit-based employer. Non-discrimination in hiring, employment, and advancement.

Notifications and Hiring Process

All correspondence regarding status will be via email. Ensure a current working email address is provided.

A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview.

Colorado statutes require merit-based hiring and may include structured application review by subject matter experts.

ADAAA Accommodations
CDOT is committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If you require reasonable accommodation to apply or interview, please contact the provided email or phone number.

Former State Employees

Former state employees who were terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application.

APS (SAP #50004855/ PCR #66325)

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