EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO
DIRECTOR
EL PASO COUNTY
Nestled below Pikes Peak, El Paso County is truly America's destination. With eight municipalities, the county offers a rich blend of geography, economy, and culture to make it a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work. With mountains to the west, forest to the north, and plains to the east and south, you can hike, bike, kayak, and explore without ever leaving the county.
With a population of over 750,000, El Paso County offers citizens a thriving downtown, family-friendly suburbs, and vast rural expanses. Residents enjoy historic charm, world class restaurants and accommodations, a growing cultural scene, and plenty of shopping options.
El Paso County is essential to our nation. We are home to the US Space Command and five military installations from the US Air Force Academy to Fort Carson. Each supports a crucial strategic mission for our nation's defense. Nearly 100,000 Veterans also call El Paso County home.
Within it all is the El Paso County government. Our county government is the gold standard of efficiency, transparency, and respect for its residents. Various elected officials and senior county leadership lead the county. They collaborate with regional partners to solve complex problems and protect our community.
Paso County will
PURPOSE
ABOUT THE ROLE
Executive Director - Communications
The Executive Director for the El Paso County Department of Communications provides strategic and innovative public relations advice and support to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, and County leadership. This position develops, oversees, and manages the County's public relations efforts, including overseeing content development and press releases. This position is also responsible for the administration, management, and planning of the Department of Communications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilites
Must demonstrate a strong understanding of the structure and county government’s primary functions and responsibilities.
Must possess exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with computer systems and desktop publishing software, including electronic media, websites, and social media platforms.
Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate recommendations and decisions; ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions, prioritize tasks, and move between projects on short notice.
Ability to understand, develop, and manage department budgets and procurement in compliance with County policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, Executive Directors, County staff, clients, vendors, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to foster goodwill by working collaboratively with various offices, departments, agencies, volunteers, and others.
Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize. Ability to apply conflict resolution and problemsolving skills.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
El Paso County is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director of Communications to lead the county's communications strategy, ensuring effective messaging and outreach to the community. In this leadership role, the Executive Director will oversee all aspects of media relations, public communications, and content creation, working closely with county officials to develop clear and consistent messages that align with the values of our organization.
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, have exceptional writing skills, possess strong leadership skills, and have a deep understanding of local government, media relations, and strategic public engagement.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of a vibrant community while ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust between county leadership and the public.
COMPENSATION
Hiring Range: $145,000 - $173,000
Vacation Leave: 120 hours per year, accumulated bi-weekly
Personal Holiday Leave: 24 hours, renews annually
Holidays: 11 paid holidays each year
Sick Leave: 96 hours per year, accumulated bi-weekly
Retirement: El Paso County offers a competitive government retirement plan. More details are available in the El Paso County Retirement Master Document.
Additional Compensation: Vehicle Allowance
Performance-Based Incentives
Potential Moving Expense Premium
