Summary

Creates and designs reports including the CDPS Performance Plan and other publications.Develops strategies for internal communications to convey the CDPS goals and objectives to all CDPS employees, including the monthly CDPS newsletter, monthly opportunities for staff to interface with the Executive Director or other leadership, and assisting with employee culture building events.

Description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) consists of five Divisions: Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). The Executive Director's Office (EDO) provides administrative and management services to the operating divisions of the department.

About the Work Unit

The Executive Director's Office is the backbone of the Colorado Department of Public Safety, providing effective administrative and management services to the Department's five operating divisions. In addition to administering central functions such as financial services, human resources, rulemaking support, and government relations, the EDO maintains primary responsibility for meeting the standards and deadlines of other state agencies, the Governor's Office, and the General Assembly. The EDO includes the following:

The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director
Financial Services
Human Resources
Legislative Affairs and Strategic Communications
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Operational Excellence
Colorado School Safety Resource Center
Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information Systems

WHY JOIN US

Our employees are proud of their work and believe their work is important and valued by the public.
Our supervisors do a great job managing employees, providing clear expectations, treating employees with respect and providing timely feedback.
We value a high work-life balance.
CDPS is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity of backgrounds and ideas.

In addition to rewarding meaningful work, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes:

Excellent work-life programs, training, and professional development opportunities;
Retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans;
Medical and dental options (for permanent employees and their dependents).
Short and optional long-term disability coverage
10 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) available in every region of the state.
Subsidized RTD FlexPass and free parking at most work locations.
Reduced college tuition (CSU Global, DeVry University, University of the Rockies)
Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.

For a complete review of the benefits we offer, please click on this link.

Description of Job

KEY RESPONSABILITIES

Creates and designs reports including the CDPS Performance Plan and other publications.

Develops strategies for internal communications to convey the CDPS goals and objectives to all CDPS employees, including the monthly CDPS newsletter, monthly opportunities for staff to interface with the Executive Director or other leadership, and assisting with employee culture building events.

Plans and coordinates monthly ED messages (video and otherwise) for CDPS employees.

Develops strategies for internal HR communications about topics of interest and importance to employees.

Develops communications related to the employee engagement survey, including pre-survey communications to increase participation and post-survey strategy creation and publication. Assists the HR Employee Engagement Team with communications about training and other events of interest to employees.

Utilizes social media to further employee engagement goals.

Manages communications for the agency’s equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts, including drafting reports, developing and executing surveys, data analysis and reporting, quarterly messages, and event publicity.

Leads the Department’s accessibility efforts related to communications.

Leads planning efforts for annual Director’s Awards in conjunction with the Employee Engagement Team.

Produces video content for messaging as needed.

Serves as the primary respondent to the Governor's Advocacy line.

Maintains the CDPS website and intranet, keeping the content current and posting news releases as appropriate. Responds to citizen inquiries and tracks inquiry data for reporting purposes.

Performs as the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) representative for EDO, responding to requests for information or agency responses within specified timelines. Tracks and reports on data relating to CDPS CORA/CCJRA requests. Prepares public record reports for the media, attorneys and general public.

Responds to media inquiries directed to the Executive Director’s Office and prepares statements and talking points for EDO leadership as necessary.

Works with Division level PIO’s to ensure communications are coordinated and communicated as appropriate. Convenes monthly CDPS Communications group.

Monitors media coverage related to the ED and EDO.

Assists ED with preparation for media events, news conferences, and press releases, when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

Seven years of professional experience in the marketing and communication field.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any field and three years of professional experience in the marketing and communication field.

OR
Advanced degree from an accredited institution in any field and two years of professional experience in the marketing and communication field.

CORE SKILLS REQUIRED

Written Expression— The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Strong project management skills–Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
Communication and Media knowledge–Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Communication–Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience, demonstrating purpose in writing.
Knowledge of communication industry tools and communications platforms
Digital tools expertise
Self motivation and independence–developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior professional communications experience in a law enforcement or other public service agency
Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies
Experience as a spokesperson to the media
More than five years experience performing in a senior level PIO role.
Prior professional experience responding to CORA and/or CCJRA requests
Prior professional experience with managing websites

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT