Colorado Judicial Branch
Chief Communications Officer (Sr. Manager of Communications)
Job Title
Chief Communications Officer (Sr. Manager of Communications)
Job Code
R43115
Job Series
Communications
FLSA Status
Exempt
OCC Group
Professional Services (PS)
Signature of the State Court Administrator approval available on file in the Human Resources Division.
General Statement Of Duties
Manages the public information, communications functions, both internal and external, and public relations for the Colorado Judicial Department. Works with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement strategic work plans and strategies for implementation of Department communication needs.
Distinguishing Factors
Positions in this classification are distinguished from other classifications by the responsibility for
managing the Colorado Judicial Department communications and public relations within a professional and fast paced environment. It is distinguished from similarly situated classifications due to a greater degree of judgment and discretion within any communication.
Essential Functions Of the Position
Develops strategic communication plan for the Department in conjunction with Departmental strategic plans and initiatives by creating goals and objectives that meet business needs.
Leads the development of communication strategies; provides tools and skills to improve communication plans.
Establishes and maintains policies, processes and procedures for communication for the Colorado Judicial Department.
Leads the development of written Judicial Department communications including speeches, talking points, newsletters, social media content, memos, emails, fact sheets, and related internal and external communications work.
Develops and maintains professional working relationships with public and media representatives, internal and external stakeholders.
Provides guidance and direction for the public information team regarding media inquiries, press releases, and other duties of the team.
Develops standards for and manages the graphic and video content for use on social media or any outlet used by the Judicial Department.
Observe social media, news media, or any media for relevant content and information that updates the decisions of the Judicial Department and the communication strategy of the Department
Annually updates the internal and external communications plan and obtains approvals from the Chief Justice and State Court Administrator.
Manages all aspects of the social media outlets for the Colorado Judicial Department.
Serves as an advisor to the programs and individuals within the Judicial Department on communications
matters, including legislative/governmental work and statewide communications.
Provides and directs strategies for dealing with difficult issues publicly and for garnering positive press
attention.
Responsible for recruitment and selection of unit employees. Oversees interns for unit.
Establishes expectations and provides employee performance feedback on an on-going and annual basis. Assists subordinates in establishing goals. Evaluates subordinates' goal achievement through conferences or informal meetings. Provides recommendations regarding subordinate's employment probationary/trial period.
Provides orientation and on-going training, mentoring and coaching to existing subordinates. Makes provisions for subordinates to attend outside training. May provide cross-training and interdepartmental training.
Assigns duties and responsibilities to staff; develops and establishes procedures for operating and maintaining required administrative systems.
Attends meetings and training as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Has supervisory accountability for other employees, volunteers, or interns. Plans, directs and coordinates activities for a unit(s). Duties include scheduling and assigning of work, training in all facets of work, quality control, and decisions impacting the pay, status and tenure of others. Conducts performance appraisals, and provides input into and participates in discipline, dismissal, and hiring processes.
Minimum Education
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Judicial, Marketing or Public Relations or a related field. Five (5) years of experience in communications development and implementation, social media/media relations, or like field is required. Additional related work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required formal education.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. This position is subject to varying and unpredictable situations. May handle emergency or crisis situations. Is subject to many interruptions. May handle multiple calls and inquiries simultaneously and may occasionally handle absentee replacement on short notice.