CDOC Marketing & Communications-Work Lead.

Department Information

This position are only open to Colorado state residents.

This position is eligible for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) after the

initial training period. The FWA includes a hybrid workplace which is partly

remote (work from home) and partly in office either at CDOC Headquarters

located in Colorado Springs or at the Denver Parole office.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.

In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans;
• Medical and dental health plans;
• Short and long term disability coverage;
• Paid life insurance;
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.
  
  

Extensive travel will be required. May require working additional shifts/ hours, or shift/assignment rotation to ensure the CDOC mission, vision and values are upheld.

Take a peek at the opportunities our agency has to offer !

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

Description Of Job

The Public Information Office fosters strategic partnerships with diverse groups in a politically sensitive environment. Manages internal or external developments impacting the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) to balance stakeholder interests with those of the Department. Optimizes the public image of the Department. Provides oversight and leadership for the Department in internal and external policies in public relations, community issues, media relations, management, and public affairs.

The Communication W ork Leader for the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC), in conjunction with the Public Information Officer, will oversee the CDOC's statewide public outreach, media relations, and internal communications among the Department's 20 facilities, Adult Parole & Community Corrections to ensure optimal collaboration among the CDOC stakeholders.

Job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement communication plans;
• Decide most desirable ways to create content for various audiences and platforms;
• Determine what communication and information will be released to the public;
• Determine the level of crisis and how to manage the organization's image;
• Develop and implement communication plans that align with the organization’s goals and objectives for both internal and external communications;
• Tracking the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjusting as needed based on feedback and metrics;
• Shaping how the organization communicates with both external audiences and internal stakeholders;
• Engage in effective communication practices that produce measurable outcomes;
• Establish goals, objectives, and tasks for the assigned unit;
• Provide budgetary planning, monitoring, and evaluation specific to the needs of the unit;
• Establish guidelines and procedures for the purchase of supplies;
• Approve and monitor expenditures allocated to the unit;
• Overseeing the creation of content for various platforms, including social media, websites, newsletters, and press releases;
• Ensuring effective communication within the organization, often including staff updates and internal newsletters;
• Maintaining and enhancing the organization’s brand image and messaging;
• Managing media relations and acting as the spokesperson for the organization when needed;
• Handling communication during crises or emergencies to manage the organization’s image and provide clear information;
• Meet with staff to discuss work related topics such as scheduling, problem solving, and strategic planning;
• Take a proactive approach in dealing with staff performance issues;
• Other duties, as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Must meet one of the following or any combination of experience/education to meet the minimum (MQ) qualifications:

Option 1

Seven (7) years of experience with public relations, creating press releases, speeches, fact sheets, talking points, articles for publication, newsletters, and other materials to support internal/external communication goals and activities (managing the creative process, marketing campaigns or similar) or have worked on marketing and communication campaigns in some capacity. A ny work experience less than full time will be prorated.

Option 2

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Public Relations, Business, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Criminal Justice, or a field of study related to the work assignment. ( A copy of your unofficial college transcript with your name, institution name, degree and date conferred must be attached to your application to verify your education.) .

AND

Three (3) years of experience with public relations, creating press releases, speeches, fact sheets, talking points, articles for publication, newsletters, and other materials to support internal/external communication goals and activities (managing the creative process, marketing campaigns or similar) or have worked on marketing and communication campaigns in some capacity. A ny work experience less than full time will be prorated.

Substitution For Education

• A bachelor's degree that is not in a related field of study, may substitute up to 60 semester hours of core coursework on a year for year basis.
• A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in the fields listed above will substitute for the bachelor's degree.
  
  

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;
• Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;
• Experience with payroll and benefits administration software;
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access), Gmail and Google applications;
• Ability to work effectively in both independent and team situations;
• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity, including the ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information;
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and projects and adapt to changing assignments;
• Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner;
• Ability to connect and build relationships with stakeholders;
• Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving ability;
• Polished facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral;
• Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy.
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant professional experience as defined above with the State of Colorado
• Experience with event planning and coordination;
• Experience performing crisis management utilizing different methods of communication;
• Experience with issue resolution to resolve customer or client issues and complaints;
• Experience interpreting complex rules and regulations;
• Experience analyzing and interpreting state and federal statutes.
  
  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Assessment Process : Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Be sure the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job , Minimum Qualifications , Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and “see resume” statements will not be accepted in lieu of the “Work Experience” section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.

If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.

If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.

In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records**

Conditions of Employment: All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration of application for employment.

Must be 21 years of age;

Possess a valid driver’s license;

Possess a high school diploma or GED;

Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension , relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;

Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;

• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
• Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• Swing a baton in a striking technique;
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
• Willing and able to travel;
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire;
• Employees may be required to submit to regular serial testing and reporting for COVID-19.
  
  

Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant’s background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.

The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.

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 ( [email protected] ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement 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 ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; 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.

Supplemental Information

After submitting an application, you should receive an email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.

Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked daily as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Dept. of Corrections employee or from this email address: [email protected]. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date or if you have questions about this job announcement, please contact Kayla Bartlett and [email protected]

SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS (I.E., EXAMS, ORAL BOARDS, WRITTEN EXAMS) WILL NOT BE MADE UP. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT THE APPOINTED DATE/TIME, MAKE-UPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

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 Corrections 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 Employee Relations Specialist, Ana Andersen , at [email protected] or call 719-723-3998 .

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.