El Paso County, Colorado, USA · 1 week ago
Executive Director of Communications
Colorado Springs, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$145K/yr - $173K/yr
5+ years expEl Paso County is a regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery, and they are seeking an Executive Director for the Communications Department. This role involves providing strategic public relations advice, managing public relations efforts, and overseeing the department's operations to enhance communication with the community and stakeholders.
AssociationGovernmentNon Profit
No H1B
Responsibilities
Serves as an integral member of the County’s Executive Team to develop and guide the County’s vision and strategic goals. Exhibits and promotes the County’s Core Values: service focused, collaborative, accountable, trustworthy, and transparent
Provides strategic and innovative public relations and communications advice and support to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, and County leadership. Provides effective, efficient, and collaborative support to Executive Leadership and Elected Officials
Provides information, resources, and direction to the Communications Department, stakeholders, and news media to ensure adequate and positive coverage of El Paso County
Establishes and fosters positive working relationships with stakeholders, community partners, and media representatives; oversees the coordination, production, and distribution of public information and announcements
Responsible for administering, directing, and organizing the functions of the Communications Department; provides strategic and fiscal oversight and planning
Establishes departmental strategies, goals, and objectives to align with El Paso County’s strategic plan and meet the organization's needs. Develops and directs long-range planning for the department in coordination with other County departments
Directs and oversees the production of content for the County’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, digital recordings, public information materials, and executive communications
Oversees responses and/or responds to critical or sensitive public information, Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests, media, elected/appointed officials, and others; ensures legal compliance in areas affecting public access to information. Develops and updates policy for public information responses
Develops crisis communication plans in coordination with necessary internal and external partners/agencies
Serves as the County's representative for various community-based organizations, boards, councils, and committees
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Must demonstrate a strong understanding of the structure and county government's primary functions and responsibilities
Must possess exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency with computer systems and desktop publishing software, including electronic media, websites, and social media platforms
Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate recommendations and decisions; ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Ability to work with frequent interruptions, prioritize tasks, and move between projects on short notice
Ability to understand, develop, and manage department budgets and procurement in compliance with County policies and procedures
Ability to communicate and work effectively with Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, Executive Directors, County staff, clients, vendors, other agencies, and the public
Ability to foster goodwill by working collaboratively with various offices, departments, agencies, volunteers, and others
Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize
Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
Maintain regular and punctual attendance
Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, journalism, media relations, or closely related field
Four years of related professional experience may substitute for the required degree
Five years of demonstrated managerial and administrative leadership experience
Five years of experience in related public/media communications, public policy, and/or intergovernmental relations functions
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen
Preferred
Master's degree in communications, public administration, journalism, media relations, or closely related field
Ten years of demonstrated managerial and administrative leadership experience
Company
El Paso County, Colorado, USA
El Paso County lies in east central Colorado and encompasses more than 2,158 square miles.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Nikki Simmons
Chief Financial Officer
Eli Peña
Human Resources Business Partner
Recent News
Colorado Springs Business Journal
2025-04-05
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