State of Colorado
Overview
This position is only open to Colorado state residents. This posting may be filled by multiple positions and may be extended. This position will have a hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business need. Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum. Be BOLDand make a real difference ... We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our tobacco-free campus offers free parking and is conveniently located near RTD bus lines, Glendale City Set, and the Cherry Creek bike path. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
Employee wellness programs and facilities
Extensive internal professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
Bike to work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Strong, yet flexible retirement benefits including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off
Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees
Tuition assistance for college level courses including Master’s degree programs
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and a variety of employee resource groups
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to:
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Please Note - As of August 27, 2025, a hiring freeze is in effect for the Colorado Executive Branch. State agencies will be allowed to finalize the hiring process only if a position has been posted by August 26, 2025. Any positions that are posted after August 26, 2025 have been either exempted from the hiring freeze or have been approved for a waiver and the hiring process may proceed.
The Work Unit
The Prevention Services Division
works with public and private partners across Colorado to improve the health of all Coloradans. Division professionals develop, review, implement and evaluate public health interventions proven to promote healthy living, prevent chronic disease, protect against injury, and ensure access to health care and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. The Division is committed to the professional development, collaborative effort, and sustained wellness of its workforce.
The Prevention Services Division is actively building a workforce reflective of the communities we serve. The division strives to understand the needs of Colorado’s communities and encourages the contributions of stakeholders in identifying and solving public health problems. We are committed to providing a respectful, supportive and inclusive work environment that demonstrates our commitment to accept and respect individuals from all communities.
The PSD
Communications Branch
provides a full range of internal and external communication services for the division. The branch executes strategic communication initiatives to improve the health, well-being, and equity of all Coloradans and to promote public health programs among partner agencies, the media, legislative audiences, community partners, and the public. The branch consists of staff uniquely experienced in strategic communications, media and public relations, graphic design, and behavior change marketing.
The Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch , in the Prevention Services Division, reviews, plans, designs, implements, and evaluates public health interventions related to chronic disease and related risk factors to advance health and racial equity and improve health-related quality of life for all Coloradans. Special emphasis is placed on evidence-based practices, data-based and evidence-informed decision-making, capacity-building, partnerships, and integration between program efforts for efficiency and effectiveness.
The Tobacco Program
is part of the HPCDP Branch.
The purpose of the Tobacco Program is to reduce tobacco use and tobacco’s adverse health effects in Colorado through funding, promotion, and support of primary prevention, education, and cessation efforts. The Tobacco Program implements C.R.S. Title 25, Article 3.5 Part 8 Tobacco Education, Prevention and Cessation Programs. Works collaboratively with other tobacco content experts and leadership in the Tobacco Program to identify strategies that improve overall outcomes for all Coloradans.
The Position: This position guides the development, implementation, and coordination of paid, earned, and owned communications for the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP) and plans and executes statewide tobacco communications in alignment with CDC best practices and the Tobacco Strategic Plan. The position stays up to date on the latest public health communications trends and best practices to inform these efforts. It oversees vendor deliverables under existing contracts to support comprehensive communications campaigns and manages agreements with organizations. The position also provides consultation, technical assistance, and training to CDPHE staff and local grantees in the area of behavior change marketing, communications, and public relations. This position supports communication within the grant program, including newsletters, social media, and copy writing and copy editing.
This position independently performs a full range of professional tasks and develops communication approaches for tobacco prevention efforts. It works with and balances the interests of a multitude of interested partners and parties. The position requires subject matter expertise in communication and marketing strategies, best practices, and tactics to regularly make decisions at the process level that are based on public health communications models; analyzes complex data and process outcomes; identifies problems and recommends solutions; and helps build support for tobacco prevention, cessation, and awareness efforts. The position considers political sensitivities, engages the media, solicits and manages input, and provides consultation and support to internal staff and local partners.
Residency Requirement
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description
H4K3XX: Marketing & Communications Specialist III
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.
Experience Only: Six (6) years of relevant experience in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications campaign implementation across multiple channels (e.g., social media, web, print), or a closely related field.
Education and Experience: A combination of related education, graduation from an accredited college or university in health communications, communications, journalism, marketing, or a closely related degree, and/or relevant experience in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications campaign implementation across multiple channels (e.g., social media, web, print), or a closely related field equal to Six (6) years.
If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) must be provided with application.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following experience:
Marketing: Experience developing, managing, and evaluating comprehensive communication plans or social marketing campaigns.
Project Management: Ability to apply processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve specific project objectives, including strategic planning, communication planning, and reporting.
Relationship Skills: Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, speak and write authoritatively and compellingly, resolve communication problems, and negotiate and manage competing interests.
Writing and Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with leadership, state agency partners, grantees, contractors, and other stakeholders through various written and digital tools. Synthesize complex information and communicate in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Media Relations: Experience drafting and responding to media inquiries and supporting team members to serve as a spokesperson.
Editing: Experience writing and editing content using Associated Press Style for various communication tactics such as newsletters, brochures, news releases, fact sheets, web content, social media content, marketing materials, reports, etc.
Contracts: Experience working with government entities and understanding of government procurement processes.
Bilingual: Ability to speak, write, and read fluently in English and Spanish.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE. TRAVEL: 10% of time, required to attend regional grantee meetings or annual conferences, may include overnight stay, if necessary.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. Appeals to the State Personnel Board or the State Personnel Director must be received or postmarked within the filing period: Appeals shall be filed with the Board no later than ten (10) days after receipt of the written notice of the action, or if no notice was received, no later than ten (10) days after the employee knew or should have known of the disputed action. Filings can be by mail, hand-delivery, fax or email. Send the completed form with all supporting attachments to the State Personnel Board and provide a copy to the Department (the “Respondent”) identified by you (the “Complainant”) in PART 1 - General Information and Disputed Employment Action. The State Personnel Board, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, Colorado 80203, Fax Number: 303-866-5038, Email filings: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
A complete application packet must include:
A completed State of Colorado application.
Fully answered supplemental questions per guidance.
If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) must be provided with application.
If using work experience to qualify for this position, please provide an adequate description in the work experience section of the application. Do not write "see resume".
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
The Selection Process:
All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.
E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about
E-Verify , including your rights and responsibilities.
You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
ADAAA Accommodations
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe.humanresources@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This position is only open to Colorado state residents. This posting may be filled by multiple positions and may be extended. This position will have a hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business need. Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum. Be BOLDand make a real difference ... We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our tobacco-free campus offers free parking and is conveniently located near RTD bus lines, Glendale City Set, and the Cherry Creek bike path. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
Employee wellness programs and facilities
Extensive internal professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
Bike to work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Strong, yet flexible retirement benefits including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off
Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees
Tuition assistance for college level courses including Master’s degree programs
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and a variety of employee resource groups
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to:
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Please Note - As of August 27, 2025, a hiring freeze is in effect for the Colorado Executive Branch. State agencies will be allowed to finalize the hiring process only if a position has been posted by August 26, 2025. Any positions that are posted after August 26, 2025 have been either exempted from the hiring freeze or have been approved for a waiver and the hiring process may proceed.
The Work Unit
The Prevention Services Division
works with public and private partners across Colorado to improve the health of all Coloradans. Division professionals develop, review, implement and evaluate public health interventions proven to promote healthy living, prevent chronic disease, protect against injury, and ensure access to health care and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. The Division is committed to the professional development, collaborative effort, and sustained wellness of its workforce.
The Prevention Services Division is actively building a workforce reflective of the communities we serve. The division strives to understand the needs of Colorado’s communities and encourages the contributions of stakeholders in identifying and solving public health problems. We are committed to providing a respectful, supportive and inclusive work environment that demonstrates our commitment to accept and respect individuals from all communities.
The PSD
Communications Branch
provides a full range of internal and external communication services for the division. The branch executes strategic communication initiatives to improve the health, well-being, and equity of all Coloradans and to promote public health programs among partner agencies, the media, legislative audiences, community partners, and the public. The branch consists of staff uniquely experienced in strategic communications, media and public relations, graphic design, and behavior change marketing.
The Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch , in the Prevention Services Division, reviews, plans, designs, implements, and evaluates public health interventions related to chronic disease and related risk factors to advance health and racial equity and improve health-related quality of life for all Coloradans. Special emphasis is placed on evidence-based practices, data-based and evidence-informed decision-making, capacity-building, partnerships, and integration between program efforts for efficiency and effectiveness.
The Tobacco Program
is part of the HPCDP Branch.
The purpose of the Tobacco Program is to reduce tobacco use and tobacco’s adverse health effects in Colorado through funding, promotion, and support of primary prevention, education, and cessation efforts. The Tobacco Program implements C.R.S. Title 25, Article 3.5 Part 8 Tobacco Education, Prevention and Cessation Programs. Works collaboratively with other tobacco content experts and leadership in the Tobacco Program to identify strategies that improve overall outcomes for all Coloradans.
The Position: This position guides the development, implementation, and coordination of paid, earned, and owned communications for the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP) and plans and executes statewide tobacco communications in alignment with CDC best practices and the Tobacco Strategic Plan. The position stays up to date on the latest public health communications trends and best practices to inform these efforts. It oversees vendor deliverables under existing contracts to support comprehensive communications campaigns and manages agreements with organizations. The position also provides consultation, technical assistance, and training to CDPHE staff and local grantees in the area of behavior change marketing, communications, and public relations. This position supports communication within the grant program, including newsletters, social media, and copy writing and copy editing.
This position independently performs a full range of professional tasks and develops communication approaches for tobacco prevention efforts. It works with and balances the interests of a multitude of interested partners and parties. The position requires subject matter expertise in communication and marketing strategies, best practices, and tactics to regularly make decisions at the process level that are based on public health communications models; analyzes complex data and process outcomes; identifies problems and recommends solutions; and helps build support for tobacco prevention, cessation, and awareness efforts. The position considers political sensitivities, engages the media, solicits and manages input, and provides consultation and support to internal staff and local partners.
Residency Requirement
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description
H4K3XX: Marketing & Communications Specialist III
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.
Experience Only: Six (6) years of relevant experience in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications campaign implementation across multiple channels (e.g., social media, web, print), or a closely related field.
Education and Experience: A combination of related education, graduation from an accredited college or university in health communications, communications, journalism, marketing, or a closely related degree, and/or relevant experience in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications campaign implementation across multiple channels (e.g., social media, web, print), or a closely related field equal to Six (6) years.
If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) must be provided with application.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following experience:
Marketing: Experience developing, managing, and evaluating comprehensive communication plans or social marketing campaigns.
Project Management: Ability to apply processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve specific project objectives, including strategic planning, communication planning, and reporting.
Relationship Skills: Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, speak and write authoritatively and compellingly, resolve communication problems, and negotiate and manage competing interests.
Writing and Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with leadership, state agency partners, grantees, contractors, and other stakeholders through various written and digital tools. Synthesize complex information and communicate in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Media Relations: Experience drafting and responding to media inquiries and supporting team members to serve as a spokesperson.
Editing: Experience writing and editing content using Associated Press Style for various communication tactics such as newsletters, brochures, news releases, fact sheets, web content, social media content, marketing materials, reports, etc.
Contracts: Experience working with government entities and understanding of government procurement processes.
Bilingual: Ability to speak, write, and read fluently in English and Spanish.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE. TRAVEL: 10% of time, required to attend regional grantee meetings or annual conferences, may include overnight stay, if necessary.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. Appeals to the State Personnel Board or the State Personnel Director must be received or postmarked within the filing period: Appeals shall be filed with the Board no later than ten (10) days after receipt of the written notice of the action, or if no notice was received, no later than ten (10) days after the employee knew or should have known of the disputed action. Filings can be by mail, hand-delivery, fax or email. Send the completed form with all supporting attachments to the State Personnel Board and provide a copy to the Department (the “Respondent”) identified by you (the “Complainant”) in PART 1 - General Information and Disputed Employment Action. The State Personnel Board, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, Colorado 80203, Fax Number: 303-866-5038, Email filings: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
A complete application packet must include:
A completed State of Colorado application.
Fully answered supplemental questions per guidance.
If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) must be provided with application.
If using work experience to qualify for this position, please provide an adequate description in the work experience section of the application. Do not write "see resume".
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
The Selection Process:
All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.
E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about
E-Verify , including your rights and responsibilities.
You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
ADAAA Accommodations
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe.humanresources@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.
#J-18808-Ljbffr