DORA: Director of Communications and Public Engagement (SES/Non-Classified)

Director Of Communications And Public Engagement

The Department of Regulatory Agencies is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado, with a mission of consumer protection. The department comprises ten distinct divisions that include over 40 boards, commissions and advisory committees, as well as the Executive Director's Office (EDO). The department has a sharp focus on streamlining and modernizing processes, enhancing end-to-end customer experiences, and reducing unnecessary "red tape" to support a marketplace in which businesses thrive and consumers are protected.

The Director of Communications and Public Engagement role is a high profile position requiring strong time management skills and initiative to meet the needs of the Executive Director and overall agency. The is a fast paced position on which the DORA Executive Leadership and Division Directors rely on for initiative and guidance in short term and long term earned and paid media strategy and planning; statewide long term consumer and stakeholder outreach campaigns; and coordination of the division PIO liaisons, to establish and monitor department wide uniformity in proactive and responsive messaging. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, management and evaluation of the Department's Consumer Outreach Program, including the oversight and accountability of the annual supporting budget of up to $200,000.

The people, groups and organizations outside of the Department that this person must routinely interact with include: the Governor's Office and policy staff, the state's public information and communications networks and policy making bodies, industry and professional groups, communications and PIO staff in every state agency, the general public and the media; working with these groups and individuals to convey the message of the mission of DORA cohesively, positively, and favorably. The Director of Communications and Public Engagement is part of the senior staff and reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director.

Position Responsibilities

The Director of Communications and Public Engagement is responsible for multiple programs and establishing departmental policies that tie directly to the successful execution of the agency's mission and strategic/performance plan. The specific areas of responsibility include:

• Designing, directing, managing and evaluating the statutory Consumer Outreach program and other recurring communication and messaging activities in support of DORA's mission. This includes managing and coordinating effective communication, collaboration, public information, outreach activities and special events among the ten Divisions and the EDO, as well as maintaining responsibility for the development of the public service announcements;
• Managing consumer and stakeholder outreach for the department and assisting divisions as appropriate with engagement goals, including initiating and developing outreach plans with earned media that educate the public about DORA's role with consumer protection;
• Providing guidance, support and media training to DORA staff in all divisions, including
• • providing responses from the DORA EDO to press and public inquiries, as well as providing accurate and timely public statements via press releases to the media prior to their reaching out to DORA for a response;
  • Responding to Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests; consulting with legal counsel as necessary to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements; establishing and maintaining the utilization of a process for tracking such requests across the department; and measuring the compliance of the department to this process and DORA policy;
  • Planning, designing and supporting DORA themed presentations for special events, official functions and programs presented by DORA staff as leaders or speakers educating licensees, stakeholders or the general public about DORA. This includes maintaining audio visual equipment and editing software for both video and still photography needs, as well as administration of branding resources for the department/divisions;
  • Handling an exceedingly high volume and level of complex media issues and inquiries due to the variety of regulatory programs and issues administered by DORA, and due to the nature of the public's interest in what DORA does;
  • Serving as the primary point person, administrator, and content development expert for the Department's website and social media accounts;
  • Coordinates solutions by accessing technical expertise to solve website issues such as design flaws, and CMS platform errors and accessibility problems or issues;
  • Leading the department's accessibility efforts with respect to public-facing websites; this includes conducting necessary website testing and updating, as well as coordinating the division communication leads/web managers to test and update public websites, in order to meet state accessibility technical standards. This position also participates in the department's overarching accessibility initiatives.

  Outcomes/Measures of Success

  • Creative, innovative and measurable branding and marketing efforts on behalf of the Department through its Consumer Outreach Program, while creating opportunities for DORA to collaborate with other State agencies and the Governor's Office, as well as municipalities and trade or industry organizations, with one shared goal of Consumer Protection;
  • Identification of opportunities for Divisions within DORA to showcase their respective accomplishments in consumer protection (i.e. speaking engagements, community events, webinars) across State government;
  • Be progressive, show initiative and be goal-oriented to work effectively with the Executive Director to achieve these goals;
  • Use performance-based measures and evaluation to prioritize resources and continuously improve processes;
  • Strengthen internal and external communication and education, including stakeholder groups and other State agencies.

  Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree or higher in journalism, communications, marketing, political science, public or business administration or closely related field;
  • At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public information and media relations or news-based journalism, including recent and extensive experience in writing, editing, and producing informational and promotional materials; social media management; and marketing strategy.
  • At least 3 years of stakeholder engagement experience. This includes building coalitions, soliciting stakeholder feedback, building trust, communicating outreach activities and understanding perspectives of regulated communities.
  • Demonstrated change management experience. Have an understanding of change management principles and how to apply them so that new initiatives are adopted.
  • Preferred Qualification: Familiarity with content management platforms/systems (e.g. Drupal) and supplemental website tools such as Data Studio, Google calendar etc.
  • Preferred Qualification: Budget management experience.

  Demonstrated Key Competencies: This is a high-energy position, necessitating a high level of engagement, commitment and organization. The Exceptional Applicant will be a public information and strategic communications professional with proven ability or accomplishment in the following:

  • Demonstrated experience with initiative and problem solving skills to solve problems as they arise;
  • Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of theories, principles, and best practices of public relations and communications;
  • Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of how to use social media sites proactively and in a professional setting; ability to coach others in the organization on utilizing such platforms as key tools in communicating the Department's message;
  • Demonstrated ability to solicit feedback by having significant interpersonal skills for one-on-one small and large group feedback by creating focus groups, surveys and other tools;
  • Strong ability to work in ambiguous situations and provide leadership amongst the ambiguity;
  • Recent experience working with local and statewide media;
  • Creativity and innovative approaches as it pertains to outreach, organizational branding and messaging campaigns;
  • Videography and non-linear editing skills to guide the Department in finding enhanced ways of communicating internally with employees and externally with citizens, consumers and licensees;
  • Ability to synthesize complex issues and quickly produce clear and concise informational materials;
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and clearly under high-pressure, rapid reply conditions, including media, consumer complaints and personal attacks;
  • Demonstrated ability to work adeptly in complex political environments, including with high profile positions and/or elected officials;
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively handle sensitive information and respond timely.
  • Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills;
  • Excellent critical thinking skills, creative problem solving skills, and demonstrated ability to adapt to quickly changing environments/assignments;
  • Exceptional leadership skills, including decision making, judgment, listening, motivational and analytical skills;
  • Exceptional interpersonal, written, oral communication and public speaking skills;
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines, to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and to shift priorities as is frequently needed in a fast-paced work world;
  • Demonstrated time management skills, project management skills, and attention to detail;
  • Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to quickly learn and apply other software;
  • Demonstrated professional demeanor and
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of social media.
  • Preferred Competency/Qualification: Experience with creating accessible content and knowledge of accessibility standards, principles, and best practices. Experience or ability to learn the administration of content management platforms, including platform migration.

  Note: This position is designated as SES/Non-