Media Relations Specialist Jobs in Colorado

University Staff

Description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Police Department
Job Title: Media Relations & Community Outreach Director
Position: #00706022 – Requisition: #40081

Job Summary:

If you like working in the community, building relationships with the people you serve, and having a healthy work-life balance, we have the job for you. Join the police department at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region. You'll have an important job serving those who protect others through ground-breaking, life-saving research at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine, and healthcare.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage public information releases, media inquiries, and crisis communications strategies
• Serve on the Unified Crisis Communications Team and coordinate communications during Emergency Operations Center activations in partnership with the Joint Information Center Manager
• Advise department leadership on communication strategies, sensitive issues, and reputation management
• Coordinate and produce public-facing communications to strengthen community relations and maintain effective partnerships with print, radio, electronic, and television media outlets
• Develop newsletters, brochures, videos, recruitment campaigns, and public awareness materials while ensuring consistent branding and messaging across all platforms
• Attend and coordinate community outreach events, public engagement initiatives, and recruitment activities, including job and career fairs
• Develop internal and external communication plans and align outreach, media relations, and social media efforts with departmental goals

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 6 days per month on campus and within 1 hour of campus which is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in public safety? Join the University of Colorado Anschutz Police Department as a Media Relations & Community Outreach Director.

At CU Anschutz PD, you'll be part of a dynamic and innovative environment where your expertise will drive service delivery and community safety excellence.

Embrace the opportunity to shape the future of public safety communications while working alongside passionate professionals committed to making a difference. Your leadership will enhance operational efficiency and contribute to the well-being of our vibrant campus community. Come be a part of something bigger and help us set the standard for public safety in higher education.

Why work for the University?

Joining our team means more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying exceptional benefits that support your personal and professional growth. As part of the University of Colorado community, you’ll have access to resources and programs that truly make a difference in your life.

Our Benefits Are Outstanding.

One of our most valuable benefits is the CU Tuition Assistance Program, which enables you and your eligible family members to pursue higher education at any CU campus at a significantly reduced cost. Whether you’re completing a degree, starting a new academic journey, or helping your family achieve their educational goals, this benefit is a game-changer.

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications.

• Substitution: An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment OR a combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a public safety and/or law enforcement setting
• Experience working in a higher education setting
• Experience in managing social media and web content management systems such as Facebook, Instagram, Marketing Cloud, Sitefinity, Cava, etc.
• Experience handling crisis communication and serving as a spokesperson during high profile or sensitive incidents

Conditions of Employment:

• This position is designated as critical and must report to work as needed during emergency situations.
• Must be willing to travel for national, state, and local conferences, meetings, training, exercises, and other professional development activities
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire
• Applicants will be required to pass a Police Department Background Check which may include one or all of the following: Personnel History Questionnaire, Integrity Interview, Polygraph Examination, Fingerprint Check, Drug Screen, Credit/ Civil Check, Criminal History and Driving Infractions Check, Reference Checks, and Post-Conditional

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional and administrative personnel at all levels, including outside organizations and the public
• Ability to understand and work within a complex institution with extensive government, regulatory and compliance responsibilities, as well as formal reporting and coordinating lines of authority
• Strong understanding of media relations principles, AP style, and public information best practices
• Ability to develop strategic communication plans and manage public perception with a focus on transparency, responsiveness, and customer service
• Demonstrated ability to manage social media platforms and digital content for organizations branding and public information with use of social media management tools, content creation and basic graphic/video editing

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae / Resume
• Three (3) to five (5) professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Courtney.bowman@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins on 6/29/26

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $78,936 - $105,775.

Candidates will be responsible for travel expenses related to the interview process and any relocation expenses, if applicable. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References
Job Category: Communication
Primary Location: Aurora
Department: U0001 - Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20672 - ADM AFEVC University Police
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: May 29, 2026
Unposting Date: Jun 29, 2026, 12:59:00 AM
Posting Contact Name: Courtney Bowman
Posting Contact Email: Courtney.bowman@cuanschutz.edu
Position Number: 00784701