Communications & Media Relations Manager - Denver Metro

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is seeking a Communications & Media Relations Manager (Marketing & Communications Specialist IV) to manage media relations, communications planning, and strategy for CDOT's projects and business needs in the Region 1 Denver Metro area. This role involves identifying and collaborating with key leadership on strategic initiatives, ensuring communications align with goals, and managing strategic issues. The position will oversee communication needs for pre-construction, construction, and maintenance projects, developing and distributing information to external and internal audiences. Responsibilities include creating content such as press releases, graphics, web content, and social media posts, and ensuring timely communication to motorists, travelers, communities, officials, and stakeholders about project impacts. The manager will also establish project specifications, oversee communication tools, address media-sensitive issues, coordinate external events, lead internal communications, provide executive support to the Region 1 Transportation Director, and guide the Region 1 Customer Service Lead. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Four (4) years of professional experience in a field closely related to the major job duties of this position.
At least three (3) years of relevant experience with the primary purpose in public or media relations, which included communications planning.
A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least seven (7) years.
At least three (3) years of relevant work experience with the primary purpose in public or media relations, which included communications planning.
Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks.
A current valid driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section.
Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position.
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 theories, principles, and best practices of public and media relations and communications.
Experience with strategic planning for communication campaigns.
Experience overseeing and directing consultants.
Polished facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral.
Ability to be creative and innovative when developing communication plans.
Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments.
Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner.
Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders with sensitivity to their needs, priorities, promises made and commitments.
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 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Applications, SAP, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

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.
Responsible for strategic issues management, which includes the planning, research, fact checking, and program and collateral development.
Oversee the 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 and media information for projects so motorists, travelers, communities, officials and the appropriate stakeholders are engaged with project development and planning and notified of construction and maintenance-related impacts.
Establish project specifications and provide oversight of communications and media relations tools on each project.
Address any issues on project that will rise to media or heavy public interest.
Research appropriate response, seek necessary approvals, and coordinate best approach to interviews, prepare subject matter experts for interviews, develop key messaging, and serve as spokesperson.
Coordinate and lead external events such as media briefings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and tours.
Prepare all logistics and deliver successful events.
Lead internal communications strategy and implementation by working collaboratively with all stakeholders.
Provide executive support to the Region 1 Transportation Director such as guidance, talking points and presentations.
Provide guidance, support, and oversight of the day-to-day activities of the Region 1 Customer Service Lead.
Help organize regional customer service team to ensure consistency in responses and track trends.
Other job duties as assigned.