Communications Specialist-Publications I or II at Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association in Denver, Colorado

Job Description:

Hello! 

Are you looking for a career where you can tap into your creative spirit? Is creating visually appealing digital and print materials one of your strengths? Is your attention to branding and intricate detail spot on? Are you interested in a role that improves the lives of others? How about a career that ties all of these elements together? If so, PERA may be just what you’re looking for. We’re adding to the team and need a skilled communications professional committed to keeping our members in the know and excited to support the public servants who depend on us for their retirement benefits.

PERA’s Communications Division connects with our 670,000 members through a variety of print and digital media outputs. They also work with our internal stakeholders to assist in our mission of serving our members by providing materials that explain how the organization provides benefits to current and retired members. If you have a passion for public service and want to be part of a progressive team doing rewarding work, we want to talk to you.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is primarily responsible for writing, designing, and producing a variety of PERA’s digital and print publications to inform members, affiliated employers, and other constituents about PERA benefits and company news. The position additionally collaborates with colleagues across PERA to produce content and develop visual themes and graphics for publications, digital marketing campaigns, social media and internal employee communications.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate is familiar with all aspects of communications practices. This individual is highly organized, detail oriented and able to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment. We are seeking an experienced professional with a can-do attitude and natural aptitude for creative detail. Our ideal candidate will continuously measure results and modify approaches to maximize the impact of our efforts. In addition, a desire to contribute to the entire team's success and collaborate across the organization is key.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Publications and Printing

• Contributes to or manages projects promoting PERA products, investments, and member benefits


• Writes and revises a variety of communication products such as brochures, newsletters, forms, web content, presentations, video scripts and fact sheets


• Conducts research to develop written materials


• Reviews content and coordinates with appropriate staff to ensure accuracy across all formats


• Assists Visual Designer in formatting copy and developing visual themes and layouts in accordance with brand guidelines


• Coordinates the production and timely delivery/distribution of communication products with outside printers and vendors, as well as products developed and produced internally


• Regularly reviews PERA communication products to ensure content is current and accurate


• Ensures adequate inventory of publications, forms, fact sheets, and other printed materials


• Operates and maintains high-capacity printers and other office equipment to fulfill the Division needs for the organization 


• Maintains files, publications, reports, web pages, and imaged documents in compliance with document retention policy


• Documents standard operating procedures for all divisional processes and equipment

Marketing and Communication

• Researches and writes original content for email campaigns and e-newsletters as assigned


• Writes and develops original content for PERA’s digital communication channels, including intranet, internet, and social media as assigned


• Develops PowerPoint presentations, including Board and Legislative presentations, Town Hall meetings and other public presentations


• Remediates communication products to comply with company and state accessibility laws.


• Demonstrates creative thinking and problem solving to complete work projects in a timely manner while adhering to established guidelines and quality standards


• Collaborates with Division staff and participates in cross-functional projects


• Serves on a variety of committees and teams to ensure an understanding of as well as timely delivery of communication services and products


• Participates in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development 


• Carries out other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated proficiency in writing, design, and creativity in a communications environment


• Excellent proficiency in MS PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). 


• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize to meet deadlines


• Excellent interpersonal communication skills


• Requires strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities


• Ability to work in a team environment with limited supervision


• See leveling guide for additional qualification requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience producing publications including brochures, annual reports, or newsletters

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard office environment with regular telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine


• Occasionally moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds

HYBRID WORK OPTION

• Opportunity to work from home up to three days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

JOB DESCRIPTION DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading.  You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. As part of the application process we would like you to submit up to three writing samples from your past employment. Please send your samples via e-mail directly to asailer@copera.org.

ABOUT COLORADO PERA

Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Colorado PERA offers benefit services to public employees across Colorado, including teachers, state troopers, snowplow drivers, correctional officers and many others who provide valuable services. As Colorado’s largest pension plan, we serve and educate over 600,000 members who are former and current public employees. 

At PERA you will earn more than a paycheck. PERA is a culture where you can grow your potential and work in an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. We hire exceptional employees and recognize that our people are our best asset. Not only do we make sound investments for our members, PERA invests in our employees’ growth through training and leadership opportunities.

To promote wellbeing, we offer hybrid or flexible working options for most roles and a total rewards and benefit program including health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans; generous paid time off and volunteer hours; pension and retirement plans, including PERA’s defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable; tuition assistance; free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy; free on-site fitness center to stay active; employee assistance program; training, leadership and mentoring programs and more. PERA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer.

To learn more about life at PERA, watch this video or visit www.copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Communications Specialist - Publications I or II
Division: Communications
Reports to: Director of Communications
Job Status: Full Time, Exempt or Non-Exempt, Depending on level
Salary: $54,000 - $85,700 Annually, Commensurate with experience
Posting Dates: 09/20/2024 to 10/06/2024

Leveling Guide
Senior Communications Specialist-Publications requirements include those of the preceding level or levels.

	Communications Specialist-Publications I	Communications Specialist-Publications II	Senior Communications Specialist-Publications
	Non-Exempt	Exempt	Exempt
Education	Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Graphic Design, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.	Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.	Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Education	Bachelor's Degree in fields listed above	Bachelor's Degree in fields listed above	Bachelor's Degree in fields listed above
Experience relating directly to position being performed	1-5 years’ experience in communications field that included writing for publication.	5-7 years’ experience in communications field that included writing for publication.	7+ years’ experience in communications field that included writing for publication.
Scope and Complexity of Work	Performs day-to-day updates, execution and production of PERA's communication products and services. Completes basic and routine tasks under primary direction of the Communications Director and/or Senior Communications Specialist	Performs day-to-day updates, execution and production of PERA's communication products and services with minimal direction from the Communications Director and/or Senior Communications Specialist.  Works independently and is proactive in completing work, anticipating issues, and outlining resolutions without Communications Director and/or Senior Communications Specialist support.	Performs day-to-day execution and production of PERA’s communication products and services with little or no direction from the Communications Director and/or Senior Communications Specialist. Works on more complex projects requiring additional research and demonstrates creative thinking and problem-solving to complete work.  Stays current about and recommends innovative methods of communication to membership. Participates in elevated work initiatives and recognizes the cross-functionality and interconnectivity of work performed across other divisions in order to accomplish a final work product.
Leadership	N/A	Assists individuals in the Communications Specialist I position with problem resolutions and may answer questions.	Trains new staff and cross trains current staff. Mentors Communications Specialists I and II. Assists with problem resolution for individuals in the Communications Specialist I and II positions.
Knowledge	Possesses working knowledge of programs used for execution of work (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, , Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Workfront).	Possesses detailed knowledge of programs used for execution of work products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop , Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Workfront).	Possesses comprehensive knowledge of programs used for execution of work products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, , Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint  Workfront).
Additional Requirements	N/A	Experience with one or more of the following: Experience producing publications including brochures, annual reports, or newsletters Experience with project management of publications with diverse stakeholders	Experience with two or more of the following: Experience producing publications including brochures, annual reports, or newsletters Experience with project management of publications with diverse stakeholders

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