Salary : $6,391.32 - $7,984.46 Monthly
Location : CO 80202, CO
Job Type : Full-time
Remote Employment : Flexible / Hybrid
Job Number : 2025-08
Department : Transportation Planning and Operations
Opening Date : 02 / 05 / 2025
Closing Date : 2 / 27 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Mountain
Summary
The hiring salary range for this position is $3,195.66 - $3,992.23 / semi-monthly or $6,391.32 - $7,984.46 / month or depending on qualifications.
At DRCOG, we're not just planning for the future. We're building it. With a five-year $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the EPA, the Denver Regional Council of Governments is launching Decarbonize DRCOG, a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the built environment of the 58 cities and counties that make up the Denver metro area. This effort will cut climate pollution from Denver's built environment by 70% by 2050, boost public health, spark local innovation, and supercharge the economy. Our approach is community-centered and equity-driven, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods to ensure that everyone benefits from clean technology.
Decarbonize DRCOG will :
- Perform whole home retrofits in low-income communities
- Provide energy advising services and electrification-oriented rebates and incentives to home and business owners
- Support workforce and industry development
- Execute a mass-market marketing and community engagement campaign
- Work with local governments to accelerate adoption of ambitious policies
For more details, see the linked and full
The Senior Program Specialist (Communications) (Building Decarbonization) will be responsible for helping shape the direction of communication and engagement strategies for the program. First-year priorities are contributing to the development of the Decarbonize DRCOG communications and community engagement plans, and helping launch and manage the communications contract (in coordination with consultant selected via RFP). Subsequent years will continue to focus on program and process improvement, and growth in campaign awareness and participation.
Decarbonize DRCOG is more than just a program - it's a movement. We need your experience and entrepreneurial spirit to make this vision a reality. Apply to join us in creating a better, brighter, more sustainable future!
Research shows people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click "apply" for that reason, we encourage you to apply.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado's central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do,. Employees are rewarded with competitive
compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We'd love to meet you!
Description of Work
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
Supports logistics, partner coordination and on-the-ground communications across program elements.Proficiency in Spanish or other common second language in equity priority communities in the DRCOG region is prioritized.Contribute to development of Decarbonize DRCOG communications and community engagement plan, taking lead on the communications elementsWork with Communications Program Manager (CPM) to lead communications contract, selected by RFP, ensuring proper and equitable implementation and outcomes aligned with program objectivesReview proposed timelines, strategies and work outputsMaintain understanding of scope and outputs of various materials including surveys / research, creative materials, campaign strategy / timeline, outreach materials, branding and moreReview public-facing materials for accuracy, strategy and cultural sensitivity, and provide edits where necessaryWork closely with CPM to create and implement effective external communicationCopywriting, reviewing, editing and approving materialsOversee the development of communications calendar to ensure timely delivery of content, aligned with strategic initiatives; develop tracking and reporting processOversee the development of communications calendar to ensure timely delivery of content, aligned with strategic initiatives; develop tracking and reporting processWork with agency consultant to develop and deliver reports, including campaign metricsWork with agency consultant to develop and deliver reports, including campaign metricsOversee the development of communications resources for external public-facing marketing, including social media, web, email, flyers, presentations and other collateral, to be developed by contractor and / or internal DRCOG communications teamLead development of communications resources for internal and external partners, including toolkits and training materialsAssist in planning, supporting and promoting engagement and outreach eventsGather, manage and incorporate feedback from stakeholders including regional partners, jurisdictions and work groups to assess perceptions and inform future effortsWork with CPM and Senior Community Engagement Specialist (SCES) to ensure mutual learning and strategy development across community engagement and communicationsWork with SCES and contractors to develop communications collateral (e.g., web, flyers / handouts, socials) for engagement events and distribution to local government partnersPerform other duties of a similar nature and level as assignedInteracts with program participants and Community Based Organizations and other stakeholders to solicit and organize feedback on the program and new opportunitiesLiaising with staff from state, local, and federal partnersOther duties as assignedKnowledge, Skills and Abilities
Climate, Human Centered Design and Community Driven Design PrinciplesExperience working in the communities, local governments and relevant community-based organizations in the DRCOG regionBasic knowledge of building electrificationKnowledge of best practices in communications techniques, which could include digital, language and physical space accessibilityExperience implementing best practices that support community and stakeholder participationExperience in facilitation and conflict resolutionManaging a project or programScheduling and carrying out work assignments with limited supervisionProviding consultation and serving as a program liaison and subject matter expertUnderstanding and defining project needs and creating project work programs involving other staffFacilitating group discussions and building consensusExercising political acumen, tact and diplomacyInterpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policiesUsing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey informationWorking in a team environment and maintaining effective working relationships with other team members and planning partnersProject, contract and / or campaign managementStrong communications, reviewing, copyediting and writing skillsCommunications and public relations strategy experienceExperience in branding, particularly in tenets of universal designAbility to write succinct, accurate messages for a variety of platforms and mediums including, but not limited to, memos, meeting summaries, presentations, press releases, social media, FAQs, factsheets, talking points and websitesAbility to translate technical information into public-friendly informational materials and messagesExperience developing and distributing communications materials that target traditionally underserved communities, including developing multicultural events, resources and materialsExperience developing / reviewing surveys / questionnaires, workshops and other data-collection techniques preferredMotivation to work on complex and very challenging problems with high impactDemonstrated focus on community and equityDirect experience working with Community Based Organizations, especially those supporting Disproportionately Impacted Communities and vulnerable populationsStrong attention to detail; must be highly organizedAbility to work well independently and bring thoughtful solutions to the table while prioritizing success of the team; positive attitude and motivation to help others with a collaborative approachFamiliarity with basic concepts of digital accessibility, including techniques for accessible writing, presenting, remote meetings, and document creation.Bi-lingual competency is preferredEducation and Experience
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field. Five (5) years of professional-level communications experience, including creating strategic communications and / or outreach plans and working on specific campaigns. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement
One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post high-school education.Preferred Experience :Experience working directly with or leading programs which serve vulnerable populations
Bi-lingual candidates are preferred.LICENSING / CERTIFICATIONS :
Valid driver's licenseSTATUS :
Full-time, ExemptAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Which best describes your level of education?
High School or GEDSome CollegeAssociates DegreeBachelors DegreeMasters DegreeHow many years of communications, journalism or related field experience do you have?
Less than one yearOne to less than two yearsTwo to less than three yearsThree to less than four yearsFour to less than five yearsFive to less than six yearsSix to less than seven yearsSeven to less than eight yearsEight to less than nine yearsNine or more yearsDecarbonize DRCOG comprises several initiatives and will require close coordination on related projects. Describe your experience coordinating among many different teams - bothinternal and external to your organization. How do you approach and surmount challenges?
Can you describe your experience in developing and implementing effective communication strategies?
Can you share an example of a complex idea or policy you had to communicate to a nontechnical audience?
Decarbonize DRCOG is centered in implementing holistic solutions to building decarbonization. Please describe your level of experience and interest in building decarbonization. How do you see the relationship between energy efficiency, building electrification, and renewable energy in decarbonizing the new and existing building sector?
Decarbonize DRCOG is designed with a firm rooting in the Justice40 philosophy and equitable implementation of building decarbonization solutions. DRCOG also comprises jurisdictions at the cutting edge of building energy policy and those for which it is not a priority yet. The Senior Communications Specialist will support a broad diversity of communities in demographics and climate action ambition. Describe your experience and understanding of eliciting and responding to the unique needs and challenges faced by diverse stakeholders, including LIDACs.
Required Question
Salary : $200
