Communications Specialist

**📌 Core Information**

🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: City and County of Denver

🔹 Location: Downtown Denver, Webb Building Floor 02

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Government Administration

🔹 Date Posted: April 24, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)

**🚀 Job Overview**

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing communication strategies for city projects
• Creating user-friendly content for various audiences
• Managing media requests and acting as a spokesperson
• Collaborating with teams to establish best practices for customer communications
• Representing the department at public events and meetings

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of both technical and regulatory information, as well as excellent communication skills to translate complex processes into clear, concise guidance.

**📋 Key Responsibilities**

✅ Develop and implement communication strategies, goals, and tactics for various audiences

✅ Create promotional, educational, and informational communications in various formats (print, digital, social media, etc.)

✅ Write and distribute news releases, media advisories, and other content

✅ Manage media requests and represent the department as a spokesperson

✅ Tailor communications to multiple audiences and project types

✅ Establish new best practices for customer communications

✅ Maintain and organize web content on www.denvergov.org/CPD

✅ Support legislative affairs manager as needed

✅ Engage with stakeholders via email, phone, in person, and social media

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of adaptability and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

**🎯 Required Qualifications**

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Experience: Four (4) years of full performance, professional level experience performing marketing and/or public relations functions.

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple projects
• Experience working for a government agency or other public sector employer (preferred)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with government communications or public affairs
• Fluency in a second language

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in government communications or public affairs may have an advantage in this role.

**💰 Compensation & Benefits**

Salary Range: $84,604 - $139,597/year. New hires typically start between $90,000 - $108,000/year based on education and experience.

Benefits:

• Four (4) Medical Plans, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan for Life (Employee contributes 8.45%, Employer matches at 17.95%)
• 457 (b) Retirement Plan
• PTO (over 3 weeks in the first year) and 14 paid holidays
• Yearly Merit Increase
• STD, LTD, HSA, FSA, Life Insurance
• CARE Bank, Family Leave Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program, Employee Volunteer Program
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $2000/year), We Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Learning and Development Opportunities; Courses and Career Development Resources
• EcoPass (unlimited free RTD bus/train rides)

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with a 9/80 flex option (one extra day off every other week) after successful completion of a six-month probation.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the public sector. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's education and experience.

**📌 Applicant Insights** **🔍 Company Context**

Industry: Government Administration

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large government agency, the City and County of Denver offers extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 1859. The City and County of Denver has a rich history and a strong commitment to its residents and employees.

Company Description:

• Dedicated to providing high-quality services to its residents and visitors
• Committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
• Focused on continuous improvement and innovation

Company Specialties:

• Municipal Government
• Engineering
• Parks and Recreation
• Network Administrator
• Human Services
• Aviation
• Clerk & Recorder
• Statistics
• Technology Services
• Analytics
• Lean Strategy
• Economic Development
• Process Improvement
• District Attorney
• Political
• Web
• Public Works
• Mayor's Office
• Public Health
• and Animal Protection

Company Website: www.denvergov.org

ASSUMPTION: The City and County of Denver offers a wide range of services and opportunities for employees to grow and develop their careers.

**📊 Role Analysis**

Career Level: Mid-Senior level. This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the department and the broader organization.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Communications & Legislative Affairs Manager.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week). This arrangement offers flexibility and work-life balance while ensuring employees remain connected to the team and the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the Communications & Legislative Affairs team
• Expansion into other departments or agencies within the City and County of Denver
• Professional development and training opportunities

ASSUMPTION: The City and County of Denver provides numerous opportunities for employees to grow and advance their careers within the organization.

**🌍 Location & Work Environment**

Office Type: The Communications Specialist will work in a hybrid environment, with a minimum of three days per week on-site at the Wellington Webb Building, located at 201 W Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80202.

Office Location(s): Downtown Denver, Webb Building Floor 02

Geographic Context:

• Denver is the capital and most populous city of Colorado, with a diverse and growing population
• The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and high quality of life
• Denver is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and offers a robust job market

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with a 9/80 flex option (one extra day off every other week) after successful completion of a six-month probation.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and central downtown location offer employees the best of both worlds – flexibility and convenience.

**💼 Interview & Application Insights**

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
• Background check and reference check
• Final interview with the department director

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Collaboration and teamwork skills
• Understanding of government communications or public affairs (preferred)

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organization in your cover letter
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects

ATS Keywords: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Government Communications, Media Relations, Social Media, Content Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, Team Collaboration, User-Friendly Communication, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Organizational Skills, Technical Information Simplification, Community Engagement, Legislative Affairs

ASSUMPTION: The City and County of Denver uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.

**🛠️ Tools & Technologies**

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Content Management Systems (CMS) and web publishing platforms
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The Communications Specialist will use a variety of tools and technologies to create, manage, and distribute communications content.

**👔 Cultural Fit Considerations**

Company Values:

• Accountability
• Integrity
• Respect
• Excellence
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
• Committed to providing high-quality customer service

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure that your communications are accessible and inclusive for diverse audiences?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to simplify complex information for a non-expert audience?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively?

ASSUMPTION: The City and County of Denver values employees who align with their core values and work style, and who are committed to providing high-quality customer service.

**⚠️ Potential Challenges**

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing the need for clear, concise communications with the complexity of regulatory information
• Adapting to changes in priorities and projects
• Working in a hybrid environment with a minimum of three days on-site per week

ASSUMPTION: The Communications Specialist must be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines, adapt to changes, and thrive in a hybrid work environment.

**📈 Similar Roles Comparison**

• Communications Specialist (Government) vs. Communications Specialist (Private Sector):
• Government communications often involve more complex and technical information
• Government roles may require more extensive background checks and clearances
• Private sector roles may offer more opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries

ASSUMPTION: The Communications Specialist role in the government sector may differ from similar roles in the private sector in terms of the complexity of information, background checks, and career advancement opportunities.

**📝 Sample Projects**

• Developing a user-friendly guide to the zoning code for residents and community groups
• Creating a social media campaign to promote a new public transportation initiative
• Managing media requests and acting as a spokesperson for a large-scale development project

ASSUMPTION: The Communications Specialist will work on a variety of projects that require strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

**❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview**

• Can you describe the team structure and how the Communications & Legislative Affairs team fits into the broader organization?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the department in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the organization support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does the organization measure the success of this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be expected to meet?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and helps you better understand the expectations and requirements of the position.

**📌 Next Steps for Applicants**

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through https://www.denvergov.org/jobs/
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
• If invited to interview, research the organization and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.