Assistant Communications Director

colorado department of state

this announcement will remain open for the specified time and is only open to residents of the state of colorado at the time of submitting your application.

service. Innovation. Integrity. Excellence. Inclusion.

we are seeking diverse individuals to join the colorado department of state (cdos) and make a direct impact on enhancing the lives of coloradans.

• employee wellness programs and an on‑site fitness center
• 12 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off and sick leave
• diverse technical, leadership and supervisory training opportunities
• strong, flexible retirement benefits including pera defined benefit plan or pera defined contribution plan, optional 401k and 457 plans
• medical, dental, and life insurance plans
• short‑term and optional long‑term disability coverage
• excellent work‑life balance through flex schedules, flexplace/remote work, and ad‑hoc arrangements

the administration division provides operational support to the department, including human resources, finance, office management, legal and policy, elearning, communications, legislation, and direct support to the office of the secretary of state.

the communications unit manages public‑facing communications, collaborates with staff at all levels, and engages with the public, media, and stakeholders to provide information and create external collateral.

as a valued member of the communications team, you will work closely with the communications director and executive team to create and implement communications content and strategy. Responsibilities include serving as a point of contact for internal and external communications requests, drafting responses to reporter questions, and adjusting the communications strategy based on emerging issues or crises.

• support all public‑facing communications for the department.
• enhance the department’s ability to communicate with media, constituents, and the general public.
• create and implement content and strategy to connect coloradans to resources related to elections, business, and licensing.
• assist in drafting written content and spoken remarks for the secretary of state and other department members.
• track, analyze, and share news and policy updates supporting the executive team, including state and federal legislation, executive orders, and court proceedings.
• interact with staff at all levels and prioritize assignments in a fast‑paced environment.
• manage tight schedules and handle multiple short‑ and long‑term tasks independently.
• maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information and comply with state and department policies.

• six (6) years of professional experience or education in strategic communications, including developing and implementing communication strategies; creating press releases, outreach plans, talking points, or public awareness content.
• or a combination of related education and experience equaling six (6) years. Related education includes accredited coursework in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, public affairs, political science, or a closely related field. Unofficial transcripts may be provided to verify education.

• previous state service related to the role.
• demonstrated public information experience.
• knowledge of state, local, or federal government operations, policies, or legislative processes.
• outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• experience in crisis communication.
• ability to translate complex language into accessible content.
• experience writing for accessibility and inclusive audiences.
• experience coordinating press events, briefings, or public announcements.
• experience developing timelines, workflows, or editorial calendars.
• experience managing or contributing to organizational social media accounts.
• strong collaboration skills with coworkers, media, and the public.
• ability to balance priorities and meet shifting deadlines in an evolving environment.
• professional etiquette and composure under pressure.
• competencies in written communication, verbal communication, time…