Speech Writer

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Paid Holidays

Annual and Sick Leave

Job summary

The State of Colorado is seeking a skilled Speechwriter for the Office of the Governor to craft remarks for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and First Lady. You will translate policy and complex topics into clear, compelling language and work with communications teams to shape speeches, op-eds, and talking points.

The role requires strong writing, research, and editing abilities, with 2-4 years in communications or project management. A college degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or work experience equivalent.
• 2-4 years in communications or project management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft speeches and talking points for the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the First Lady, including editing and research.
• Lead the writing of the annual State of the State address and coordinate with stakeholders on priorities.
• Respond to the Governor’s evolving communications needs and deadlines.
• Oversee the speechwriting process for contributors and collaborate with content partners.
• Develop fresh thinking and creative ideas for speeches and other content.
• Transform complex material into digestible, conversational language with storytelling.
• Research and fact-check remarks and supporting materials.
• Work with the communications team to translate speeches into multi-platform plans.
• Manage complex project timelines to meet deadlines.

Skills

Strong writing

Communications

Editorial support

Storytelling

Education

College degree or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Colorado Governor-elect Phil Weiser is committed to an administration that represents all of Colorado, and serves and protects every Coloradan. Governor-elect Weiser and his team will lead State government to ensure that we serve the people of Colorado, working to make their lives better, and together, we meet opportunities and challenges with creativity, collaboration, and compassion. His commitment to serve as the People’s Governor means that he and his team will have a sustained focus on how to make Colorado safer, more affordable, more sustainable, and a great place to live, build a business, and raise a family.

We Have Strong Core Values

Our core values drive our actions. We are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, acting with integrity, and operating transparently; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about improving the lives of the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to solve problems creatively and operate with a continuous improvement mindset; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other as a team and collaborate effectively.

Department Information

The Office of the Governor oversees the operation of the executive branch of state government, including the coordination, direction, and planning of agency operations. The Governor’s staff includes offices for budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.

Department: Office of the Governor

Position Title: Speechwriter

Summary of Functions: The Speechwriter is responsible for the remarks delivered each year by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the First Lady, as well as other briefings and communications materials, from op-eds to press releases to talking points, working closely with the Governor, the policy and communications teams, and other stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft speeches and talking points for the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the First Lady, including writing, research, story gathering, and editorial support for several hundred speeches a year
• Lead the writing of the annual State of the State address and work with a broad range of stakeholders on it and on other high-priority projects
• Respond to the Governor’s evolving communications need
• Oversee the speechwriting process for other contributors and work collaboratively with content partners
• Develop fresh thinking and creative ideas for speeches and other content
• Transform complex material into digestible, conversational language and use storytelling to make policy relatable to constituents
• Research and fact-check remarks and supporting materials
• Work with the communications team to translate speeches into a multi-platform communications plan
• Manage complex project timelines under tight deadlines to meet the Governor’s needs

Organizational Relationships: Chief Communications Officer; Governor’s Office; Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Office of the First Lady; Press team; Community engagement team

Preferred Education/Experience:

• College degree or work experience equivalent
• 2-4 years experience in communications/project management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Government experience
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Attention to detail and organization skills

Conditions of employment: Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment and reside in Colorado once employed

Benefits

• PERA retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan, PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage
• Automatic Short-Term and Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
• 11 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
• Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

ADAAA Requests

The State of Colorado is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our office 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 at [e-mail].

We believe that diverse teams produce better results and encourage people of a variety of backgrounds and qualifications to apply.