Senior Program Specialist (Community Engagement)
The hiring salary range for this position is $3,195.66 - $3,992.23/semi-monthly or $6,391.32 - $7,984.46/month or depending on qualifications.
At DRCOG, we’re not just planning for the future. We’re building it. With a five-year $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the EPA, the Denver Regional Council of Governments is launching Decarbonize DRCOG, a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the built environment of the 58 cities and counties that make up the Denver metro area. This effort will cut climate pollution from Denver’s built environment by 70% by 2050, boost public health, spark local innovation, and supercharge the economy. Our approach is community-centered and equity-driven, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods to ensure that everyone benefits from clean
technology.
Decarbonize DRCOG will:
Perform whole home retrofits in low-income communities
Provide energy advising services and electrification-oriented rebates and incentives to
home and business owners
Support workforce and industry development
Execute a mass-market marketing and community engagement campaign
Work with local governments to accelerate adoption of ambitious policies
For more details, see the linked Factsheet and full Workplan.
The Senior Program Specialist (Community Engagement) (Building Decarbonization) will be responsible for helping shape the direction of communication and engagement strategies for the program. First-year priorities are contributing to the development of the Decarbonize DRCOG communications and community engagement plans, and helping launch and manage the communications contract (in coordination with consultant selected via RFP). Subsequent years will continue to focus on program and process improvement, and growth in campaign awareness and participation.
Decarbonize DRCOG is more than just a program — it’s a movement. We need your experience and entrepreneurial spirit to make this vision a reality. Apply to join us in creating a better, brighter, more sustainable future! Research shows people from 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 apply.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do,. Employees are rewarded with competitive
compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!
ABOUT THE POSITION OF SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST (COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT) (BUILDING DECARBONIZATION)
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
Oversees community and stakeholder engagement coordination across DRCOG’s Building Decarbonization programs including liaising with, and overseeing work of, community engagement contractor(s), selected by RFP.
Ability to develop and implement equity-led strategies that creatively and innovatively reach local community members.
Proficiency in Spanish or other common second language in equity priority communities in the DRCOG region is prioritized.
Contribute to the development of the Building Decarbonization program’s communications and community engagement plan, taking lead on the community engagement elements
Work with DRCOG’s Program Manager (Communications) to lead a community engagement contract, ensuring proper and equitable implementation and outcomes
Review proposed timelines, strategies and work outputs
Maintain understanding of scope and outputs of engagement grant sub-contracts with community-based organizations (CBOs)
Review public-facing materials for accuracy, strategy and cultural sensitivity, and provide edits where necessary
Lead development of resources to support engagement and outreach, including toolkits and training materials for partner organizations
Work with consultant to establish, support and manage relationships with CBO partners
Train CBOs and liaise with CBOs alongside consultant
Prepare meeting summaries for internal and external community meetings including open house events, advisory group meetings, listening sessions and other public community meetings/events
Gather, manage and incorporate feedback from stakeholders including regional partners, jurisdictions and work groups; lead development of engagement efforts in concert with consultant to inform and gather input from the public and other regional stakeholders
Plan, attend and support meetings and engagement events including public meetings, hearings, open houses, focus groups, workshops, community events and other stakeholder meetings as a representative for the Building Decarbonization team
Work with DRCOG communication staff and other program leads to ensure mutual learning and strategy development across community engagement and communications
Support the development and dissemination of accurate communications collateral for engagement events and distribution to local government partners
Ability to talk about climate change, building electrification and/or related topics with the public in a way that is accessible and meaningful to audiences of varying cultures and values
Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required, to engage with community members at times that work best for them
Provide technical support for online and in-person meetings and events, including coordination and meeting invitations
Comfortable communicating across diverse audiences, from individual community members to industry leaders
Knowledge of, and experience working in, the communities, local governments and community-based organizations in the DRCOG region
Basic knowledge of building electrification
Knowledge of best practices which could include:
o Digital, language and physical space accessibility
o Experience implementing best practices that support participation
Project, contract and/or campaign management
Strong communications and writing skills
Community and stakeholder engagement, including both in-person and virtual engagement
o Experience developing and implementing an overarching, community engagement framework preferred
o Skill in conflict management, facilitation and consensus-building preferred
Experience implementing programs that communities, including events, resources and materials
Experience developing/reviewing surveys/questionnaires, workshops and other data-collection techniques preferred
Familiarity with basic concepts of digital accessibility, including techniques for accessible writing, presenting, remote meetings, and document creation.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or related field. Five (5) years of professional-level community engagement experience, including creating public involvement plans working on specific campaigns. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
o Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement
o One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
Preferred Experience:
o Experience working directly with or leading programs which serve vulnerable populations
o Bilingual candidates are preferred.
LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:
IAP2 Certification strongly preferred (desirable but not required)
STATUS:
Full-time, Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The hiring salary range for this position is $3,195.66 - $3,992.23/semi-monthly or $6,391.32 - $7,984.46/month or depending on qualifications.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To view the full job description, a complete listing of benefits, and to apply for this position, please visit our website at https://drcog.org/drcog-job-openings.
This position is open until 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.