External Communications Specialist

Description of Job

The Public Information Office fosters strategic partnerships with diverse groups in a politically sensitive environment. Manages internal or external developments impacting the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) to balance stakeholder interests with those of the Department. Optimizes the public image of the Department. Provides oversight and leadership for the Department in internal and external policies in public relations, community issues, media relations, management, and public affairs.

The External Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing and executing communications strategies for CDOC to ensure operational efficiency and support through leadership. This position will be responsible for creating and delivering compelling content that engages the public and strengthens the CDOC’s culture. Generate creative communication strategies for external audiences. This position will work closely with internal and external key stakeholders to ensure all communication is clear, consistent, and aligned with the CDOC mission, vision, and goals.

Job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Creates press releases, speeches, fact sheets, talking points, articles for publication, newsletters, and other materials to support external communication goals and activities;
• Leverage analytics and reports to determine effectiveness and seek continual improvements in marketing and communication initiatives;
• Responsible for researching and analyzing the needs of their target audience;
• Responsible for designing and producing content for different channels and platforms, such as websites, social media, newsletters, videos, and presentations;
• Coordinate and manage the distribution of their content to reach the desired audience and generate feedback;
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication activities and campaigns using various metrics and tools;
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to build positive relationships and reputations;
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must meet one of the following or any combination of experience/education to meet the minimum (MQ) qualifications:

OPTION 1:

Six (6) years of experience to include one or more of the following; developing and implementing communications strategy; technical writing; managing organizational communications: social media, email campaigns, website communication announcements. Any work experience less than full time will be prorated.

OPTION 2:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Public Relations, Business, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Criminal Justice, or a field of study related to the work assignment. (A copy of your unofficial college transcript with your name, institution name, degree and date conferred must be attached to your application to verify your education.) AND Two (2) years of experience to include one or more of the following; developing and implementing communications strategy; technical writing; managing organizational communications: social media, email campaigns, website communication announcements. (managing the creative process, marketing campaigns or similar) or have worked on marketing and communication campaigns in some capacity. Any work experience less than full time will be prorated.

Required Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and projects and adapt to changing assignments;
• Public speaking skills with excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage with the target audience;
• Creating and maintaining client relationships;
• Proficient in marketing research and statistical analysis;
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience Performing crisis management utilizing different methods of communication;
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with content management systems, graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite), and email platforms;
• Experience in the public sector or corrections environment (preferred but not required);
• Social media management;
• Awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and the ability to integrate these into communication strategies;
• Presentation Skills: Comfortable creating and delivering presentations to leadership and staff.

Ensure that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant part-time and full-time work experience related to the position that I am applying for. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "work experience" section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date.

Conditions of Employment: All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration of application for employment.

• Must be 21 years of age;
• Possess a valid driver’s license;
• Possess a high school diploma or GED;
• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.
• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
• Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;
• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
• Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• Swing a baton in a striking technique;
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
• Willing and able to travel;
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire;
• Employees may be required to submit to regular serial testing and reporting for COVID-19.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY TODAY, VISIT https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/4789139/cdoc-external-communications-specialist?keywords=extern&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs