Communications & Media Relations Manager - Denver Metro

This position is only open to Colorado state residents. New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year. About CDOT CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. CDOT for All CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio‑economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive. The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months. Communications & Media Relations Manager – Regional 1, Denver Metro This position will provide media relations, communications planning, and strategy for CDOT's projects and business needs in the Region 1 Denver Metro area, which includes Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties. Duties and Responsibilities Identify and work with key leadership on strategic initiatives, providing communications and media relations guidance and direction. Ensure communications planning and strategy aligns with all goals and business needs. Manage strategic issues, including planning, research, fact checking, and development of programs and collateral. Oversee communication and media relations needs for pre‑construction, construction, and maintenance projects. Develop and distribute information to primarily external and some internal audiences using a variety of tools. Review, approve, and create content such as press releases, graphics, web content, and social media content. Deliver effective and timely communications for projects to keep motorists, travelers, communities, officials and stakeholders engaged and informed. Establish project specifications and provide oversight of communications and media tools for each project. Address issues that arise on project with media or heavy public interest. Research responses, obtain approvals, coordinate interviews, prepare subject matter experts, develop key messaging, and act as spokesperson. Coordinate and lead external events such as media briefings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and tours, including logistics. Lead internal communications strategy and implementation in collaboration with stakeholders. Provide executive support to the Region 1 Transportation Director (talking points, presentations). Guide and oversee day‑to‑day activities of the Region 1 Customer Service Lead. Help organize regional customer service team for consistency and trend tracking. Other job duties as assigned. Work Environment Schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday‑Friday, with flexible options. Opportunity to work from home 1‑2 days a week after training. Some travel required, mostly during work hours throughout Metro Denver/Front Range. Occasional overnight travel 1‑3 times a year throughout Colorado. Required to operate CDOT vehicles. Minimum Experience Four (4) years of professional experience closely related to major duties of this position. At least three (3) years of relevant experience in public or media relations with communications planning. Education and Experience Alternative A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least seven (7) years. Education: a U.S. accredited college or university in social sciences, business administration, communications, English, geography, history, journalism, marketing, planning, public administration, public relations, psychology, sociology, or related field. At least three (3) years of relevant work experience in public or media relations with communications planning. Conditions of Employment Must pass pre‑employment screening: social security trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, driving records. Current valid driver’s license required for positions that require vehicle operation. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated success with duties listed above. Years of State service experience related to duties. Highest work/personal ethics and integrity. Extensive experience in strategic external communications, transportation engineering and maintenance project communications, and internal communications. Extensive experience speaking on the record with media and working with paid media companies. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of public and media relations principles and best practices. Experience with strategic planning for communication campaigns. Experience overseeing and directing consultants. Polished facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral. Creative and innovative approach to communication planning. Ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt to changing assignments. Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner. Stakeholder engagement skills with sensitivity to their needs and priorities. Outstanding leadership skills. Effective interpersonal and relationship‑building skills. Excellent time and project management skills. Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem‑solving ability. Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy. Dedication to safety. Fluency in social media, Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail and Google Applications, SAP, and ability to quickly learn other software systems. Equal Opportunity The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado