Disability Innovation Fund Grant Communications Strategist
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Disability Innovation Fund Grant Communications Strategist
Salary
$4,906.00 - $6,378.02 Monthly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
KAA 9759 MCS III DIF 4.26
Department
Department of Labor and Employment
Division
Government Policy and Public Relations
Opening Date
04/24/2026
Closing Date
5/5/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
707 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
chris.mcgill@state.co.us
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 OPEN TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO ONLY
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026
THIS POSITION IS TERM LIMITED AND IS CURRENTLY SET TO EXPIRE ON JUNE 30, 2028. THE APPLICANT SELECTED FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A WAIVER OF RETENTION RIGHTS
This position is Hybrid and will require at least two days per week in office.
This posting does not accept resumes, cover letters, or attachments of any kind. Please be as thorough as possible in detailing your work history, education, and training in the application form.
The Department of Labor and Employment keeps Colorado strong and competitive. We connect workers with great jobs and assist those who have been injured on the job. We help people who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary wage replacement and we ensure fair labor practices. We provide an up-to-date and accurate picture of the economy that helps in decision making. And we protect the workplace - and Colorado communities - with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.
This is a values-driven organization, committed to accountability, agility, collaboration, and respect.
We believe in outstanding customer service, an inclusive culture, continued process improvement and in our role as a trusted and strategic partner. Recognizing that knowledgeable employees drive our success, we are seeking dedicated individuals who exhibit our shared values and our passion for quality and excellence in all we do.
In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellent benefits (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits) :
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan (https://www.copera.org/) plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits)
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/hsa)
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
BenefitHub (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/) state employee discount program
MotivateMe employee wellness program
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
RTD EcoPass Commuter Program
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs
Our agency website: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (https://www.colorado.gov/cdle)
CDLE has implemented a pilot program on March 1st, 2022 which will award Disability Hiring Preference Points similar to the Veterans' Preference Points program. During your application process you will be asked if you would like to be considered for either of these programs for additional points in the hiring process. To learn more about Disability Hiring Preference and what will be required to participate, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/disability-hiring-preference/home
PLEASE NOTE: With the beginning of this program, CDLE will no longer accept attachments of any kind with applications. Please be as thorough as possible in documenting your education and work history in the application system. Attachments will not be accepted or considered during any phase of the hiring process including minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis, or interviews.
Description of Job
The salary range for this posting is:
HOURLY
$28.30 - $36.80
BIWEEKLY
$2,264.31 - $2,943.70
MONTHLY
$4,906.00 - $6,378.02
The Office of Government, Policy and Public Relations (GPPR) is CDLE's in-house creative team made up of a diverse group of individuals. GPPR advances CDLE's external communications to our customers and stakeholders through public relations, community outreach, marketing, print and web design, research, policy and government affairs. Daily work consists of helping CDLE establish and maintain lines of communication and understanding between the Department and its various "publics," including the Legislature, the Governor, the press and the citizens of Colorado. GPPR also supports CDLE's employee engagement through innovative and fun employee communication channels that promote employee events, activities and initiatives.
This position will be dedicated to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), specifically for the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Grant. DVR, under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) was awarded a Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant in October 2023. This 5 year grant provides Colorado with an opportunity to develop a seamless model of collaborative services to youth with disabilities leading to Competitive Integrated Employment.
This position exists to set strategy and lead the development, coordination, and delivery of all marketing and strategic communication initiatives for the Disability Innovation Fund Pathways to Partnership grant. The role serves as the division's subject matter expert on communications processes, applying technical guidance on message development, targeted outreach, accessibility, and culturally and linguistically competent communication. The position is responsible for creating and executing strategic communication plans that promote DIF activities, elevate youth voice, and increase awareness of the Map My Path platform, pilot site work, and statewide engagement efforts in alignment with GPPR standards.
As the dedicated Marketing and Communications Specialist for the DIF grant, this position develops communication strategies, drafts and edits internal and external content, and produces accessible, branded materials including newsletters, social media content, video assets, promotional collateral, event announcements, and public-facing updates. The position is responsible for maintaining message alignment across diverse audiences such as youth and families, DVR staff, interdisciplinary pilot site teams, community partners, and statewide stakeholders. It ensures information is delivered with the appropriate frequency, clarity, and tone while supporting the DIF team in timely, coordinated outreach and engagement.
This position also captures photo and video assets at DIF-funded events, gathers media releases, and produces short-form digital content in partnership with the GPPR creative team of graphic designers to support youth-centered outreach and engagement. It collaborates closely with the DIF Engagement and Outreach Specialist-who serves as the operational liaison to GPPR-and works in partnership with GPPR's design, web, and communications staff to ensure brand consistency, accessibility, and compliance with statewide communication protocols. Together, these roles support the DIF grant's public-facing communication needs, including promotion of Map My Path, stakeholder engagement events, youth ambassador activities, and statewide awareness efforts tied to the grant's goals.
The position reports to CDLE's Public Information Officer within GPPR and operates as part of a collaborative communications environment that supports multiple audiences and high-visibility initiatives. The role also serves as a contributing member of the Map My Path (DIF) grant team and related activities. It contributes to the full lifecycle of DIF communications and outreach, including strategic planning, youth-focused messaging, development of culturally relevant content, social media coordination through CDLE channels, community engagement support, and development of materials that document and elevate the innovative work of the grant.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
Marketing & Communications Specialist III (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-hr-professionals/job-classifications/class-description-and-minimum-qualifications-for-h4k)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Only:
Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position to include any combination of the following:
Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans for complex initiatives, grants, statewide programs, or multi-stakeholder efforts
Creating digital content such as newsletters, web content, social media content, promotional materials, or video content
Experience tailoring messages to different audiences, including public-facing and internal audiences
Coordinating communication products, timelines, and input across multiple contributors or teams
Supporting outreach, engagement, events, or public-facing initiatives
Translating complex, technical, or policy-related information into clear, audience-appropriate language
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience producing short-form video content for outreach, marketing, education, or social media, such as reels, shorts, interviews, event recap videos, or promotional content.
Experience developing communication materials or campaigns specifically for young adults ages 14-24 and/or families.
Experience communicating with diverse audiences, including people with disabilities, multilingual communities, underserved communities, or audiences with varied cultural or communication needs.
Experience using graphic design and video editing software including Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere and/or After Effects.
Experience performing similar duties as a State of Colorado classified employee.
Conditions of Employment:
Must be a Colorado resident at time of application.
You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process.
This position may be required to travel to various locations in the state for the purposes of obtaining marketing collateral for the DIF Grant Program to include photos, video, and audio.
This position is term limited and is currently set to expire on June 30, 2028. The applicant selected for this position will be required to sign a waiver of retention rights.
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 tospb.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, atspb.colorado.govunder Rules.
Supplemental Information
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact: chris.mcgill@state.co.us
Minimum Qualification Screening
A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application, CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit with your application materials. Therefore, it is extremely important to document in the work experience/job duties portion of your online application the extent to which you possess the education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement. It is also important to thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase.
Supplemental Questions
Answer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on your writing ability (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing) as well as the content of your answer.
Work Visas
CDLE does not sponsor Work Visas of any @type.
Applicant Use Of AI
The use of AI tools to aid in preparing application materials is allowed under the condition that the applicant independently verifies and confirms the information's accuracy before submission. Applicants are fully accountable for the content of their submissions and must ensure the safe and ethical use of any AI tools. Furthermore, active and direct participation in the interview process is required.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE AND/OR FUTURE VACANCIES
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
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.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, 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 our ADAAA Coordinator, Sean Montoya, at sean.montoya@state.co.us . Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For all other inquiries about this recruitment effort, please call 303-318-8200.
While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.
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
I acknowledge the comparative analysis process for this position will consist of a review of the information contained within my application/job duty statements and that any attachments will not be included during the minimum qualification screening or application review. The structured application review/numerical scoring of my application will be based on the content listed in the job duty statements, the preferred qualifications, required competencies, and answers to supplemental questions. My responses to the supplemental questions will be scored based on my ability to follow instructions and provide detailed, clear and concise answers to each question.
Yes
No
02
Do you understand and acknowledge that this position is term limited until June 30, 2028 and that if selected you will be required to sign a waiver of retention rights?
Yes
No
03
Please describe your professional experience developing communication strategies or communication plans for a program, initiative, campaign, or organization. Include your role, the audiences you were trying to reach, the @types of communication products or activities you developed, and describe the resulting impact.
04
Please describe your experience creating digital communication products for diverse audiences. Include the @types of content you created and how you adjusted your messaging to ensure accessibility for different audiences.
05
Please describe any experience you have developing communications, outreach, or marketing materials specifically for young adults ages 14-24 and/or families. What approaches did you use to make your messaging effective for those audiences? How did you measure the effectiveness and success of those efforts?
06
Please describe your experience creating multi-media collateral including short-form video content, such as reels, shorts, or other social media videos. Include the tools you used, the purpose of the videos, and your level of responsibility in the production process.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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