Position Summary
Alliance (Colorado) Public Policy and Communications Specialist
Alliance is a statewide nonprofit association representing agencies serving Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We are distinguished by our leadership and advocacy on behalf of our member organizations and the individuals and families they serve.
Alliance’s work in public policy, state and federal legislation, developmental disability initiatives, and the demonstration of best practices has positioned us as a premier resource for Colorado’s community-centered system of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more at alliancecolorado.org.
Our small team of energetic, seasoned professionals brings more than three decades of combined experience in state and federal policymaking, stakeholder collaboration, and the legislative process. Working in a small nonprofit environment provides opportunities to develop a broad range of skills, take on meaningful responsibilities, and make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Position Overview
The Public Policy and Communications Specialist supports Alliance’s public policy, government relations, communications, and member engagement efforts. This position monitors and analyzes policy developments, helps translate complex issues into clear and accessible information, supports Alliance advocacy and stakeholder relationships, and develops communications for members and external audiences.
The ideal candidate is an outgoing, personable, and confident communicator who enjoys building relationships, meeting new people, and representing Alliance in a variety of settings. They are curious about how government and public policy work, highly organized, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and able to work independently in a fast-paced, collaborative nonprofit environment.
Location: Denver, Colorado
Reports to: Executive Director
Work Environment and Schedule
Alliance is a small, collaborative organization where team members work across a variety of projects and responsibilities. This position offers flexibility, professional growth, and opportunities to participate directly in Colorado’s public policy process.
- Work may take place from home, at Alliance’s downtown Denver office, and at conferences, meetings, and other events.
- Hybrid and remote work opportunities are available.
- Some in-state travel is required, including occasional travel to the Colorado State Capitol, member meetings, conferences, and Alliance events. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
- The typical work schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with reasonable flexibility.
- Legislative session, events, and conferences may occasionally require early morning, evening, or extended hours.
- Dynamic, cooperative, and supportive team environment.
- Opportunities to attend relevant conferences, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Dog-friendly downtown Denver office.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000–$70,000 annually
Alliance offers competitive compensation based on education, relevant experience, and qualifications.
Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short-term disability, Health Savings Account, and life insurance
- Paid time off is earned monthly during the first two years, with the option to transition to an unlimited PTO policy after three years of employment
- All Colorado State holidays
- Employer contribution of 5% of the employee’s monthly salary to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan; employees are immediately vested in employer contributions
- Paid office parking
- Mileage reimbursement at the applicable IRS standard mileage rate for approved business-related travel
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Flexible and remote work opportunities
- Additional benefits provided under Alliance policies
Application Process
Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] by September 11, 2026.
Alliance anticipates filling this position in October 2026.
Questions about the position may be directed to [email protected].
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
Alliance is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.
Alliance is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring process. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Alliance.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- Strong writing, verbal communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to research, analyze, and communicate complex information clearly and accurately.
- Ability to think critically, solve problems independently, and exercise good judgment.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive relationships with a wide range of people.
- Comfortable communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Word, as well as Google Sheets and Docs.
- Willingness and ability to learn new technology, systems, and software.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in public policy, government relations, legislative affairs, nonprofit advocacy, communications, or a related field.
- Experience working with Colorado state government, the Colorado General Assembly, state agencies, or other public-sector organizations.
- Experience analyzing legislation, regulations, or public policy.
- Experience working and communicating with elected and appointed officials and other stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), intellectual and developmental disability policy, or other health and human services policy.
- Experience with advocacy communications, including newsletters, fact sheets, talking points, testimony, or social media.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel and database/CRM systems.
- Experience using MailChimp and Wix.
- Experience managing website content or social media platforms.
- Experience working in a nonprofit, membership association, government, advocacy, or public affairs environment.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will:
- Be outgoing, personable, and approachable, and enjoy meeting new people and building relationships.
- Be a strong writer who can make complicated issues understandable and engaging.
- Be curious about government, public policy, and the legislative process.
- Be comfortable communicating with elected officials, government staff, advocates, providers, members, and community partners.
- Be highly organized and able to manage competing priorities with limited supervision.
- Be collaborative, solutions-oriented, and willing to pitch in wherever needed on a small team.
- Be comfortable representing Alliance professionally at meetings, conferences, legislative hearings, and other public settings.
- Bring energy, initiative, good judgment, and a sense of humor to their work.
- Have a genuine interest in improving services and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Roles & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Public Policy and Government Relations
- Monitor state and federal legislation, regulations, rulemaking, and administrative policy developments relevant to Alliance and its members, in collaboration with other Alliance staff.
- Attend and report on stakeholder meetings, legislative hearings, workgroups, and other policy meetings.
- Conduct policy research and data collection and summarize complex issues for Alliance staff, members, and stakeholders.
- Assist with the development of policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, testimony, letters, statements, and other advocacy materials.
- Assist with responding to member questions on a wide variety of policy issues.
- Lead specific policy areas and projects as assigned.
- Work with Alliance staff to identify, prioritize, and act on emerging policy issues.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with members, elected and appointed officials, state and federal government staff, community stakeholders, coalition partners, and corporate partners.
- Represent Alliance at meetings, hearings, conferences, and other events as assigned.
Communications and Member Engagement
- Develop and assist with educational and informational materials for a variety of audiences, including:
- Weekly member e-newsletter
- Periodic public e-newsletters
- Social media content
- Website content
- Letters, statements, fact sheets, infographics, and testimony
- Help translate complex public policy issues into clear, concise, and accessible communications.
- Maintain Alliance website and member portal content as assigned.
- Support Alliance’s communications and outreach strategies across multiple platforms.
- Present information to members, stakeholders, and other audiences using presentation software such as PowerPoint.
Committees, Programs, and Events - Facilitate and support Alliance committees as assigned, including scheduling meetings, managing remote meeting technology, preparing materials, updating committee webpages, and taking notes.
- Assist with planning and executing Alliance programs and events, including IDD Awareness Day and the Alliance Summit.
- Assist with member outreach, engagement, and follow-up related to Alliance programs and initiatives.
- Support other Alliance initiatives and organizational needs as appropriate.