Deputy Communications Director - Seasonal

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Prepares and manages communications materials, including photographs, press releases, statements, weekly caucus newsletter, talking points, op-eds, and digital content. 

• Develops and maintains a consistent brand voice and message discipline across all platforms and channels. 

• Supports media relations and cultivates contacts with journalists, editorial boards, and community leaders across Colorado. 

• Coordinates the work of communications, digital, and design staff as needed. 

• Assists in the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content to support House Minority legislators.

• Assists with social media content and accounts, websites, and printed materials daily. 

• Daily user of photo editor, high-frequency content creation tools, automated highlight capture software, clipping/reframe tools, and video curation apps.  

• Assists and helps in the development rapid-response communications in response to breaking news developments. 

• Supports individual members with media coaching, floor speech preparation, constituent communications, and press scheduling. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Political Acumen & Strategy: Knowledge of state government, legislative rules, and the political landscape; ability to build long-term narratives around complex policy and think critically about the news cycle. 

• Content & Technical Proficiency: Exceptional copywriting and editing abilities for press releases, speeches, and op-eds; skilled in digital design principles, social media strategy, and various communication technologies.  

• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Ability to conduct in-depth, credible analysis and organize complex data into logical formats for public presentation; skilled in coordinating press conferences and caucus-wide rallies. 

Competencies: 

• Communication: Demonstrates mastery of persuasive language and the ability to articulate complex policy narratives clearly and concisely; possesses outstanding written and oral skills to produce high-quality content across diverse platforms under tight deadlines. 

• Strategic Creativity & Initiative: A self-starter who identifies innovative ways to amplify the caucus message and proactively seizes media opportunities; exhibits high standards for individual and team performance while developing multi-faceted, creative communication plans. 

• Project Management: Detail-oriented with a proven ability to independently manage projects with many moving parts and produce high-quality results on tight deadlines.

• Discretion & Integrity: Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise sound political judgment, and handle sensitive information with professional discretion. 

Supervisory Requirements: 

• Operates under the direction of the Communications Director and Chief of Staff. 

• May help coordinate the daily tasks of interns. 

Physical Demands: 

The position requires the ability to perform desk work for prolonged periods, involving sustained use of a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse for rapid-response messaging and content creation. Essential functions demand high visual acuity for detailed editing and proofreading of documents, press releases, and digital assets in both digital and physical formats. The role necessitates sufficient manual dexterity to operate office equipment and handle paper files, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in a high-stakes political environment. Occasional mobility within the office and legislative buildings is also required to coordinate press conferences, attend floor sessions, and escort members to media interviews. Working conditions: Work is performed primarily within a standard professional office environment characterized by a moderate noise level and a high-energy atmosphere. The job involves working in a dynamic and often high-pressure setting, particularly during legislative sessions when unpredictable breaking news cycles and strict deadlines necessitate extended work hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. The work environment requires adaptability to fluctuating workloads and close collaboration with legislators, professional staff, and members of the press corps. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights: This position is not part of the state classified personnel system and therefore does not have an appeals procedure.

Education and Experience: 

• Education: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent; a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, or a related field is highly desirable.  

• Preferred: At least 1 year of experience in communications for political organizations, government, or media.  

• Preferred: strong understanding of the Colorado political landscape.

Daily Wage: $150-$200 a day 

Benefits Overview:

• Medical plans - choice of Cigna or Kaiser; several plan options (including High Deductible Health Plan with HSA); most plans  offered with a significant state contribution toward the premium 

• Dental and vision plans 

• Flexible spending accounts 

• State-paid life insurance policy of $50,000 

• Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined contribution or defined benefit) with generous state contribution 

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans for additional retirement savings 

• State-paid short-term disability coverage 

• Additional optional life and disability plans 

• Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program 

• Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account 

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave 

• BenefitHub state employee discount program 

• MotivateMe employee wellness program 

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs