Public Affairs Specialist

CCCS is hiring a new Public Affairs Specialist to join our Public & Legislative Affairs team at System Office. We are looking for an exceptional writer and communicator who is energized by the intersection of public policy, communications, and community impact. If you’re looking for an opportunity to help shape how Colorado's largest higher education system engages policymakers, business leaders, community partners, and the public, this position may be for you!

In this role you will support the Colorado Community College System's (CCCS) government relations, public affairs, and executive communications functions by developing and implementing strategic external communications that advance the System's legislative priorities, workforce initiatives, and external partnerships. This position serves as the primary coordinator for day-to-day external communications, including proactive media relations, legislative communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. During the Colorado General Assembly's legislative session, a significant portion of your responsibilities will be dedicated to legislative communications, bill review, executive reporting, testimony development, and coordination with the System's contract lobbying team.

Note: This position is term-limited and is funded through 6/30/2028.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Draft press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, op-eds, executive messaging, and background materials that support CCCS's external communications strategy and public affairs priorities. Serve as the primary coordinator for day-to-day media relations activities, including responding to routine media inquiries, coordinating interviews, developing media materials, and preparing executive leadership for public and media engagements.
• Prepare briefing materials, one-pagers, testimony support documents, and handouts for meetings with legislators and state agencies. 
• Prepare bill summaries, legislative updates, testimony drafts, fact sheets, issue briefs, and advocacy materials by coordinating with subject matter experts and leadership. Identify potential impacts to the System and provide recommendations and supporting materials for executive review and decision-making.
• Develop communications and materials that highlight partnerships with industry, community organizations, and state agencies.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Relevant education and/or experience may substitute year-for-year for the required degree.
• Two years of experience in public affairs, communications, government relations, or a related field.
• Experience drafting professional communications for external audiences, including briefing materials, media content, or stakeholder communications.

Competencies/KSAs

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy and organizational information into clear, audience-friendly communications.
• Ability to synthesize complex policy, legislative, and organizational information into clear communications. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of legislative processes, public affairs, and/or government relations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and proactively support leadership priorities.
• Detail-oriented with strong quality control standards.

The Colorado Community College System is the state’s largest provider of higher education and workforce training, consisting of 13 colleges and over 35 locations across the state, educating approximately 130,000 postsecondary students annually. In addition, we train more than 4,000 Coloradans each year through customized employer training programs and coordinate delivery of career and technical education (CTE) programs to over 165,000 K-12 learners annually. Our mission is to provide accessible, responsive learning environments where students can achieve their educational, professional and personal goals in an atmosphere that embraces academic excellence, diversity and innovation. We are an organization that encourages individuals to bring their whole selves to work.

Work Location/Travel Expectations: 

• CCCS offices at 9101 E Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230. 
• Weekly travel is expected for on- and off-site meetings and events.
• Alternative work arrangements, including flexible schedules and hybrid-remote work may be available. All work must be completed in the state of Colorado.

Note: per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, an applicant may redact information from their resume, cover letter, and/or transcripts that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. If your position requires us to review an official transcript, without redacting, we will request one as part of our conditional offer process. In order to evaluate work experience against established requirements for positions, we are still requesting dates of service (month and year) for positions in the applicant’s work history.