Director of Strategic Operations

Director of Strategic Operations

Salary

$107,760.00 - $170,856.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IHA 07479 06/01/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

Community Partnerships

Opening Date

06/08/2026

Closing Date

6/10/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

1575 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Gerald.Barajas@state.co.us

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Department Information

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please Note: This position has hybrid work arrangements, These arrangements are subject to change.

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CDHSCareers

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

Community Partnerships provides support and leadership within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), strengthening relationships between state agencies, the counties, Tribal partners, disability advocates and community organizations serving Coloradans. The mission of Community Partnerships is to be a cross-system catalyst for people-centered solutions to support individuals, families, and community partners. Community Partnerships prioritizes lived experience to shape policy-specifically advancing systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and ensuring full inclusion for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf Blind communities. By creating standardization, aligning internal and external stakeholders and elevating client voice, Community Partnerships ensures seamless, equitable, and transparent service delivery statewide. The unit is located in the Executive Directors Office.

Description of Job

Executive Leadership and Program Operations

• Act on the behalf of the Deputy Executive Director to manage and oversee Community Partnerships and projects when needed.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Management Team (EMT) and Expanded Executive Management Team (E-EMT) to inform department wide decision making and the cascading of pertinent information to Community Partnerships staff.
• Provide leadership, oversight, supervision and direction to staff responsible for supporting community partnerships, external engagement, and strategic initiatives across the Department.
• Serve as delegated authority in the absence of the Deputy Executive Director to review, approve, and provide strategic guidance on clearance items, ensuring alignment with Department priorities, policy direction, and executive expectations.
• Conduct quality assurance inspections of work products within Community Partnerships.
• Allocate resources, human and fiscal, within their area of responsibility.
• Represent Deputy Executive Director at internal leadership and employee meetings when needed.
• Attend meetings, special committees, and/or forums as a representative of the Deputy Executive Director when needed.
• Consult and support Department Offices/ Units in areas of special expertise upon request.
• Serve as the Executive Sponsor for designated strategic initiatives and/or Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), ensuring alignment with Department priorities and desired outcomes.
• Formulate best practice guidelines and standard operating procedures for external-facing initiatives and cross-program coordination
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, state statutes and policies
• Ensure reports, needs assessments, compliance plans and Community Partnerships contracts are administered and monitored appropriately.
• Participate in the development and coordination of operational strategies for Community Partnerships to foster, improve, and maintain effective relationships with county and community partners.
• Review trends and best practices to aid in the development of the operational strategic plan for Community Partnerships, ensuring alignment with the Departments strategic plan and goals.
• Lead crisis communications for Community Partnerships, coordinating timely, accurate, and strategic messaging, and supporting offices and divisions in managing high-profile or sensitive situations.
• Identify and define potential opportunities and risks associated with strategic business objectives.
• Determine appropriate engagement strategies for community and external partners once budget items become public.+

Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination

• Participate in the development and coordination of strategies for Community Partnerships and the department to foster, improve, and maintain effective relationships with community partners.
• Review trends and best practices to aid in the development of the strategic plan for Community Partnerships and the department, ensuring alignment with the Departments strategic plan and goals.
• Identify and define potential opportunities and risks associated with strategic business objectives.
• Guide priority setting of budget proposals for assigned projects.
• Analyze data and determine methods for achieving priorities of work as set forth in Community Partnerships strategic priorities/plan.
• Responsible for identifying threats and honing in on unique business opportunities.
• Investigate and document programmatic concerns as necessary
• Lead strategic business planning, implementation, execution, and oversight across the entire Community Partnerships work unit.
• Act as the work/project lead for the Results Driven Management System to ensure processes, measures and objectives are completed timely and will meet the needs of the Department.
• Act as the work/project lead managing project portfolio oversight, guiding decision-making, work prioritization and ensuring cross-program coordination is done in a consistent manner.
• Act as the work/project lead managing comprehensive budget planning and monitoring for Community Partnerships.
• Act as the work/project lead for the planning and execution of Community Partnership meetings to positively impact employee engagement, team culture, and retention.
• Create and maintain a work environment that builds talent to ensure the continuity of leadership for the organization.
• Cultivate and support a workplace culture of civility and respect, Bring an equitable, collaborative, and thoughtful approach to conflict, problem solving, and decision-making.
• Guide priority setting and development of budget and legislative proposals within Community Partnerships.

External Leadership and Representation

• Serve as a primary subject matter expert for external partner consultation with regard to Community Partnerships programs.
• Lead and manage strategic relationships with community partners, ensuring alignment on policy, program implementation, and service delivery.
• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex issues, coordinating with program areas to resolve concerns.
• Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for community-facing programs, specifically the Master Plan on Aging, 211 Administration, and the Family Voice Council.
• Serve as the strategic leader for department oversight of a Type 1 board, the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, and its associated staff.
• Serve as the strategic leader for department oversight of a Type 1 board, the Communication Services for People with Disabilities Enterprise, and its Type 2 Commission Advisory Council (the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf Blind Advisory Council).
• Ensure consistent, transparent, and effective communication of Department priorities to external stakeholders, including counties, community partners, media, and the public.
• Lead the development of innovations and/or changes to create process improvements, fiscal efficiencies and realize cost savings.
• Ensure consistent processes are in place, yielding optimal productivity and performance
• Facilitate data-driven process improvement Initiatives for Community Partnerships and assigned projects.
• Measure efficiency of management strategies and explore ways to improve them.
• Implement operational efficiencies and improve logistical processes.
• Provide recommendations regarding organizational improvements, communications plan and to create strategies to effectively implement changes.

Staff Supervision and Work Leader

• Serve as an appointing authority in performance planning and supervision of Community Partnership staff.
• Lead recruitment and retention of work unit personnel, utilizing established procedures, and starting the hiring process, interviews applicants, and recommends hire, promotion, or transfer.
• Provide performance management through feedback and coaching. Address performance issues in a timely, responsible manner. Recognize high performers.
• Support the development of employees that results in improved performance.
• Ensure Community Partnerships follow the mission and vision of the Department.
• Guide decision-making, team goals, work prioritization, and has work lead supervision and appointing authority duties for Community Partnerships projects.
• Guide Community Partnerships support for improving workplace culture across the Department.

Other Duties As Assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MANAGEMENT (H6G8XX)

Experience Only:

Ten (10) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, two (2) of which must have included experience with human services and community engagement, family engagement, stakeholder engagement, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to ten (10) years, two (2) of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record of driving organizational change and implementing reforms.

• Strong understanding of child welfare policies, practices and regulations.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and decision-making skills.

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Broad understanding of and demonstrated expertise in public sector and/or community-based initiatives relating to child welfare or family advocacy, including regulations, trends and emerging issues.

• Policy analysis and development experience for a human services program and/or entity.

• Extensive experience leading teams, strategic planning and administering large programs, working with multi-million dollar budgets.

• Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment

• Proven ability to provide strategic direction and ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals

• Ability to problem solve and execute decisions

• Ability to work in a complex political environment

• Proven experience in overseeing and executing data-driven performance management and outcome-based systems and initiatives

• Relevant years of State Service

Conditions of Employment:

• ALL CDHS employees (non-direct contact):

CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver's license)

• The position will be required to attend various meetings in various locations throughout the state
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination, or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hours per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
• Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

• You can find the official appeal form here.

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

• By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

• Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or

• Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

• Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact Gerald.Barajas@state.co.us

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information.
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

02

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?

• Yes
• No

03

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.

04

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

05

What interests you in this position and why do you think you would be a good fit for the Director of Strategic Operations within Community Partnerships?

06

Describe your leadership role(s) in a large, complex organization, particularly experience establishing organization structure, developing strategic work plans, budget development and control, setting goals and objectives to maximize program effectiveness and efficiency, and fostering a collaborative environment. Include the size and a description of the organization and number of years experience in each role.

07

Describe your experience using data to improve outcomes. Include your role(s), length of time in the role(s), and give at least two specific examples explaining the data used, the decision made using the data, and the outcome.

08

Describe your experience bringing together diverse stakeholders to drive change. Include your role(s), length of time in the role(s), and give at least two specific examples describing the stakeholders, how you facilitated the work, and the outcomes.

09

Describe a specific initiative or strategy you have implemented to address disparities or inequities within a similar organization. What were the outcomes of the initiative, and how did you measure the effectiveness?

10

How do you plan to incorporate the F.A.I.R principles into the implementation of reforms and initiatives within Community Partnerships?

11

Describe your vision for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of state systems to address the needs of Community Partnerships in an integrated and effective way.

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/