Communications Specialist.

Department Information

This position is open to Colorado state residents only.

Please Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.

CDPS is an equal opportunity employer. See our EEOD Utilization Report (2020)

Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.

Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.

Our Core Values – Unity, Honor, Service

CDPS commits to cultivating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment. We ensure that we recruit, retain, and promote engaged employees. Our approach to diversity is simple - it's about embracing everyone! We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. Our strength is our promise to be inclusive with intentional strategies to welcome and uplift our employees to thrive - while building a more equitable workplace.

Why I love My Job at CDPS

At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!

Click here to learn why CDPS employees love their jobs

Careers With a Purpose

If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!

We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.

You’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!

When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.

Unmatched Benefits

• We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
• Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
• State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
• Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) .
• Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
• Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
• We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.
• CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
• The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
• Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
• Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.
  
  

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits

Description Of Job

DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

This position is located within the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). The division is a dynamic and diverse team that is committed to developing, administering and coordinating comprehensive and integrated statewide emergency management and homeland security programs. The Division’s work ensures the safety and security of Colorado and its infrastructure through unity of effort with local, tribal, state, federal, private, and nongovernmental partners.

Our Mission: To lead and support Colorado's effort to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to and recover from all-hazards events.

Our Vision: A prepared, safe and resilient Colorado!

Our Core Values: Service, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Vision and Excellence.

Our Guiding Principles: Results-Focused, Innovative, Service-Oriented and Employee-Centric.

Our Mission Is Accomplished Through a Comprehensive And Coordinated Program Of Mitigating Hazards, Preparing For Emergencies, Preventing Terrorist Attacks And Other Criminal Activity, Coordinating Resources For Response To a Disaster And Supporting Subsequent Recovery Efforts. The Division Also Serves As The Conduit For State And Federal Funding To Prepare For And Recover From All Hazard Events. The Division Accomplishes Its Mission Through The Following Offices

• Director's Office
• Office of Emergency Management
• Office of Grants Management (Formerly Office of Preparedness)
• Office of Security and Prevention Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC)
• Office of Public Safety Communications (OPSC)
  
  

About The Work Unit

The Director’s Office includes the Director, Deputy Director, Strategic Communications, Support Services and supports the Division’s HR and Policy needs.

Strategic Communications Section

This section is responsible for communications with internal and external stakeholders, media and public. Supports the division’s websites (DHSEM, MARS, CIAC, COEmergency), multiple social media channels and digital platforms. Provides support to local and state PIOs. This section is also responsible for internal communications, marketing and supporting critical partnerships. Section director acts as the lead PIO for all State EOC activations or activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Monday - Friday 8am-5:pm (Some flexibility on schedule)
• Hybrid schedule currently (3 days in office) with the potential to change to 100% in office
• During activations of the SEOC, this position may be required to report to the SEOC during nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
  
  

ABOUT THE POSITION

This position serves as the internal communications, event planning and visual communications within the DHSEM. This position is responsible for developing internal communication products using a variety of platforms to better inform DHSEM staff. This position is responsible for supporting division marketing efforts through communication platforms and graphic design projects. This position supports the DHSEM Director’s Office communication needs, and any other duties as assigned.

Duties Include (but Are Not Limited To)

Graphic Design and Visual Communications

Provide technical and marketing assistance to all program areas within the division. Ability to lead the graphic design needs of the division including the design, layout, printing and dissemination of official division items such as annual report, director briefing books, fact sheets, brochures, strategic plans, conference materials, and other divisional reports as needed to share the DHSEM brand and identity. Help design templates and help develop standardized forms and materials used within and across programs in the division. Develop and help ensure use of standard organization identity products. Provide technical and graphic design assistance to all program areas for creating documents and materials to be used in communicating with external partners and stakeholders.

Event Coordination and Division Support

Provides branding and internal communication guidance to division. Provide other division support and assistance as requested to meet agency needs. Responsible for organization and coordination of all logistics for division events and conferences. These assignments will include, but are not limited to acting as division records management liaison, providing administrative support to meetings, events or stakeholder groups. This includes support to division committees and policy needs related to these committees. Assists with coordination of DHSEM strategic communication meetings, training commitment and other requests for internal and external support. May provide back up for the strategic communications director when on leave.

Internal and External Communications

Develops products and publishes information to better inform the DHSEM internal audience including division employees, department staff and other state agencies. The projects and information will cover the full span of divisional offices from emergency management to preparedness. The communications specialist uses intranet or websites, email, digital communications, photography, videos and other technology to channel information. The position will establish and maintain distribution and notification lists. Helps provide multiple channels for stakeholders to add content and improve internal communication. Plays a key role in the design, development, and distribution of relevant internal information and materials. Supports the internal steady-state and crisis-state communications under the direction of the strategic communications program manager. Communications specialist is the primary division records representative as the CDPS Records Liaison Officer. The Communications Specialist supports the DHSEM staff meetings. The Communications Specialist will assist in development of the division communications plan, strategic plan and homeland security plan related to communication efforts.

State Emergency Operations Center Support

As directed, provide pre-disaster and recovery support to the State Emergency Operations Center. During a state-declared disaster, provide operational support to the State Emergency Operations Center as directed.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria for consideration.

Experience Only

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

Six (6) years of relevant experience in performing marketing and communication work pertaining to an agency's operations and programs. This includes graphic design and visual and written internal communications.

OR

Education And Experience

A combination of related education and experience in performing marketing and communication work pertaining to an agency's operations and programs. This includes graphic design and visual and written internal communications equal to six (6) years.

* Note: Application work history and supplemental questions must clearly articulate relevant professional experience as applicable to the position.*

Required Skills

• Ability to prioritize and be accountable.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to make independent and creative decisions.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Strong organizational and follow up skills.
• Self-sufficient, highly motivated and team player.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with consistency and reliability
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years working with a Colorado State or Local Government Agency.
• Three years’ experience working with policy leaders or committees providing support and management.
• One year experience planning conferences for facility reservations, registration, food, etc .
• Fluency using Google Apps technology, Adobe Creative Cloud graphic design programs, Microsoft computer software, Sharepoint and Drupal websites.
• Proficient with ADA and Accessible Communication requirements.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications field, graphic design or equivalent field required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Three years’ experience providing graphic design support to an agency to include annual reports, newsletters, marketing materials or graphics creation.
• Bilingual preferred.
  
  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam and a fingerprint based criminal history search.
• Must have a valid Colorado Driver’s License
• Must be a Colorado resident at the of submitting application.
• During activations of the SEOC, this position may be required to report to the SEOC during nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
  
  

APPEAL RIGHTS

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb . A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination

Supplemental Information

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS ASSISTANCE AND QUESTIONS

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 Human Resources at cdps_hr@state.co.us .

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

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.

Colorado Department of Public Safety 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.

NOTIFICATIONS

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email 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

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - RECRUITMENT TIMELINE INFORMATION

• Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
• All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
• If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
  
  

SELECTION NOTICE

The first stage of the comparative analysis will be an application review. Your application will be reviewed as a part of the selection process to establish a ranked order of all applicants who meet the minimum requirements. It is imperative that your application and answers to supplemental questions provide as much information and detail as possible about your education, knowledge, skills, and experience as it relates to the requirements, duties, and preferred qualifications of this position as described within this announcement.

Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will Not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).

Complete Applications Must Include The Following Documents

• A complete CDPS Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the link in this announcement)
• A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (must submit online as part of your application)
• If using education as a substitute for experience a copy of your official or unofficial transcript from an NACES accredited college or university, or your technical school official or unofficial transcript, or your NACES accredited equivalency evaluation.
• Resume and Cover Letter preferred.