Digital Strategy and Accessibility Manager.

Department Information

The eligible list established from this posting may fill other similar positions in the same class including some permanent regular and term-limited positions.

This term-limited position is funded through June 30, 2026. The continuation of the position beyond this time depends on the availability of the grant funds.

About The Colorado Department Of Local Affairs

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary interface between the State and local communities. The Department provides financial support to local communities and professional and technical services (including training and technical assistance) to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration. While all state governments provide such services through various Departmental structures, Colorado’s approach is unique in that these local community services are gathered into one Department of “Local Affairs,” which has a central focus on strengthening Colorado communities and enhancing livability.

Vision

The Department of Local Affairs is responsible for strengthening Colorado's local communities through accessible, affordable, and secure housing; implementing property tax law; capacity building, strategic training, research, technical assistance, and funding to localities.

Mission

Our mission is to help strengthen Colorado’s communities

Why work for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs?

The work we do matters greatly. It matters to us and it matters to the citizens of the great state of Colorado. We love our community and are passionate about supporting our community. We value the diversity that Colorado offers. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference in communities across the State, consider joining the dedicated people of the Department of Local Affairs.

In addition, we offer a great location and great benefits, which include:

Medical and dental plans
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus pre-tax and ROTH 401K, and 457 plans
Employee wellness programs
Paid life insurance
Short and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
Free RTD EcoPass to all eligible State Employees
Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
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
Training opportunities
Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program.

Description Of Job

Summary of the position:

The Department of Local Affairs Communications Team is responsible for developing and executing the DOLA communications strategy, ensuring that it effectively conveys our department objectives and engages Coloradans. The team is made up of communications professionals who collaborate closely with the leadership team to drive comprehensive communication initiatives across various channels. Externally, the communications team guides strategy for responding to media inquiries, social media, managing digital assets, website content, email communications, event briefings and talking points, coordinating stakeholder engagement to groups such as Colorado residents, local, state and federal officials and their staffs, government associations and fellow state agencies. Internally, the communications team disseminates information to staff, including leadership messaging through weekly briefs, intranet, and all-staff meetings. The Communications Team is made up of communications specialists both located in EDO and embedded within the Divisions.

We are currently hiring a Digital Strategy and Accessibility Manager Staff Authority position:

This position will support the Executive Director’s Office and our constituents through digital strategy support via social media, graphic design and accessibility support, especially given the increased focus and ongoing need to convert documents from PDF formats to accessible options in response to HB21-1110. This position will lead accessibility training awareness and implementation campaigns for our internal staff and external constituents, such as municipalities also required to implement HB21-1110.

Duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:

Social Media And Intranet:

Promote the image of DOLA digitally and visually for both internal and external audiences.
Creates digital and social media initiatives to help DOLA educate, inform and engage the public about DOLA's programs and services.
Manages organic and paid social and digital media strategy and creating select social media postings, both organic and paid, on designated platforms.
Creates video content for various digital platforms as directed by the digital strategy.
Leads the Department's efforts to design and maintain its brand through social media, and is the Department's lead social media specialist, creating and executing social media strategies and campaigns to engage and inform interested about DOLA programs, grant opportunities, services.
Supports the Department's intranet, serves as the Department's brand compliance expert to promote consistent use of DOLA's brand, and is a digital resource for other DOLA's communicators.
Lead for keeping DOLA's brand guidelines up-to-date from an accessibility perspective.
Will travel as needed to cover groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, grand openings and speaking engagements as determined by Executive Director, Communications Director and other DOLA Leadership.

Digital Strategy and Accessibility Training:

Oversee the digital marketing footprint, online branding and customer experience strategies to ensure consistency and effectiveness across our digital presence.
Ensuring that DOLA is prepared for and continually meeting the requirements of HB21- 1110 through digital resources, trainings and tips for internal and external audiences, ensuring that accessibility is integrated into all future digital resources for the department.
Will work proactively to mitigate accessibility issues within the department by providing effective support and counsel to members when requested or assigned.
Closely analyze and produce data regarding marketing metrics and digital strategies. Continuously improve digital content through use of web analytics, industry insights, and best practices.
Developing and executing a digital communications strategy, aligned with the department strategic communications plan with quality assurance measures encompassing the department’s digital assets, including social media, and other digital content. Generate innovative ideas to boost web traffic.
Work closely with DOLA's webmaster on digital presence and accessibility alignment across DOLA's digital platforms.
Along with the Communications Director and webmaster, updating and managing the DOLA intranet. This role will serve as the main point of contact for our overarching intranet and digital accessibility external training needs.
Providing directed communications internally and externally based on agency needs and interests and ensures the appropriate metrics and evaluation tools are utilized in an accessible manner to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of DOLA programs and projects.
Assist adaptability and flexibility with requests specific to PDF accessibility conversion, providing solutions to stakeholders thus resolving issues
Determining the department’s communications needs and training division staff, constituents and vendors who support digital communications to advance the Department’s mission, goals and objectives.

Graphic Design and Branding:

Along with the Communications Director, develop an agency wide digital marketing strategy and support teams in the development of presentation and marketing needs.
Utilize and train staff on best use of graphic design tools always with an accessibility lens at the forefront.
Oversight of vendor contracts for marketing and communications services as needed, including graphic design, collateral for website, media production, and other services.

Education And Experience:

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Seven years of professional experience in one or more of the following: communications, community engagement, public relations, public administration, public information/media relations.

OR

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Political Science, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or a closely related degree as determined by the Department.

AND

Three years of professional experience in communications, community engagement, public relations, public administration, public information/media relations.

OR

Master's degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Political Science, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or a closely related degree as determined by the Department.

AND

Two years of professional experience in communications, community engagement, public relations, public administration, public information/media relations.

OR

Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Political Science, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or a closely related degree as determined by the Department.

AND

One year of professional experience in communications, community engagement, public relations, public administration, public information/media relations.

Preferred Qualifications That a Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate:

Strategic communications and/or public relations experience at a State of Colorado agency.
Strategic communications and/or public relations experience working for a government organization.
Ability to communicate to the diverse audiences who represent the state of Colorado
Established partnerships with state, federal and local community stakeholders
Ability to understand and synthesize complex issues quickly and produce clear and concise materials
Understanding of IDEA principles and the importance of effective communications in reaching underserved communities
Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments
Additional years of experience working with current communication channels (print, website, video, email, blog, social media, direct mail, media relations) and experience tailoring "voice" across channels and audiences.
Familiarity with Colorado’s media and political landscape
Experience with video editing
Proven project management expertise.
Experience working with influencers to enhance social media brand

Highly Desired Skills And Competencies:

Commitment to public service and equity
Content development and translation of collateral, forms and information for stakeholders Communication support and copy writing
Strong written communications skills Experience with website content management
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Proven ability to work independently and accept supervision
Proven success organizing and tracking workload
Expertise in web analytics tools, SEO strategies, and digital marketing concepts to inform data-driven decision making and improve digital presence.
In-depth understanding of web accessibility standards, compliance requirements, and best practices for creating inclusive digital experiences.
Experience increasing social media followers and fostering two-way communication with interested parties
Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and align digital initiatives with broader business strategies.

Conditions Of Employment:

You MUST be a Colorado resident to apply for this position.
Valid Colorado Driver's License is required.
Travel – Explain: occasional day travel, rare overnight travel

Application Checklist:

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement will result in your application being rejected .

Applicants may submit a resume, cover letter/letter of interest detailing how their experience and background address the stated minimum and preferred qualifications/competencies of the job and attach to the online application. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be accepted.

The Application May Include The Following Documents:

A cover letter (attach to your online application).
A resume (attach to your online application)

Note: Current and former employees (transfers, voluntary demotions, and reinstatements) if applying are required to participate in the comparative analysis process.

Comparative Analysis:

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis. The comparative analysis for this position will include a structured application review of the materials submitted with your online application including a reviews of the written responses to the supplemental questions. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, the next step will include a video or a voice screening of the applicants.

Supplemental Information

Please Note:

As of July 1, 2023, all DOLA new hires, including transfers of current state employees and reinstatements of former state employees, will be placed on the biweekly pay schedule. This means you will be paid every other Friday for a total of 26 pay periods over the course of a year. Biweekly pay is also lag pay, meaning you will be paid two weeks after the end of each pay period. Please click here for more information about the move to biweekly payroll.

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 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. DOLA 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 a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Joel Ferguson, DOLA ADA Coordinator at joel.ferguson@state.co.us .

Email Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail 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.

Please Note:

As of July 1, 2023, all DOLA new hires, including transfers of current state employees and reinstatements of former state employees, will be placed on the biweekly pay schedule. This means you will be paid every other Friday for a total of 26 pay periods over the course of a year. Biweekly pay is also lag pay, meaning you will be paid two weeks after the end of each pay period. Please click here for more information about the move to biweekly payroll.

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can 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/board-rules .