Outreach and Communications Specialist

Job Description:

Outreach and Communications Specialist

Description

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
09/30/25
Division:
CSU Extension
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

Join Jefferson County Extension, a vibrant pa rt of Colorado State Univer sity Exte nsion, where we bring research-based education and resources to life, empowering individuals and communities to thrive. As the Outreach & Communications Specialist, you’ll play a pivotal role in showcasing our impactful programs in 4-H youth development, community development, health & well-being, horticulture, and natural resources. This position offers a balance of collaborative teamwork and independent creativity, with flexible scheduling to support work-life balance . Our te am is committed to meeting the needs of Coloradoans, positive team dynamics and upholding the Principles of Community of Colorado State University . If you’re passionate about education, storytelling, fostering connections, and making a meaningful difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our dynamic team!

The Communications and Public Affairs II is r esponsible for performing intermediate level marketing, communications, and public relations activities. Builds working relationships with media , colleagues, the community and businesses both internally and externally .

SCHEDULE:

This position allows for a hybrid work model , a requirement of at least 3 days i n - office , with remote and in-of fic e work as required to meet business needs . The typical schedule for this position is a 4-day Tuesday-Friday schedule or 5-day schedule Monday through Friday , with evening and weekend hours as needed; typical schedule may be discussed with supervisor to meet the needs of the position and the professional . Due to the front-facing nature of this position, the successful candidate should anticipate spending a majority of their work week in-person, whether in the office or in the community.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range: $59,50 5 - $65,000 USD Annually

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills.

BENEFITS:

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, remote work options and more . For more information, click Here for our Total Rewards summary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Draft media releases, newsletter items, and other communication tools. Gains approvals and distributes. Utilize common strategies and methods to educate and inform the community.
  

• Conduct research on communications functions, promotional products, best practices, strategies, technologies, techniques, and methods.
  

• Monitors social media conversations and blogs for potential response needs. Develops responses and obtains approval to post. Documents media activities. Develops creative content for social media platforms.
  

• Supports and coordinates event planning for community events, meetings, and initiatives to foster relationship building, collaboration, and promote engagement.
  

• Gather community input and individual feedback for developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving engagement, policies, programs, and services.
  

• Participate in the development of marketing, communications and public relations strategy.
  

• Create communications for multimedia presentations and design graphic materials. Create internet and intranet
  website content.
  

• Represent the department at outreach events, meetings and on committees. Build relationships with divisions within the
  department to understand marketing and communication needs.
  

• Ensure compliance with digital accessibility regulations, requirements, standards and policies when creating and producing digital and graphic materials. Incorporate content and media accessibility requirements for color, and contrast.
  

• Create content with accessibility in mind, create alternatives for multimedia content such as image descriptions, figure captions, and audio descriptions. Uses and recommends tools and platforms that support
  accessibility.
  

• Other duties as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other 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 go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience: Minimum two years related professional experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, business, communications or similar field.

*Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities :

• Experience working in Public Affairs , or related field, at a government agency.
• Experience in executive level outreach or communications
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Google products, Microsoft Office, and Canva
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD)
• Strong typography, color theory, and layout skills
• Experience with digital design (web, social media, email)
• Ability to create assets for multiple platforms (web, mobile, print)
• Branding and visual identity design experience
• Strong attention to detail and design consistency
• Ability to interpret briefs and translate ideas into visual concepts
• Comfortable taking creative direction and feedback
• Strong time management and ability to juggle multiple projects
• Collaborative mindset - works well with colleagues, partners, and community members
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and self-motivated
• Open to learning new tools and staying current with design trends
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of CSU Extension and the programs and services it offers is a plus
• Bi-lingual, English and Spanish preferred

Additional Job Information:

• Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required for every position.
  

• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle shall have a Colorado Driver’s license within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
  

• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
  

• In any materials you submit , you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
  

• All Jefferson County Employees must apply through their internal profile.
  

Accommodations Statement : We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact careertalent@jeffco.us . This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately . All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities



A resume and cover letter submitted with your application are encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal .



For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us

Education:

Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum two years

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Administrative, Business Programs and Services