Internal Only:  The position will close on March 26, 2026 at 5pm. 

Please note that this position is half time at an FTE of 0.5. 

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Communications Manager directs and administers the Public Health Department’s internal and external communications strategy. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic communication initiatives that support public health priorities, emergency response operations, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and organizational reputation.

The Communications Manager exercises independent judgment and discretion in developing messaging strategy, media relations, crisis communication, public information dissemination, and brand management. This position serves as the Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and primary media spokesperson.

Work is primarily strategic, analytical, and administrative in nature and does not involve routine clerical functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements a comprehensive communications plan, emergency communications plan and strategy aligned with agency mission, public health priorities, and regulatory requirements.
• Advises leadership on communication risks, public perception issues, and messaging strategy. Evaluating communication effectiveness and adjusting strategy based on data, community feedback, and emerging public health issues.
• Establishes communication policies, standards, and protocols for internal and external messaging.
• Serves as the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Public Information Officer for the Department.
• Develops, approves, and disseminates public information during routine operations and emergency response.
• Leads crisis and risk communication strategy during public health emergencies.
• Coordinates messaging with local, regional, and state partners to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with local, regional, and state media outlets.
• Develops department press releases, public statements, talking points, and briefing materials.
• Ensures messaging is culturally responsive, accessible, and compliant with applicable laws and accessibility standards.
• Develops educational materials and public-facing communication tools.
• The primary location of employment for this position is the designated Delta County office with the exception of required duties that are to be performed off site as necessary. The employee is required to perform the majority (generally, at least 95%) of assigned duties from this designated office location to allow for client, customer and coworker access and collaboration, unless prior written approval for an alternative arrangement, such as temporary remote work, has been granted by the employee's direct supervisor and/or department head and maintained in the employee personnel file.
• Please note that this is a grant-funded position. Employment is predicated on the continued availability of grant and State of Colorado funds. In the event that funding is reduced or discontinued, the duration of the appointment may be adjusted accordingly.
• Reliable and predictable attendance and punctuality are considered essential functions of this job. Employees are expected to be at their work area and ready to work at the scheduled start time to ensure consistent service delivery and operational efficiency.

GENERAL JOB DUTIES:

• Oversees public education campaigns related to disease prevention, environmental health, injury prevention, immunizations, and other public health initiatives.
• Facilitates community engagement efforts with healthcare organizations, schools, community groups, businesses, faith-based organizations, and governmental entities.
• Oversees public health website/page content, social media platforms, and digital communication channels.
• Responsible for supervision and management of staff; plan, direct, supervise and evaluate the performance; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions; write and conduct performance evaluations; arrange for appropriate training and development; ensure employees comply with applicable occupational health and safety standards, department and organizational policies; compliance with all governing laws; seeks support from human resources department and follows generally accepted human resource laws, policies and protocols.
• Ensures staff performance aligns with agency standards and communication objectives. Is responsible for ensuring staff performance aligns with agency standards, applicable grant deliverables. 
• Should the Board of County Commissioners or another authorized representative issue a local disaster declaration in Delta County, all Delta County employees may be called upon to serve as disaster service workers.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public health, journalism, marketing, or related field is required.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in public sector, healthcare, or emergency management communications is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and media relations is required.
• Strong understanding of public health principles and regulatory communication requirements is strongly preferred.

Combination of education and experience could waive specific requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements: Walk on irregular ground, walk, stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects or tools, reach with hands and arms, talk, listen, hear, read, see, grasp, pull, lift, bend, able to get in/out of vehicles

Lifting: 25 pound requirement

Exposure to Elements: Normal office conditions, requires regional travel and may experience inclement weather

Handling of Dangerous Equipment: None

Risk of Assault or Injury: Verbal assault on the telephone or in person may occur, work during and with others experiencing distress with potential for high emotions, may be exposed to communicable diseases

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employees may be required to perform additional duties of a similar and like skill set. Delta County reserves the right to revise the job description.