Sidewalk Program Communications & Engagement Lead
About The Position
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is seeking a Sidewalk Program Communications & Engagement Lead to oversee strategic communications, public engagement, and stakeholder outreach for Denver's Sidewalk Program. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies, leading program-wide and project-specific outreach efforts, and fostering meaningful, transparent, and equitable engagement with residents, businesses, and community partners. The Sidewalk Program is a significant initiative funded by a property service charge, aimed at building a safe, accessible, and connected sidewalk network across Denver by addressing sidewalk gaps, substandard widths, and deteriorated sidewalks. The program is part of DOTI's Transportation Engineering and Delivery Division, which manages capital transportation improvements. The Communications & Engagement Lead will act as a key liaison between the program and the public, building understanding, trust, and support for this impactful infrastructure initiative.
Requirements
- Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for large-scale, high-profile public infrastructure or capital improvement programs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, engaging messaging for a variety of audiences.
- Ability to manage an evolving workload and balance program and project-level communications.
- Experience managing communications with consultants, contractors, and cross-functional project teams to ensure consistent and effective information sharing.
- Experience with process improvement and change management.
- Demonstrated success planning and implementing public outreach and community engagement initiatives for diverse stakeholders.
- Political awareness and the ability to effectively navigate sensitive issues while building positive relationships with elected officials, executive leadership, community organizations, and neighborhood groups.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications or a related field.
- Four (4) years of full performance, professional level experience performing marketing and/or public relations functions including research and analysis, developing public announcements and publications, and developing marketing and/or public relations strategies.
- One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
- Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.
- Valid Driver's License at the time of application. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all program-level communications, ensuring consistent, timely, and clear information is shared with residents, business owners, community groups, and other stakeholders.
- Develop, implement, and manage large-scale marketing, promotional, and communications campaigns for the Sidewalk Program.
- Execute the Sidewalk Program Engagement Plan to support the City’s goal to build, widen, and repair sidewalks, ensuring communications and outreach efforts are aligned with program milestones.
- Lead strategic communications and outreach for sidewalk design and construction projects, including targeted engagement with property owners, businesses, RNOs, city councilors and staff, the Mayor’s Office, and community organizations.
- Develop and implement communication strategies that reduce program risks, support improved project outcomes, and proactively address common issues or questions.
- Conduct targeted outreach to property owners and community groups; monitor engagement results, identify themes, escalate emerging issues, and adapt approaches as needed.
- Communicate directly with the public via email, phone, one-on-one conversations, community meetings, and other channels; ensure technical information is translated into clear, accessible language.
- Prepare and manage responses to public information requests, CORA requests, and media inquiries, ensuring compliance with legal requirements for public access to information.
- Support the development of the citywide Sidewalk Implementation Plan through public communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Facilitate small group meetings, review communications materials, and develop messaging strategies tailored to specific audiences.
- Synthesize communication trends, identify operational improvements, and provide recommendations to program leadership to enhance customer service and project delivery.
- Oversee development of the annual Sidewalk Program Report, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with program goals.
- Manage consultant teams, including scopes, deliverables, and fees, ensuring work meets program standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
- 457B Retirement Plan
- 140 hours of PTO earned within first year
- 12 paid holidays
- 1 personal holiday
- 1 Wellness Day
- 1 volunteer day per year
- Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
