Communications Manager - Denver Metro
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Communications Manager - Denver Metro
Salary
$76,200.00 - $87,600.00 Annually
Location
Denver Metro, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
HAA-50004855-03/26
Department
Department of Transportation
Division
Office of Communications
Opening Date
03/13/2026
Closing Date
3/29/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
2829 W. Howard Place Denver, CO 80204
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Amanda.Parkhurst-Strout@state.co.us or 303-757-9685
Hiring Pay Rate
The 2025 Step Pay Program may increase the salary range for employees with time in the class series.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is only open to Colorado state residents.
New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.
About CDOT
CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits) for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits (https://www.codot.gov/topcontent/employment/benefits) for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/) .
CDOT for All
CDOT's strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.
The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.
Description of Job
About the Position
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is looking to fill a Communications Manager position (Marketing & Communications Specialist IV) that will provide media relations, communications planning, and strategy for CDOT's projects and business needs in the Region 1 Denver Metro area (click HERE (http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.codot.gov/topcontent/assets/cdotregionmap.pdf) for a map).
Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Identify and work with key leadership on strategic initiatives, providing communications 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 needs for pre-construction, construction, and maintenance projects.
Develop and distribute information to external and internal audiences using a variety of tools.
Review, approve, and create content such as releases, graphics, web content, and social media content.
Deliver effective and timely communications 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 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, ground-breakings, 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.
Work Environment
Your schedule will primarily be 8:00 am - 5:00 pm work hours, Monday-Friday, with the opportunity for a flexible schedule
Opportunity to work from home 1-2 days a week after training is completed
Some travel required, mostly during work hours throughout Metro Denver/Front Range
Occasional overnight travel 1-3 times a year throughout Colorado
Required to operate CDOT vehicles
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of professional experience in a field closely related to the major job duties of this position.
AND at least three (3) years of relevant experience in public relations and/or public affairs, which included communications planning AND working with paid media.
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least seven (7) years.
Education from a U.S. accredited college or university with coursework in the social sciences, such as anthropology, business administration, communications, English, geography, history, journalism, marketing, planning, public administration, public relations, psychology, sociology, or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.
At least three (3) years of professional work experience in public relations and/or public affairs, which included communications planning AND working with paid media.
Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. "See Resume" statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.
Conditions of Employment
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. More information in the supplemental information section.
A current valid driver's license is required for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
The exceptional applicant will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following:
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.
Depth of experience in strategic external communications, transportation engineering and maintenance project communications, and internal communications.
Depth of 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 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.
Supplemental Information
Applicant Checklist
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.
A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.
If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
Notifications:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email . Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from " state.co.us " and " info@governmentjobs.com " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email . Immediately after you submit your application you should receive an email that confirms that you successfully submitted an application for this position. If you do not, try submitting again until you receive the confirmation email. Be sure to also check your junk folder for email communications from the State of Colorado's website.
The Hiring Process:
All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Part, or all, of the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
Be sure your application materials specifically address your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the Major Duties, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications sections as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion as a qualified candidate in any step of the selection process and placement on the eligible list.
A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.
Transfer, Non-Disciplinary Demotion or Reinstatement
If you believe that you are eligible to be considered as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement to this vacancy, you must submit a completed application following the directions in this job announcement and you will be included in the selection process along with other qualified applicants. If you are the finalist for this position after the selection process, Human Resources will confirm your eligibility to be appointed as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement applicant.
Employment Screening
If an applicant reaches the finalist stage of the hiring process, the Colorado Department of Transportation may procure a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report on the applicant in connection with his/her application for employment purposes, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These reports may be obtained at any time after receipt of the applicant's authorization. As part of the employment screening an applicant will be requested to disclose any deferred judgments and convictions as well as an explanation of the circumstances around any arrest or conviction. In the event that a screening returns information that the applicant believes is not accurate, he or she will have an opportunity to dispute the information with "Accurate." Accurate, a consumer reporting agency, will obtain the report for CDOT. Further information regarding Accurate including its privacy policy, may be found online at www.accurate.com (https://www.accurate.copm/) . Accurate is located at 200 Spectrum Center Drive Suite 1100, Irvine, CA 92618. The report may contain information bearing on the applicant's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. The information that may be included in the report includes social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records checks, educational records, and driving records checks . CDOT will only request credit reports insofar as they relate to the position for which the applicant is applying. The information contained in the report will be obtained from private and/or public record sources. The applicant will have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of a notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ( dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at 303.866.3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
ADAAA Accommodations
CDOT is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Amanda Parkhurst-Strout atAmanda.Parkhurst-Strout@state.co.us or call 303-757-9685 .
Former State Employees
Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.
APS (SAP #50004855/PCR #65062)
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
CDOT: The Colorado Constitution requires that applicants for State of Colorado positions be Colorado residents at the time the application is submitted. Are you a current resident of the State of Colorado who can provide proof of Colorado residency?
Yes
No
02
CDOT: If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. The 2025 Step Pay Program may increase the salary range for employees with time in the class series. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If not, please state "N/A".
03
CDOT: Have you been subject to disciplinary action in the last three years of your work experience? If so, please provide details of that disciplinary action. If not, please state "N/A".
04
CDOT: Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. If this does not apply to you, please write "N/A".
05
CDOT: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable, but they must show the name of the school, your name, completed coursework/credit hours, and if applicable that the degree was awarded and the @type and name of the degree. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position. Please note that you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Have you included your transcript(s) as an attachment to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.
No, I have not attached transcripts to my application because I am using experience to meet the minimum qualifications.
Yes, I have attached my transcript(s) or official credential evaluation report that will be used to verify whether or not I meet the education requirement as announced
I have requested my transcripts from my college/university and will email them to Misty.Valles@state.co.us within 5 business days of the close date of the job announcement.
06
CDOT: A resume and a cover letter are required for your application to be complete. Your cover letter should describe how your experience aligns with the minimum qualifications and exceptional candidate section of this announcement. Documents must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement. Please note that you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Did you attach a resume and a cover letter to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.
Yes
No
07
CDOT: If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 Member Form 4 and any other documents is required. Please submit these as attachments to your online application. Did you attach the required documents to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.
Yes
No - I am a veteran, but I do not qualify for veterans' preference
N/A - I am not a veteran
08
CDOT-Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability We are a federal contractor or subcontractor required by law to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We are also required to measure our progress toward having at least 7% of our workforce be individuals with disabilities. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had a disability. Because a person may become disabled at any time, we ask all of our employees to update their information at least every five years. Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer will be maintained confidentially and not be seen by selecting officials or anyone else involved in making personnel decisions. Completing the form will not negatively impact you in any way, regardless of whether you have self-identified in the past. For more information about this form or the equal employment obligations of federal contractors under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp. You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition. Disabilities include, but are not limited to: - Autism - Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDS - Blind or low vision - Cancer - Cardiovascular or heart disease - Celiac disease - Cerebral palsy - Deaf or hard of hearing - Depression or anxiety - Diabetes - Epilepsy - Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, or irritable bowel syndrome - Intellectual disability - Missing limbs or partially missing limbs - Nervous system condition for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease, or Multiple sclerosis (MS) - Psychiatric condition, for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression
Yes, I Have a Disability, or Have a History/Record of Having a Disability
No, I Don't Have a Disability, or a History/Record of Having a Disability
I Don't Wish To Answer
09
Describe your professional experience speaking on the record with members of the media. (300 words or less)
10
Describe your professional experience working with paid media companies, including any third-party firms you have interacted with. (300 words or less)
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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