Courtesy Posting: Communications Manager, Bridges Of Colorado

POSITION INFORMATION

***This is a courtesy posting for the Bridges of Colorado***

As a key member of the executive team, the communications manager contributes to Bridges by serving as a communications partner for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the Office of the Executive Director and as a proactive and responsive operational support to the executive director. They manage program-wide documentation and oversee design and style guide continuity with all program materials, including program policies, procedures, best practices, and educational materials. The communications manager also organizes and coordinates executive communications and special projects, ensuring Bridges’ commitment to its values, culture, and principles of justice and equity throughout the organization.

Compensation:

We are proud of our equity-conscious pay scale for all positions, providing liveable wages, robust benefits, and meaningful time-off policies.

This position's initial hiring pay range is $80,435 to 92,500. For equity, the pay for this position (and all Bridges positions) is based upon the cost of living adjustment for the Denver metro area. Actual compensation offered will be determined based on prior experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the position. As a person grows in this role, the full pay range is currently $80,435 to $108,587.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage for spouses, families, and domestic partners; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance and short and long-term disability insurance; Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) benefits; family and parental leave benefits; generous paid time off. Click here for further information about State of Colorado employee benefits.

We also offer professional and career development opportunities, including clinical supervision toward relevant licensure.Depending on your position, a cell phone or cell phone stipend each month will be provided, along with a hybrid work arrangement when feasible for your position’s responsibilities. Each employee will receive a laptop for their home office or travel for work. All employees will also receive exclusive parking at a discounted rate in the Ralph Carr Judicial building for easy access to the in-person meetings in Denver.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Need:

The majority of Coloradans with mental illness do not receive services, with many receiving services only through entering the justice system. People with serious mental illness are twice as likely to be arrested again within a year of leaving prison.

The Vision:

All individuals within the criminal justice system are treated fairly and humanely, regardless of their behavioral health history or mental state.

The Mission:

To promote positive outcomes for Coloradans living with mental health conditions who encounter criminal justice involvement by fostering collaboration between both systems.

Our Values:

We approach our work grounded in the following values:

• Participant-Centered
• Solutions-Focused
• Collaborative

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

How to Apply:

You will be required to provide the following documents:

• Resume – Required
• Cover letter – Required
• Three References (2 of 3 must be professional) – Required

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications will not be accepted unless you are instructed to do so. Please direct any additional inquiries or questions to bridges@judicial.state.co.us.

If you are offered employment, the following are the conditions of employment:

• Be a current resident of the State of Colorado or become a resident of the State of Colorado within 30 days of the hire date;
• Have reliable transportation to meet your position’s travel requirements;
• Ability to work remotely, in an office setting, and travel throughout Colorado or region, depending on the position’s responsibilities;
• Be willing to submit to a routine background investigation, including a criminal history check;
• If hired, the Immigration Reform and Control Act requires you to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States within three (3) workdays of your start date.

Bridges of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion of all voices in the workplace. We consider applicants equally and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, social class, national origin, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or political affiliation. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and an environment of representation of diversity. We highly encourage individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply.

To request an accommodation, please contact Jennifer Turner at 720-625-5018 (jennifer.turner@judicial.state.co.us) as soon as possible. Any person with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to participate in the hiring process. The person making the request may be asked to provide additional information regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed, which will be kept confidential. Advance preparation may be required, so timely requests for accommodation are appreciated.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Person-Centered:

• Support Bridges in providing effective and meaningful services by serving as a communications partner for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the Office of the Executive Director and as a proactive and responsive operational support to the executive director.
• Compile, maintain, and manage program-wide documentation for easy access and effective use of Bridges employees.
• Select and compile program-wide documentation and program information into a Bridges handbook that is informative to external audiences and replicable by other states interested in creating similar programming.
• Oversee design and style continuity with all program communications, including external and internal communications, data and outcomes reporting, and legislative annual reporting requirements.
• Oversee and review design and style continuity with all program documentation, including policies, procedures, FAQ’s, and best practices.
• Ensure that leadership bios are kept updated and respond to requests for materials regarding leadership and the organization in general.
• Support to the Office of the Executive Director:
• Assist the executive director with welcoming new employees and contractors for a helpful transition into their work and the Bridges culture.
• Support the executive director in managing a variety of special projects crucial to the success of the organization.
• Assist the executive director in coordinating and supporting the Bridges Commission and various advisory teams (Lived Experience, Judicial, and Court Liaison).
• Complete a variety of administrative and logistical tasks for the executive director, including managing an active calendar of appointments; completing expense reports; and arranging detailed travel plans and itineraries.
• Support executive director and Bridges Commission meetings by scheduling, agenda drafting and distribution, meeting minutes, preparation of materials, action item follow-up, and document management.
• Research, prioritize, and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to executive director, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature, with a priority on elevating the client voice.
• Draft, edit, and disseminate correspondence on behalf of the executive director (sometimes confidential) and other communications that facilitate the executive director’s ability to effectively lead the organization. Develop and maintain related distribution lists.

Solution-Focused:

• Support Bridges executive director, leadership team, and Commission in informing judicial officers and attorneys about effective and meaningful practices through management of Office communications.
• Compile, maintain, and manage program-wide educational materials for easy access and effective use of Bridges employees.
• Select and compile program-wide educational materials for easy access and effective use by external audiences across multiple platforms and styles of communication (PPT, video, web-based, etc.).
• Oversee design and style continuity with all program educational materials, for both internal and external audiences.
• Primary liaison with branding consultant; complies, co-creates, and collaborates on Bridges style guide and messaging materials.
• Maintain and update externally-facing, web-based communications.
• Reviews, edits, and proofs publications as directed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.

Collaborative:

• Work with Bridges executive director and other team members to foster collaboration and communication between Bridges and its external partners.
• Assist team members who are presenting to community partners in identifying most appropriate communication tools.
• Serve as executive director’s administrative liaison to Bridges Commission. Assist commission members with travel arrangements, lodging, and meal planning, and expense reports, as needed.
• Maintain discretion in relationships with all commission members, including compliance with applicable rules and regulations set in bylaws regarding commission matters, including distribution of materials.
• Participate as an adjunct member of the leadership team including assisting in scheduling meetings and attending meetings, as needed. Assist in coordinating the agenda and materials for leadership team meetings, as needed.

May supervise up to 3.0 FTE.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate is passionate about working to improve the systems of care for those caught in the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system.

• Person-centered, solution-focused, collaborative, and deeply committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Visionary, creative, and excited to champion new paradigms in criminal justice and behavioral health.
• Client-driven and values-driven.
• Aligned with Bridges’ culture and passionate about supporting it throughout the organization.

• Expert level of writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in graphic design and design software applications for creation and maintenance of newsletters, social media, website, and publications.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect an ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with others, including staff, commission members, and external partners.
• Prioritizes conflicting needs; handles matters expeditiously and proactively, and follows through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.
• Emotional intelligence; able to manage work relationships professionally and responsively with empathy, respect, and collaboration.
• Highly resourceful team player, yet also adept independently.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve personal and collective goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment without close supervision.
• Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions proactively.
• Demonstrates a solution-focused mindset by prioritizing tasks and inquiries while considering people’s needs and the context of the moment and long-term vision.
• Capable of, and enjoys, thriving in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment with thoughtful decision-making skills.
• The ability to communicate and collaborate with varying levels of positions of power and manage conflict proactively and responsively with confidentiality.
• Creative, self-motivated, and able to work in a decentralized environment without close supervision.
• Enjoys and thrives in a support role.
• Excited to be part of a high-performing, passionate team and able to work confidently in developing and expanding a new model of care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Candidates must have a minimum of three (3 ) years experience in a communications-related position that includes writing, editing, and verbal communication, as well as basic graphic design.
• Candidates must have a minimum of three (3 ) years experience in a people-related position that encompasses relationship-building and sensitive communications and topics and supports leaders or executives.
• The above experience may overlap.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat with DocuSign, Adobe Suite for graphic design, shared drives, and social media web platforms.Demonstration of professional alignment with Bridges values, culture, and principles of justice and equity throughout the organization.

OR

• At least two years as an employee or contractor with Bridges may substitute for the minimum qualifications above, with additional specialized training that may be required upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong work tenure: five (5 ) plus years of experience supporting leaders or executives, preferably in a non-profit or governmental organization.
• Demonstrated continuing education or certification in graphic design or communications and marketing.
• Experience with behavioral health and justice-involved populations and knowledge of competency system.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and systems of care.
• Demonstrated continuing education, advocacy, or volunteer work in DEI, JEDI, or social justice principles. Lived experience as it pertains to these principles in action will also be considered.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and operate a computer with accompanying motions with wrists, hands, and fingers; and communicate over virtual platforms and in person. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus for use and understanding of spreadsheets, reports, and documents. Occasionally, the employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Occasional bending, twisting, and kicking may be required.

Work Environment

Outside the home workspace, the noise level in the work environment is variable. This position is subject to varying and unpredictable situations; may handle emergency or crisis situations; is subject to many interruptions; may handle multiple calls, emails, and verbal inquiries simultaneously.