Description of Job

This is a leadership level position responsible for serving as the Department's Director of Communications and reports to the Deputy Executive Director. This position serves as the senior point of contact and subject matter expert for all agency (both internal and external) outreach media contacts, website content and management; and public relations efforts to articulate and promote the Department of Revenue's mission and priorities. This position serves on the Executive Committee and is also responsible for establishing the department's strategic plan for internal and external communications; stakeholder relations.

The Director position will lead and inspire a team of communication professionals to exemplary performance and contribution to the business goals. This will include mentoring and professional development while building a strategic vision on messaging, accountability and collaboration department wide.

Successfully measure the progress, results and impact of communications efforts to produce actionable insights for continual improvement.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Develop and systematically update an overall integrated communications strategy to support the Department of Revenue's (DOR) strategic goals, values and vision.
Supervise a team of 14 communications professionals who coordinate all communication for every DOR division including Lottery, Division of Motor Vehicles: Taxation Division, Marijuana Enforcement Division and the Specialized Business Group.
Design outreach programs that increase visibility and empower DOR customers, stakeholders, businesses and individuals through quality customer service, innovation and collaboration.
Positively influence the external image with customers, key opinion leaders, media outlets, and decision makers using clear and consistent messaging.
Lead the communications team in their efforts to:
- Develop and launch agency outreach campaigns; internal and external
- Build and maintain DOR's brand identity
- Proactively leverage social media tools to advance and protect the DOR's reputation
Systematically assess local and national media opportunities for outreach potential and impact to the department.
Lead media relations outreach including developing media strategies for media inquiry responses or significant agency press releases.
Prepare executives for media interviews.
Work with agency communications staff to coordinate all media responses.
Develop and manage issues/crisis management communications, serving as spokesperson when needed.
Represent the views of the media to management; assist in shaping responses to complex issues, including operations, financial, product, personnel and government/regulatory agency topics.
Monitor industry news, identify emerging public policy and/or customer issues; be familiar with all relevant media; develop and maintain appropriate relationships with media and other key stakeholder groups.
Seek speaking and conference opportunities for executive management and promote them internally and externally.
Identify opportunities to use new media tools and technology effectively.
Lead in the drafting and final approval of agency responses to questions and requests for information from the Office of the Governor, requests aligned with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), Legislative requests, and other stakeholder requests for information or agency responses.
Oversee and assist in the coordination and production of internal communications channels including briefings/bulletins, employee e-newsletters, intranet and internal communications.
Maximize the efficiency, effectiveness, and elegant delivery of internal communications channels by developing new tools, processes, and materials for effective internal communication.
Oversee executive communications, which includes hands-on support of executive management in the development of speeches and presentations.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Business Administration, Marketing Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field as determined by the Department.

*Master's degree preferred.
AND
Six (6) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position, two of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:
The preferred candidate will possess:

Master's degree is preferred
Strong leadership skills, with a focus on culture
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrate a sense of urgency and prioritization
Experience in developing and implementing successful communications strategies
Ability to multitask in a fast paced work environment
Experience in government relations
Experience working with media and a proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with media, industry experts and online influencers
Ability to conceive and pitch unique and compelling story ideas across print, online and broadcast media
Demonstrate ability to advise executive staff on communication issues
Experience as a spokesperson to the media
Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
Vision for a multifaceted communications strategy with particular attention to web and social media
An entrepreneurial, self-starter style; an ability to work independently; and a passion for creating and implementing new initiatives
Develop an internal communications strategy, with a focus on building trust and connection with employees to drive engagement

DOR Required Skills and Competencies:

Competencies required for all DOR positions include good communications skills, interpersonal and people management skills, the ability to multitask, the ability to work with confidential information, the ability to work in high-stress environments, and the demonstrated ability to assist customers.

Conditions of Employment with the CDOR:

Employees are in a position of public trust in the performance of their job duties and must operate in a manner that maintains the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and public confidence.

As a condition of employment with the CDOR, all personnel must file all necessary Colorado Individual Income Tax (CIIT) returns and pay tax obligations, therefore all employees must undergo a pre-employment evaluation of their tax records/accounts to ensure compliance with this policy. Final candidates must also complete a successful background investigation and reference check prior to appointment. Certain positions based on duties may require scheduled background investigations.

Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application, to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Only complete applications submitted before the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.
Cover letters and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Recommended attachments: Resume, Cover letter
List your employment history starting with the most recent job, including part-time, temporary, and volunteer jobs. If more than one job was held with a given organization, list each job held as a separate period of employment.
Information must be accurate, including dates of employment. If it is found that information provided is falsified, you will not be considered for a job with the State of Colorado and/or may be removed from a job after hire.
The eligible list established from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Email Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

Supplemental Information

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Compliance

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.

The Colorado Department of Revenue 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, Jacqueline Brown-Tremble at jacqueline.brown-tremble@state.co.us

We are committed to building work environments that are inclusive and reflect our communities and the diverse talents of all people. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds and abilities to apply.