Senior Program Specialist (Communications)(Building Decarbonization)

At DRCOG, we’re not just planning for the future. We’re building it. With a five-year $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the EPA, the Denver Regional Council of Governments is launching Decarbonize DRCOG, a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the built environment of the 58 cities and counties that make up the Denver metro area. This effort will cut climate pollution from Denver’s built environment by 70% by 2050, boost public health, spark local innovation, and supercharge the economy. Our approach is community-centered and equity-driven, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods to ensure that everyone benefits from clean technology.

Decarbonize DRCOG will:

•Perform whole home retrofits in low-income communities

•Provide energy advising services and electrification-oriented rebates and incentives to home and business owners

•Support workforce and industry development

•Execute a mass-market marketing and community engagement campaign

•Work with local governments to accelerate adoption of ambitious policies

For more details, see the linked Factsheet and full Workplan.

The Senior Program Specialist (Communications) (Building Decarbonization) will be responsible for helping shape the direction of communication and engagement strategies for the program. First-year priorities are contributing to the development of the Decarbonize DRCOG communications and community engagement plans, and helping launch and manage the communications contract (in coordination with consultant selected via RFP). Subsequent years will continue to focus on program and process improvement, and growth in campaign awareness and participation.

Decarbonize DRCOG is more than just a program — it’s a movement. We need your experience and entrepreneurial spirit to make this vision a reality. Apply to join us in creating a better, brighter, more sustainable future!

Research shows people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to apply.

The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do,. Employees are rewarded with competitive

compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!

About the Position of Senior Program Specialist (Communications) (Building Decarbonization)

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.

·       Supports logistics, partner coordination and on-the-ground communications across program elements.

·       Proficiency in Spanish or other common second language in equity priority communities in the DRCOG region is prioritized.

·       Contribute to development of Decarbonize DRCOG communications and community engagement plan, taking lead on the communications elements

·       Work with Communications Program Manager (CPM) to lead communications contract, selected by RFP, ensuring proper and equitable implementation and outcomes aligned with program objectives

·       Review proposed timelines, strategies and work outputs

·       Maintain understanding of scope and outputs of various materials including surveys/research, creative materials, campaign strategy/timeline, outreach materials, branding and more

·       Review public-facing materials for accuracy, strategy and cultural sensitivity, and provide edits where necessary

·       Work closely with CPM to create and implement effective external communication

·       Copywriting, reviewing, editing and approving materials

·       Oversee the development of communications calendar to ensure timely delivery of content, aligned with strategic initiatives; develop tracking and reporting process

·       Oversee the development of communications calendar to ensure timely delivery of content, aligned with strategic initiatives; develop tracking and reporting process

·       Work with agency consultant to develop and deliver reports, including campaign metrics

·       Work with agency consultant to develop and deliver reports, including campaign metrics

·       Oversee the development of communications resources for external public-facing marketing, including social media, web, email, flyers, presentations and other collateral, to be developed by contractor and/or internal DRCOG communications team

·       Lead development of communications resources for internal and external partners, including toolkits and training materials

·       Assist in planning, supporting and promoting engagement and outreach events

·       Gather, manage and incorporate feedback from stakeholders including regional partners, jurisdictions and work groups to assess perceptions and inform future efforts

·       Work with CPM and Senior Community Engagement Specialist (SCES) to ensure mutual learning and strategy development across community engagement and communications

·       Work with SCES and contractors to develop communications collateral (e.g., web, flyers/handouts, socials) for engagement events and distribution to local government partners

·       Perform other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned

·       Interacts with program participants and Community Based Organizations and other stakeholders to solicit and organize feedback on the program and new opportunities

·       Liaising with staff from state, local, and federal partners

·       Other duties as assigned

·       Climate, Human Centered Design and Community Driven Design Principles

·       Experience working in the communities, local governments and relevant community-based organizations in the DRCOG region

·       Basic knowledge of building electrification

·       Knowledge of best practices in communications techniques, which could include digital, language and physical space accessibility

·       Experience implementing best practices that support community and stakeholder participation

·       Experience in facilitation and conflict resolution

·       Managing a project or program

·       Scheduling and carrying out work assignments with limited supervision

·       Providing consultation and serving as a program liaison and subject matter expert

·       Understanding and defining project needs and creating project work programs involving other staff

·       Facilitating group discussions and building consensus

·       Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy

·       Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies

·       Using communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information

·       Working in a team environment and maintaining effective working relationships with other team members and planning partners

·       Project, contract and/or campaign management

·       Strong communications, reviewing, copyediting and writing skills

·       Communications and public relations strategy experience

·       Experience in branding, particularly in tenets of universal design

·       Ability to write succinct, accurate messages for a variety of platforms and mediums including, but not limited to, memos, meeting summaries, presentations, press releases, social media, FAQs, factsheets, talking points and websites

·       Ability to translate technical information into public-friendly informational materials and messages

·       Experience developing and distributing communications materials that target traditionally underserved communities, including developing multicultural events, resources and materials

·       Experience developing/reviewing surveys/questionnaires, workshops and other data-collection techniques preferred

·       Motivation to work on complex and very challenging problems with high impact

·       Demonstrated focus on community and equity

·       Direct experience working with Community Based Organizations, especially those supporting Disproportionately Impacted Communities and vulnerable populations

·       Strong attention to detail; must be highly organized

·       Ability to work well independently and bring thoughtful solutions to the table while prioritizing success of the team; positive attitude and motivation to help others with a collaborative approach

·       Familiarity with basic concepts of digital accessibility, including techniques for accessible writing, presenting, remote meetings, and document creation.

·       Bi-lingual competency is preferred

Education and experience requirements:

·       Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related field. Five (5) years of professional-level communications experience, including creating strategic communications and/or outreach plans and working on specific campaigns.     OR   An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

○        Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement

○        One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post high-school education.

·       Preferred Experience:

○        Experience working directly with or leading programs which serve vulnerable populations

o   Bi-lingual candidates are preferred.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

·       Valid driver’s license

STATUS:  

·       Full-time, Exempt

Compensation and Benefits

The hiring salary range for this position is $3,195.66 - $3,992.23/semi-monthly or $6,391.32 - $7,984.46/month or depending on qualifications.

Application Procedure

To view the full job description, a complete listing of benefits, and to apply for this position, please visit our website at https://drcog.org/drcog-job-openings.  

This position is open until 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.