Marketing & Communications Spec III (Digital Media and Communication Specialist) - DORA: PUC Hybrid

Hybrid Workplace Arrangement: 

Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business needs.  

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.

Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission. 

• Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail. 

• Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more! 

• Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.

• Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.

• Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.

• Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition assistance program.

The Executive Office work unit exists to plan and implement statewide communication efforts, stakeholder engagement, and education program for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The program is focused on ratepayers, businesses, government agencies, nonprofit stakeholders, utilities, and media. The unit resolves consumer problems with utilities and enforces utility compliance with the PUC quality-of-service, safety and rate recovery laws and rules; identifies ratepayer compliant trends and recommends changes in laws or rules by advising the director and commissioners about ratepayer issues; informs the public about high-profile PUC proceedings, decisions and ratepayer issues by publishing news releases, consumer advisories, quarterly newsletters, and postings on the PUC website; makes presentations to community organizations and answers media inquiries. Public meetings across the state are organized by the work unit to obtain input from the public on various topics facing the PUC. As a part of the PUC executive team, this work unit is responsible for meeting the department’s outreach goals and standards and is responsible for ensuring effective division-wide stakeholder engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.

Position: SGA 5195

This position is a vital part of a team that manages all aspects of communications and outreach for the PUC. This position is responsible for supporting both external and internal communication, including managing communications projects; daily tasks, such as researching and developing messages, releases, fact sheets, and monitoring social media posts; creating videos, graphics, social media posts, and the design and on-going maintenance of the PUC website; oversight and management of accessibility and ensuring PUC compliance including serving as a resource to staff; managing and creating internal communication outreach (i.e. e-blasts, campaigns, videos, newsletters, and the Intranet), coordinating public events, assisting the communications director, executive director, commissioners, and other spokespersons in preparing for media interviews, and assisting with the consumer affairs team and customer service. This position delivers work tasks independently and coordinates major decisions with the direction of the Marketing and Communications Specialist V/Communications director.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Monitoring the PUC’s website and digital platforms usage and trends to make suggestions for updating website content and design to support PUC messaging and goals;
• Ongoing maintenance of digital platforms and website; 
• Supporting the communications director in identifying materials, assisting in the development and implementation of digital materials for outreach efforts;
• Creating modern, high-quality digital and printed materials that adhere to the PUC branding for use across PUC programs;
• Identifying and resolving accessibility barriers in the PUC’s digital content including websites, documents, and digital platforms;
• Developing creative and innovative accessibility solutions that adhere to PUC/DORA and WCAG guidelines;  
• Assisting PUC staff members to assess the current state of websites, documents, and other digital assets accessibility and making recommendations for improvements;
• Organizing and facilitating workshops and events to communicate when, where, and how various community groups and individuals can interact with and how to provide feedback to the PUC;
• Creating and presenting presentations and materials for a variety of diverse audiences that are accessible by using plain language and using tools as needed for audiences that may include language, culture, or other accommodations;
• Supporting the PUC communications director in developing the department outreach goals and expectations; creating and delivering media, information, and engagement campaigns and efforts to high-risk or high-priority consumers’ needs and audiences to align with the division’s outreach pipeline and cohesive communications plan; AND
• Providing communications strategy development and implementation for selected programs or projects, (upon discussion with the communications director) including working with other project managers, assessing stakeholders, developing key messages, and developing tactics and implementation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):

There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience

Option 1: Experience 

• Six (6) years of full-time professional* work experience in journalism, public/community outreach, public affairs, public relations, media relations, or as a public information officer, which must include at least three (3) of the following six (6) areas:
  • Researching, writing, editing, designing, and producing both electronic and printed informational and promotional materials/contents, oral presentations, and public speaking such as public campaigns, press announcements, and events; 
  • Designing, developing, implementing, and managing communications, outreach, and/or informational/educational campaigns, including researching and developing responses to media requests, and writing scripts for public service announcements; 
  • Developing and implementing social media strategies, and managing, writing, and editing content for website(s) and social media posts to meet the needs of various audiences;
  • Planning, organizing, and facilitating outreach events that involve professional stakeholders and/or the public;
  • Digital communication experience, including website design, website maintenance, and experience working with a content management system;
  • Experience with reviewing, remediating, and recommending digital accessibility standards of compliance.

Option 2: A Combination of Education AND Experience 

• Associate’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in business administration, communications, marketing, journalism, public administration, public relations, public affairs, or in a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
• Four (4) years of full-time professional* work experience in journalism, public/community outreach, public affairs, public relations, media relations, or as a public information officer, which must include at least three (3) of the following six (6) areas:
  • Researching, writing, editing, designing, and producing both electronic and printed informational and promotional materials/contents, oral presentations, and public speaking such as public campaigns, press announcements, and events; 
  • Designing, developing, implementing, and managing communications, outreach, and/or informational/educational campaigns, including researching and developing responses to media requests, and writing scripts for public service announcements; 
  • Developing and implementing social media strategies, and managing, writing, and editing content for website(s) and social media posts to meet the needs of various audiences;
  • Planning, organizing, and facilitating outreach events that involve professional stakeholders and/or the public;
  • Digital communication experience, including website design, website maintenance, and experience working with a content management system;
  • Experience with reviewing, remediating, and recommending digital accessibility standards of compliance. 

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, marketing, journalism, public administration, public relations, public affairs, or in a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
• Two (2) years of full-time professional* work experience in journalism, public/community outreach, public affairs, public relations, media relations, or as a public information officer, which must include at least three (3) of the following six (6) areas:
  • Researching, writing, editing, designing, and producing both electronic and printed informational and promotional materials/contents, oral presentations, and public speaking such as public campaigns, press announcements, and events; 
  • Designing, developing, implementing, and managing communications, outreach, and/or informational/educational campaigns, including researching and developing responses to media requests, and writing scripts for public service announcements; 
  • Developing and implementing social media strategies, and managing, writing, and editing content for website(s) and social media posts to meet the needs of various audiences;
  • Planning, organizing, and facilitating outreach events that involve professional stakeholders and/or the public;
  • Digital communication experience, including website design, website maintenance, and experience working with a content management system;
  • Experience with reviewing, remediating, and recommending digital accessibility standards of compliance. 

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed. Part-time experience will be prorated.

SUBSTITUTIONS: 

• Partial credit toward the degree requirement will be given for completed college/university coursework that did not result in a degree. A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment will substitute for the bachelor's degree requirement.

*Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated professional* experience working in a state government agency, in a utility industry, and/or nonprofit organization to conduct outreach and education efforts;
• Demonstrated professional* experience conducting outreach and working directly with disproportionately impacted communities;
• Experience drafting and translating complex, technical information, and revising it to be easily understandable to a diverse audience;
• Demonstrated professional* experience, knowledge, and understanding of how to use social media sites proactively and in a professional setting, including the ability to coach others in the organization on utilizing such platforms as key tools in communicating;
• Demonstrated professional* experience working in website design/development and/or management, as a brand ambassador, or as a social media manager;
• Demonstrated professional* experience with local and statewide media engagement;
• Demonstrated intermediate to expert level knowledge and use of Microsoft and Google suites, including document layout and creating informational presentations;
• Demonstrated professional* experience in developing communications strategies that support the agency’s brand and strategic plan by using appropriate informational channels and managing brand/message consistency among information channels;
• Demonstrated professional* experience utilizing databases, including compiling, updating, analyzing, and tracking data;
• Demonstrated professional* experience working with a content management system such as Drupal.

Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):

• Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;
• Demonstrated attention to detail;
• Sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions on a routine basis;
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to review and analyze information in order to recommend solutions;
• Customer service skills, including the ability to diplomatically interact with difficult customers and maintain communication with stakeholders;
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders;
• Flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to multi-task effectively by managing competing and constantly changing priorities to meet tight deadlines, and the ability to adapt to changing work environment;
• Demonstrated prioritization skills, including planning, organizing tasks, and time management in order to meet deadlines;
• Ability to plan and facilitate events, including creating agendas;
• Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices, and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;
• Ability to represent the department and the Division of Public Utilities Commission in a positive, professional and objective manner, and support a positive workplace environment;
• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor;
• Integrity and high ethical standards;
• Accountability, reliability, including attendance;
• Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;
• Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of the supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated professional demeanor;
• Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and Google Suite (Doc’s, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, etc).

Conditions of Employment: Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.

• The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
  • A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, etc.
  • The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.
• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor.
• Applicants must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado driver's license and the ability and willingness to travel independently. You must include your State of Colorado driver's license number on your application in order to be considered. Traveling is up to 25% of the time, including traveling overnight and staying out over weekends when required.
• Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify whether or not they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination.
  • Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

PLEASE READ - Required Application Materials

Interested individuals must submit the following online:

1. A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2. A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from info@governmentjobs.com and ‘@state.co.us’ addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.

3. A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.

Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review

Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Veterans’ Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans’ Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.

PLEASE NOTE: Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application.  Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness.  Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates. 

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: DORA 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 Coordinator, at dora_adacoordinator@state.co.us.

While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work. 

Check out our excellent benefits package!

Appeal Rights: 

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Salary : $4,809 - $6,251