Summary
Description
AGENCY STATEMENT:
The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) was established to improve the child protection system by serving as a resource to citizens, employing a complaint process for citizens to voice their concerns about child protective services and by making recommendations to the Governor’s Office, Colorado General Assembly and other stakeholders for system improvements.
POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:
This is a mid-level position at the CPO. The CPO has a statutory charge to educate the public, legislators and stakeholders regarding the findings and work of the agency. As such, this position requires a significant amount of creativity and initiative. The position also requires critical thinking skills, including the ability to research, analyze, synthesize and write. This position will assist in the development and implementation of the CPO’s public education and outreach programs. Primary responsibilities will include content analysis and development, publication and promotion of agency products and public education of agency services, findings and ongoing work.
Overview
This position will be responsible for responding to inquiries from the public, press and legislators, as well as proactively producing content and pitches highlighting the CPO’s work. This position must work with the CPO team to identify communication priorities and opportunities. This may include, for example, attending team meetings and listening to department updates, and then proactively developing outreach campaigns regarding the work discussed. It is expected that the work produced by this position requires little editing for grammar and accuracy. Additionally, this position is required to review materials and create guidebooks that ensure the agency speaks in a consistent and appropriate voice.
Essential functions of this position include:
- Assist senior leadership in responding to media inquiries by gathering information and referring the media to appropriate resources, as well as coordinate interviews and media engagements.
- Develop thoughtful and respectful relationships with members of the local and national press.
- Develop press releases, media alerts and agency announcements.
- Develop original content for the CPO’s newsletters, blog and website.
- Manage the agency’s social media outlets and produce original content for posts.
- Work with the Deputy Ombudsman and website developer to enhance and maintain content on the CPO’s website.
- Assist in the production, design, editing and publication of agency reports, briefs and other products.
- Work with Deputy Ombudsman and Child Protection Ombudsman to develop outreach campaigns to various communities, including but not limited to youth, care providers and rural communities.
- Prepare briefing materials for the Child Protection Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman for speaking events, including talking points and presentation materials.
- Assist in researching and writing about systemic issues impacting the child protection system, as well as drafting and producing content to highlight specific cases and issues addressed by the agency.
- Serve as an advisor to the agency on all communications matters.
- Manage the planning and execution of special events related to the agency’s priorities and services.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration or other related fields. An applicant with seven years of professional experience in one of the stated fields may be substituted for the education requirement. Experience in news media or communications is highly desired. Experience in education or public administration or a like field may be substituted for experience in the news media or communications. Familiarity and comfort with the Colorado Open Records Act is necessary.
Applicant must have excellent verbal communications skills, adhere to deadlines, work collaboratively with CPO staff and maintain an appropriate level of professionalism.
Demonstrated advanced writing skills are essential for this position. The qualified applicant will be required to demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of writing, including proper organization, appropriate sentence structure, spelling, punctuation and editing.
Proficiency with Outlook and Microsoft Office Suite programs, WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other applicable social media and communication platforms is required.
*Final applicants will be required to submit a writing sample that demonstrates research and analytical abilities on a substantive topic. Applicants will also be required to engage in a “real-time” writing exercise that illustrates the applicant’s ability to accurately summarize issues and write in a succinct, colloquial manner.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The successful applicant in this position must be willing and able to meet the following requirements:
- Must be willing to submit to and successfully pass a criminal background check.
- This position may be required to travel within the state for various outreach campaigns and agency events. Out-of-state travel may be required for conferences and other training opportunities.
- All CPO employees may be required to work at the CPO office suite at the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center in Denver, Colorado, either on a hybrid or full-time basis.
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered for this position, please email a resume and cover letter to knielsen@coloradocpo.org. Please include “Communications Manager” in the subject line. Applications will not be accepted through any other state or government website or application process.
Applications must include:
- Cover letter
- Resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment
- Three professional writing samples that demonstrate the skills and duties detailed above.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024.
