Summary

Description

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.

Check out our excellent benefits package!

Description of Job

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) regulates the insurance industry in Colorado. DOI helps consumers by answering their questions, investigating their complaints, and helping them to understand their insurance. The division regulates and monitors insurance companies in Colorado, as well as insurance agents, ensuring all are following the law.

The Commissioner’s Office is comprised of the Insurance Commissioner (gubernatorial appt.), the Chief Deputy and four (4) Deputy Commissioners, and the Directors of Operations, Communications, and Compliance. The work unit is the penultimate within the Division of Insurance overseeing and coordinating the functions of the agency, including regulating the business of insurance and protecting the public’s interests in relation to those persons and entities in the insurance industry or providing insurance-related services.

Position: SFA 94194

As part of the senior staff, this position serves as the Director of Communications and public information officer (PIO) for the Commissioner and the whole of the Division of Insurance. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communications plans and campaigns, including estimating budgetary and technology resources needed, to broadly and specifically communicate program objectives, initiatives, and achievements crucial to the success of the division, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), and the Governor’s Office. In addition, the position provides essential consultation with the Commissioner, Division, and DORA to address media, legislative, and interagency inquiries and issues.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Monitoring public and technical media to identify emerging issues and media resources (e.g. new technologies, specialized media outlets);
Determining the appropriate response and/or explanation of complex insurance, actuarial, financial, and regulatory process issues in order to monitor and address public and technical media inquiries of emerging issues and actions;
Designing, developing, implementing, and managing communications campaigns to highlight Commissioner and Division objectives, program initiatives, policy determinations, and enforcement actions;
Providing essential consultation to the Commissioner, Deputies, and Division staff on policy and program objectives with particular regard to communication strategies, both internal and external;
Supervising, planning, directing, and monitoring the work of staff who are performing Marketing and Communications duties;
Directing staff throughout the Division with the development, design, and implementation of communications, including consumer alerts, enforcement announcements, statutory or administration-mandated reports, public information announcements, public meetings, and hearings, coordination of stakeholder communications, and management and oversight of the Division’s website;
Developing guidelines for the appropriate escalation/de-escalation of media inquiries through DOI, DORA, and the Governor’s office, and resolving conflicts, particularly in prioritization of issues, through consultation and consensus.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

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

Nine (9) years of full-time professional* experience working in journalism, public/community outreach, public affairs, public relations, or as a public information officer, which must include ALL of the following:
- Researching, writing, editing, designing, and producing both electronic and printed informational and promotional materials on a variety of complex and highly technical topics, concepts, and issues for consumers and other various stakeholders; AND
- Designing, developing, implementing, and managing long-term communications, outreach, and informational campaigns, including researching and developing responses to media requests and writing scripts for public service announcements; AND
- Developing and implementing digital media strategies and managing, writing, and editing content for website(s) and/or social media posts to meet the needs of an organization with various audiences; AND
- Generating reports to develop communications for internal and external stakeholders.

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 communications, journalism, public administration, public policy, public relations, or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
Seven (7) years of full-time professional* experience working in journalism, public/community outreach, public affairs, public relations, or as a public information officer, which must include ALL of the following:
- Researching, writing, editing, designing, and producing both electronic and printed informational and promotional materials on a variety of complex and highly technical topics, concepts, and issues for consumers and other various stakeholders; AND
- Designing, developing, implementing, and managing long-term communications, outreach, and informational campaigns, including researching and developing responses to media requests and writing scripts for public service announcements; AND
- Developing and implementing digital media strategies and managing, writing, and editing content for website(s) and/or social media posts to meet the needs of an organization with various audiences; AND
- Generating reports to develop communications for internal and external stakeholders.

Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public administration, public policy, public relations, or a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
Five (5) years of full-time professional* experience working in journalism, public/community outreach, public affairs, public relations, or as a public information officer, which must include ALL of the following:
- Researching, writing, editing, designing, and producing both electronic and printed informational and promotional materials on a variety of complex and highly technical topics, concepts, and issues for consumers and other various stakeholders; AND
- Designing, developing, implementing, and managing long-term communications, outreach, and informational campaigns, including researching and developing responses to media requests and writing scripts for public service announcements; AND
- Developing and implementing digital media strategies and managing, writing, and editing content for website(s) and/or social media posts to meet the needs of an organization with various audiences; AND
- Generating reports to develop communications for internal and external stakeholders.

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 experience working in a state government position or working for elected or appointed officials conducting outreach and/or analyzing data and/or developing reports to support outreach and engagement efforts;
Demonstrated professional* experience drafting and translating complex, technical information and revising it to be easily understandable to a diverse audience;
Public relations experience, including a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding related to public relations and brand strategy, the use of social media in a professional setting, and the ability to coach others in the organization on utilizing such platforms as key tools in communicating and reaching target audiences;
Demonstrated professional* experience working as a social media manager, including the ability to communicate and reach target audiences;
Demonstrated professional* experience in public relations or public/community outreach, including a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding related brand strategy;
Demonstrated professional* experience in constructing and organizing reports for outreach strategies and/or supervisory review;
Demonstrated experience planning or directing the development of communication plans or facilitation of communication plans of programs to maintain favorable public or stakeholder perceptions;
Demonstrated experience with elements of graphic design and graphic design programs;
Demonstrated experience with data interpretation and display programs;
Knowledge of and experience working in the property and casualty and/or life and health insurance industry;
Recent and extensive experience working with local and statewide media, including maintaining good working relationships with media organizations.

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;
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;
Demonstrated prioritization skills, including planning, organizing tasks, and managing work assignments;
Demonstrated time management skills, including the ability to multi-task to effectively manage competing and constantly changing priorities in order to meet tight deadlines;
Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;
Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
Sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions on a routine basis;
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;
Ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;
Demonstrated professional demeanor;
Knowledge and understanding in the use of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc) and PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, 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, a review of job-related public information, 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.
This position requires the ability to travel up to 10% of the time, including staying over weekends when required; and the ability to transport equipment, including, but not limited to, laptop computers, printers, manuals, and supplies.
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.

Supplemental Information

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.

Part of the comparative analysis process and/or the interview process may be conducted through remote video conferencing (i.e. Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)

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.

Check out our excellent benefits package!

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES

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.

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.