Director of Communications & Public Engagement

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman in Denver seeks a Director of Communications to lead internal and external communications, ensure accurate information about services, priorities, and work, and serve as a subject-matter expert on media relations, public information, outreach, and publications.

This exempt, hybrid leadership position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and shapes communications for Colorado’s children and families, with periodic statewide travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, or a closely related field and at least seven years of progressively responsible experience.
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree must have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience developing organizational communication strategies and managing multiple projects, platforms, priorities, and deadlines.
• Experience producing, writing, and editing clear and accessible communications for diverse audiences, including websites, social media, reports, publications, and other digital or print materials.
• Media relations experience, including responding to inquiries, developing materials, coordinating interviews, and preparing organizational leaders for media engagement.
• Knowledge of and experience with the Colorado Open Records Act, including coordinating or responding to public records requests.
• The ability to exercise independent judgment when handling confidential, sensitive, high‑profile, or time‑sensitive matters and to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement short- and long-term communication strategies to strengthen public awareness, outreach, and the CPO’s internal and external communications.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to the Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, and agency leadership on emerging issues, media inquiries, public messaging, communication risks, and opportunities for engagement.
• Manage the CPO’s media relations, including responding to inquiries, developing media materials, coordinating interviews, and preparing agency representatives for media engagement.
• Coordinate timely and legally compliant responses to Colorado Open Records Act requests in collaboration with agency leadership and legal counsel, as appropriate.
• Expand the CPO’s outreach and education efforts for youth, families, care providers, community partners, rural communities, and the Colorado General Assembly.
• Develop clear, accurate, and accessible content for the CPO’s website, newsletters, social media, reports, briefs, and other communication platforms.
• Lead the development and publication of major agency communication products, including the CPO’s annual report.
• Manage the CPO’s Youth Voice Collective and develop youth-focused communications, outreach activities, and opportunities for young people to engage with the agency.
• Establish communication protocols, messaging resources, and style guidance that support consistent and effective communication throughout the agency.
• Provide CPO staff with communication training, guidance, and support for public-facing materials, presentations, outreach, and media interactions.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Content translation

Open Records Act

Digital communications

Discretion & confidentiality

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/journalism/public relations/public administration

15+ years experience without degree

Job description

The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman in Denver seeks a Director of Communications to lead internal and external communications, ensure accurate information about services, priorities, and work, and serve as a subject-matter expert on media relations, public information, outreach, and publications.

This exempt, hybrid leadership position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and shapes communications for Colorado’s children and families, with periodic statewide travel as needed.