About the Work Unit

The Office of Communications manages external and internal communications for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), providing timely, accurate information regarding the organization, its initiatives, projects and progress to its external and internal audiences.  Learn more how CDOT works to enhance the quality of life and the environment of the citizens of Colorado by creating an integrated transportation system that focuses on safely moving people and goods by offering convenient linkages among modal choices.   https://www.codot.gov/

About the Position

The Communications Manager for Policy & Programs is a position that will drive CDOT external communications for new and high-profile programs that are developed by headquarters teams and implemented throughout the state.  You will work with the Director of Communications and Deputy Director of Communications for Policy and Programs to develop and implement an effective communications program and accompanying work plans.  This is an opportunity to use your public affairs/communication skills to create new programs that foster greater public understanding of what CDOT is doing and shaping the future for the citizens of Colorado.

Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Closely collaborate with leaders and subject matter experts across CDOT to develop and execute communications programs for new and expanded CDOT programs.

• Manage all communications for programs such as the 10-Year Plan - CDOT’s transportation planning activities led by the Division of Transportation Development - greenhouse gas and land-use initiatives, and the recently created Clean Transit Enterprise.

• Provide strategic planning as well as implementation of communications tools and activities.

• Identify and work with key leadership on strategic initiatives, providing communications consulting and direction.  

• Serve as a primary spokesperson and interact with the media on a regular basis.

• Support specific communications needs across divisions, regions and programs.

• Manage needs in consultation with other members of the Communications Office and manage consultant task orders to support the department’s needs in this area.

• Develop communications ideas for bicycle, micromobility and pedestrian initiatives in consultation with project engineers and other team members.

• Determine how best to produce worthwhile, accurate and timely special publications or videos that will satisfy intended audiences and remain within budget.

• Address any issues on a project that will rise to media or heavy public interest.

• Take part in the public response to crises, weather events or other incidents that affect the department’s operations.

• Other job duties as assigned.

Work Environment: 

• Your schedule will primarily be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. work hours, Monday-Friday, with the opportunity for a flexible schedule

• Opportunity to work from home one to three days a week after training period is completed

• Approximately 95% of time spent in the office or at home and 5% spent in the field/attending events

• Travel required during work hours throughout Metro Denver/Front Range

• Occasional overnight travel estimated to be one to three times a year throughout Colorado

• Required to operate light-duty CDOT vehicles

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Experience Only:

• Four years of professional experience in a field related to the major job duties of this position.

• AND at least three (3) years of relevant professional work experience in public relations and/or public affairs, which must have included communications planning AND on-the-record experience speaking to the media.
   

Experience & Education:

• A combination of at least seven (7) years of experience and education that includes:

  • Undergraduate coursework from a U.S. accredited college or university in the social sciences, such as anthropology, business administration, communications, English, geography, history, journalism, marketing, planning, public administration, public relations, psychology, sociology or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.

  • And at least three (3) years of professional work experience in public relations and/or public affairs, which must have included communications planning AND on-the-record experience speaking to the media.
     

Education Only:

• A master's degree from a U.S. accredited college or university in business administration, communications, English, history, marketing, public relations or a closely related field of study will substitute for the experience on a year-for-year basis.

• And at least one (1) year of professional work experience in public relations and/or public affairs, which must have included communications planning AND on-the-record experience speaking to the media.