Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, directing, administering, and coordinating all communications, digital content, and public engagement efforts for the NFRMPO. This position exercises discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance related to organizational communications strategy, digital accessibility compliance, stakeholder engagement, and legislative messaging. Working under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Communications Specialist consolidates communications functions across all programs into a single, focused role, advising leadership on messaging strategy and ensuring consistent, accessible, and high-quality public-facing communications. Essential Duties and Major Responsibilities Digital Content Development & Design – 40% Develop and execute the organization’s content strategy across all social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSky, X), exercising independent judgment on messaging, timing, and audience engagement approach. Plan, produce, and manage organizational newsletters (quarterly external and internal), including the RideNoCo quarterly newsletter, making independent decisions on content priorities, editorial direction, and distribution methods. Evaluate and maintain the organization’s website, determining content needs, recommending structural improvements, and ensuring information is current and aligned with agency messaging across all programs (transportation planning, VanGo, RideNoCo, and mobility services). Develop design standards and produce visual assets using Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign for outreach, reports, program promotion, and public-facing documents. Produce and edit video content for digital platforms and public engagement, determining format, messaging approach, and distribution strategy. Develop presentation materials that translate technical planning and program information into clear, audience-appropriate visuals and talking points for staff use at committee meetings, public meetings, and stakeholder presentations. Work with Administration on providing accurate and responsive Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request responses. Must be an active user of social media platforms. Stakeholder Engagement and Public Involvement – 25% Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for public-facing media communications, exercising discretion and independent judgment in determining messaging priorities and coordination across all programs. Develop, recommend, and maintain a comprehensive communications plan, evaluating strategies for traditional media and digital engagement (owned and paid) and advising leadership on approach. Develop outreach and public involvement materials for community events, public meetings, and partner presentations; coordinate with planning and mobility staff who attend and conduct outreach activities. Coordinate with regional Transportation Management Agencies (TMAs) to develop promotional materials and support vanpool and mobility program outreach and rider placement efforts. Manage and coordinate responses to public inquiries, including CORA (Colorado Open Records Act) requests, exercising discretion in determining appropriate handling and compliance with agency policy. Assess organizational training needs and develop programs to support staff on communications tools, content creation best practices, and AI utilization; make recommendations on tools, standards, and resource allocation. Digital Accessibility and Compliance – 20% Develop, implement, and maintain the organization’s digital accessibility plan, exercising independent judgment on compliance strategies, priorities, and remediation approaches for all public-facing materials. Evaluate and manage accessibility software (CommonLook), determining testing protocols and conducting annual reviews and reporting with recommendations for improvement. Assess existing organizational documents, web pages, and digital resources; determine priorities and coordinate remediation to ensure equitable public access across all programs. Develop accessibility standards and provide training to staff on compliant content creation, document formatting, and digital publication requirements. Use accessibility software to ensure public facing documents and media comply with state and federal accessibility regulations. Legislative Communications and Policy Support – 15% Monitor and analyze transportation-related legislative and policy developments at the state and federal level during session; exercise independent judgment in evaluating significance and determining communication priorities for leadership and staff. Conduct research and policy analysis; develop and recommend messaging strategies, talking points, and communications materials that align organizational positioning with legislative developments. Represent the organization in legislative or policy settings, exercising discretion in communications with lawmakers, staff, and stakeholders, including providing testimony at the Capitol when directed. Advise the Executive Director on communications implications of evolving policy positions, regulatory changes, and strategic decisions; recommend adjustments to organizational messaging accordingly. Assist with other duties as assigned. Education A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public policy, or a closely related field is preferred. Type of Experience Needed to be Successful 1+ years of experience in a public agency or government setting with communications, public engagement, or media-related responsibilities is required. Experience developing digital content, managing social media platforms, or coordinating public-facing communications. Specialized Skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SharePoint for document management, collaboration, and organizational communications. Video creation and editing software skills, including the ability to produce and edit video content for digital platforms and public engagement. Journalism and research skills, including the ability to conduct research, analyze information, and develop plans, reports, and written content for public-facing communications. Design software and social media proficiency, including Canva (newsletters), Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, CommonLook (accessibility software), and management of social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSky, X). AI knowledge and training skills, including the ability to help staff understand the benefits of AI tools and support the development of organizational AI policies and practices. Supervisory Expectations The work environment is hybrid. In the office environment, the employee must complete their work satisfactorily in an environment with significant distractions, including telephones ringing, conversations carrying over, loud noises, and interruptions to answer questions from others. In the home office environment, the employee must complete their work at a satisfactorily workstation requiring employees to maintain a professional, distraction-free home office with reliable high-speed internet and the ability to effectively participate in virtual meetings, collaboration, and communication throughout the workday. Employees must be able to perform job duties independently while maintaining productivity, responsiveness, and regular communication with team members, partners, and stakeholders through video conferencing, email, and other digital collaboration platforms. The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In many cases, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have the ability to travel to member agency sites, outreach events, or attend stakeholder meetings, as required. A valid driver’s license must be maintained at all times. Company Hours The position hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours vary and are dependent on business needs. 40-Hour Work Week Monday through Friday, hybrid 2-3 days remote) Evenings/Weekends/OT Occasionally work evenings/weekends as needed to meet the role’s requirements. *Hybrid schedule flexibility based on business needs and supervisor approval. Core Competencies Oral and Written Communication: Communicates clearly and persuasively in written and verbal formats; drafts accurate, professional content; listens actively and adapts messaging for diverse audiences, including media, elected officials, staff, and the public. Use of Technology: Demonstrates proficiency with required tools and platforms; adapts to new technologies; leverages design software, social media, web, and AI tools to increase organizational reach and productivity. Creativity: Discovers new opportunities and solutions by looking beyond current practices; develops original and innovative digital content, campaigns, and communications approaches that engage stakeholders. Strategic Thinking: Communicates organizational strategic plans and goals effectively; understands the organization’s strengths and positioning; adapts messaging and strategy to changing conditions and the public landscape. Detail Oriented – Consistently checks and rechecks work product for accuracy; manages multiple tasks while accurately performing essential job functions; prepares accurate and thorough reports, emails, and data as required by the position. Thoroughness – Ensuring that one’s own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate; carefully prepares for meetings and presentations; follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments are met. #J-18808-Ljbffr