Director of Communications

Administrative Services for Independent Agencies•Denver, CO

5d•$100,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) is seeking an experienced communications professional to serve as its Director of Communications. As the agency’s senior communications professional, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership for internal and external communications and ensures information about the CPO’s services, priorities, and work is accurate, consistent, and accessible. The Director independently manages the agency’s communications function and serves as its subject-matter expert and advisor on media relations, public information, outreach, messaging, publications, digital communications, and public records. As a member of the CPO leadership team, the Director advises executive leadership on communication needs, opportunities, and risks and represents the agency with the media, government entities, community partners, and other external audiences. This is a non-case-carrying position that currently has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, or a closely related field and at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, journalism, or a closely related field.
Candidates without a bachelor’s degree must have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience.
Experience developing organizational communication strategies and managing multiple projects, platforms, priorities, and deadlines.
Experience producing, writing, and editing clear and accessible communications for diverse audiences, including websites, social media, reports, publications, and other digital or print materials.
Media relations experience, including responding to inquiries, developing materials, coordinating interviews, and preparing organizational leaders for media engagement.
Knowledge of and experience with the Colorado Open Records Act, including coordinating or responding to public records requests.
The ability to exercise independent judgment when handling confidential, sensitive, high-profile, or time-sensitive matters and to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, public policy, or a related field.
Communications or public affairs experience in government, the public sector, a public-accountability organization, or an independent oversight, investigations, or ombudsman setting.
Knowledge of Colorado’s child protection and child-serving systems and the laws, policies, and public issues affecting them.
Experience with Colorado General Assembly budget processes or communicating complex policy, legislative, or systemic issues to public officials, community partners, media, or other external audiences.
Experience managing communications involving sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly developing matters.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement short- and long-term communication strategies that strengthen public awareness, outreach, and the CPO’s internal and external communications.
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to the Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, and agency leadership on emerging issues, media inquiries, public messaging, communication risks, and opportunities for engagement.
Manage the CPO’s media relations, including responding to inquiries, developing media materials, coordinating interviews, and preparing agency representatives for media engagement.
Coordinate timely and legally compliant responses to Colorado Open Records Act requests in collaboration with agency leadership and legal counsel, as appropriate.
Expand the CPO’s outreach and education efforts for youth, families, care providers, community partners, rural communities, and the Colorado General Assembly.
Develop clear, accurate, and accessible content for the CPO’s website, newsletters, social media, reports, briefs, and other communication platforms.
Lead the development and publication of major agency communication products, including the CPO’s annual report.
Manage the CPO’s Youth Voice Collective and develop youth-focused communications, outreach activities, and opportunities for young people to engage with the agency.
Establish communication protocols, messaging resources, and style guidance that support consistent and effective communication throughout the agency.
Provide CPO staff with communication training, guidance, and support for public-facing materials, presentations, outreach, and media interactions.