Communications and Outreach Specialist

Salary : $73,080.00 - $127,890.00 Annually
Location : Aspen, CO
Job Type: Full-time with benefits, salaried
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 202300272
Department: Open Space & Trails
Opening Date: 04/04/2025
Closing Date: 4/28/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Hiring Minimum: $73,080.00
Hiring Maximum: $114,187.00
Special Notes: Please Include a resume and cover letter for this position
Hiring Range Description: The hiring range is the starting point of the pay range to the 4th quartile of the pay range. Starting pay will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

** Early applications are encouraged**

*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.

*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.
Job Summary

Leads the strategy, planning, and execution of the Open Space and Trails Department's comprehensive communications, marketing, public relations, outreach, and engagement initiatives. Acts as a strategic partner and advisor, ensuring communication efforts align with departmental and organizational goals to foster broad, inclusive community engagement.
Job Responsibilities

• Develops, plans, and implements strategic communications and outreach campaigns for the Open Space and Trails Department that align with department goals; solicits feedback and analyzes data to measure effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
• Creates, writes, edits, and distributes a wide range of communication, educational, and promotional materials, such as surveys, newsletters, websites, flyers, images, videos, signage, advertisements, press releases, and other innovative strategies, to enhance inclusive outreach to all community members and underserved groups.
• Manages and tracks permitted activities on Open Space properties, including event calendars, posting notices electronically, coordinating with ranger staff, and preparing annual reports for wider distribution.
• Coordinates planning tasks, including public engagement, meetings, documentation, survey development and advertising.
• Writes and proofreads management plans and other documents/department materials to enhance clarity and understanding of Open Space's goals and mission.

• Represents the County at community meetings, public events, and on committees; facilitates inclusive and creative opportunities for early public involvement, ensuring community members have a meaningful voice in identifying needs and shaping solutions related to Open Space and Trails projects.
• Serves as the liaison between the Open Space and Trails department and the County communications team and advises staff on the most effective means of informing the public about department matters and emerging issues.
• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• 3 years plus of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or equivalent technical training and experience.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred with coursework in communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required certifications per department. Certified Public Participation Professional from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) is a plus.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Knowledge Of:

• County policies and procedures
• State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed
• Record keeping and records management rules and standards
• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.
• Organizational and community planning.
• Public policy processes.
• Principles and techniques of public relations, print media, and journalistic style guidelines.
• Professional and technical writing methods, practices, and English grammar and composition mastery.

Skill In:

• Applying governing rules and regulations
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies
• Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Occasionally may be required to work outside of regular office hours, including evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the department and community.
• The ability to hike to remote open space properties carrying up to 15 pounds is required.

For more information, click for our 2025 Employee Benefits Guide.