Senior Program Manager, Rural Funding

The Office of Economic Development and International Trade ("OEDIT") was created to foster a positive business climate that encourages quality economic development through the support of local and regional economic development activities throughout the State of Colorado. A comprehensive slate of programs within OEDIT's divisions work together to offer economic development services for all Colorado businesses - new and expanding, traditional and emerging, small and large - including retention programs to ensure continued competitiveness of Colorado's economic base, and job training to keep Colorado's workforce the best in the nation.

NOTE: This posting is open only to individuals on a promotional list of the listed department. The posting is for transparency purposes only to comply with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Applications from individuals not on the department promotional list will not be accepted.

The Rural Funding Senior Program Manager will implement, manage, and strategize around the overall administration for rural-focused and strategic community programming within the Business Funding and Incentives team at OEDIT. Specifically, the Senior Program Manager will be responsible for direct management of the Rural Jump-Start Program and coal transition community-related programming, oversight of the Enterprise Zone Program, support for the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program, as well as other program management to be determined. This includes the development, implementation, and ongoing oversight of grant and tax credit internal and external program materials, reports, procurement documentation, etc. They will also work with the Special Projects and Rural Funding Director, as well as stakeholders and partners across the state, to set and execute the strategy for these programs. This work includes outreach and education and working with specific communities to attract Rural Jump-Start businesses, utilize coal transition community benefits, promote the Enterprise Zone Program, and help communities leverage their Opportunity Zone status. The Rural Funding Senior Program Manager will supervise up to two direct reports, including the Enterprise Zone Program Manager.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a self-starter, with a demonstrated track record of developing and driving multiple projects in a collaborative way across a range of stakeholders, and someone who absorbs strategic guidance but does not require tactical day to day supervision to get things done. They will also demonstrate a strong interest in bridging the urban-rural economic divide and be committed to developing public programs with an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lens.

The position offers full-time employment as an at-will State of Colorado Employee with an

anticipated duration of approximately 3 years based on current statutory authorization.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Rural Jump Start Program:

• Manage the Rural Jump Start Tax Incentive and Grant program;

• Recruit and manage Rural Jump Start Zones by communicating closely with local government leaders such as but not limited to, county commissioners/administrators, municipality leaders, local economic development organizations, institutes of higher education, and other community officials;

• Promote the Rural Jump Start program to businesses and conduct meetings with interested applicants;

• Conduct a competitive analysis for each Rural Jump Start applicant; and

• Design implementation mechanisms for grant programs, policies, and rules within statutory requirements.

• Develop marketing materials and communications strategies.

• Present prospective grant recipients to the Colorado Economic Development Commission for approval. If approved, in collaboration with a procurement officer, draft a contract scope of work and execute the grant agreement.

• Oversee contract performance, reporting, and initiating payments.

• Interact with recipients of public funds to clarify program policies, and answer questions.

• Create, document, and execute a system for monitoring and reporting the program's results.

• Manage distribution of the Annual Report in Salesforce and the process for determination of business benefits.

• Any other task related to managing both the Rural Jump Start Tax Incentive and Grant Programs.

Coal Transition Community Programming:

• Design and manage tax credit and grant program policies and procedures in collaboration with the Office of Just Transition and the Rural Opportunity Office.

• Serve as the OEDIT representative for grant application review, analysis, and approval.

• Develop marketing materials and communications strategies to coal transition communities.

• Present prospective funding recipients to the Colorado Economic Development Commission for approval. If approved, in collaboration with a procurement officer, draft a contract scope of work and execute relevant agreements.

• Oversee agreement performance and reporting and manage payments.

• Interact with prospective recipients of funds to clarify program policies and answer questions.

• Create, document, and execute a system for monitoring and reporting program results.

• Represent BF&I and OEDIT for regional, state, and national audiences interested in learning about OEDIT's approach to programming for communities transitioning away from economies based on coal.

Enterprise Zone Program:

• Support the Enterprise Zone Program Manager in managing the program.

• Work with the Enterprise Zone Program Manager and Special Projects and Rural Funding Director to set clear vision for promotion and improvement of the program on an ongoing basis, including by establishing best practices for all administrative parties involved in the program.

• Ensure key program deadlines and statutory requirements are adhered to.

• Support the Enterprise Zone Program Manager in building and maintaining strong working relationships with the Local Enterprise Zone Administrators.

Opportunity Zone Program:

• Support the Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation process by helping with the coordination of educational opportunities and stakeholder engagement.

• Develop and execute the Opportunity Zone 2.0 implementation grants to help communities leverage their opportunity zone status.

• Support other Opportunity Zone 2.0 implementation tasks as determined by Business Funding & Incentives division leadership.

• Develop substantive understanding of the incentive and serve as a key thought partner to BF&I and OEDIT leadership on opportunity zones.

Other projects and program responsibilities to be determined by Business Funding & Incentives division leadership.

COMPETENCIES

• Stakeholder Management - Participates in and leads where relevant cross-functional and stakeholder team; works to engage others in implementing programs and creates collaboration; takes charge as appropriate of groups and situations.

• Planning - Can identify or foresee issues or opportunities and works with Special Projects and Rural Funding Director to frame strategic questions and make recommendations on how to deploy resources in alignment with strategic priorities.

• Project Management - Plans, directs and monitors projects and programs, consistently creating high-quality results. Clearly articulates project purpose, defines priorities and expectations; provides clear directions and explanations so that all participants have mutual shared understanding. Anticipates and plans for contingencies and assures that projects are on schedule and completed successfully.

• Attention to details is important to ensure strong execution.

• Communication - Understands others; clearly articulates key points when writing and speaking; actively listens; effectively interprets non-verbal communication and truly hears what a wide variety of people are trying to say; accurately assesses personal styles and adjusts own style of communication to optimize personal effectiveness.

• Analytical - The ability to collaborate with partners and to perform program management functions such as contract oversight, budgeting, results metrics, reporting requirements, and spreadsheet analysis to support these functions.

• Results Driven- Drives for successful results; makes things happen and conveys a sense of urgency; sets aggressive goals and works hard to achieve these goals; moves tasks and assignments toward closure; invests considerable effort to ensure goals are met in a high-quality manner. Problem solver.

• Leadership & Management - empowers direct reports, sets a clear vision, builds trust, and fosters a positive and inclusive work environment. Drives the execution of key program deliverables and timelines.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The Rural Funding Senior Program Manager must have the demonstrated capability to implement a strategic vision utilizing a strong understanding of the economic development needs across the state, particularly in our rural communities. As such, the following qualifications are sought:

• Ability to understand and articulate to others via verbal and written communications relevant funding and incentive programs and their potential impacts for community and economic development strategies.

• Flexibility and willingness to modify approaches based on feedback from stakeholders and or leadership

• Knowledge of Colorado's communities and regional economic needs and backgrounds.

• Experience in drafting formal documents, including contracts, statements of work, and requests for proposals.

• Exceptional interpersonal, public relations, oratory and presentation skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; strong oral and written communication skills; problem solving acumen; demonstrate personal integrity, confidence, and tact/diplomacy as well as flexibility.

• Effective interaction with businesses, communities, local governments, and other decision-makers during conversations or meetings.

• Passion for public service and the state of Colorado.

• Familiarity with and desire to support economic development in rural Colorado.

This role is based in Denver. The role will involve regular travel around the state (likely 1-2 trips/month).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• An equivalent combination of 12 years post-secondary education and experience in program, policy, or project management or a related field.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 Annually

This position is considered non-classified, which means the position is not part of the Colorado State Personnel System. Therefore, the individual appointed to this position is considered at-will, and is not covered by the State Personnel Rules or the State Classification System. However, this position does come with the same benefits (retirement, insurance, etc.) as every other State employee, and with the same opportunities, pride and passion that comes with working for the great State of Colorado. Even though employment is at-will, non-classified positions have protections against discrimination and retaliation in state and federal employment laws. "At-will" employment means that either the employee or the State may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason or no reason, with or without notice or cause, as long as no federal or state law is violated.

A wide salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work. While all offers are compliant with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, there is no guarantee an offer will be at the top of the posted range based on the salary analysis.

Benefits

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers generous benefits to full-time employees including:

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month

• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month

• 11 paid holidays per year

• Medical plans - choice of Cigna or Kaiser; several plan options (including High Deductible Health Plan with HSA); most plans offered with significant state contribution towards premium

• Dental and vision plans

• Flexible spending accounts

• State-paid life insurance policy of $50,000

• Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined contribution or defined benefit) with generous state contribution

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans for additional retirement savings

• State-paid short-term disability coverage

• Additional optional life and disability plans

• Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program

• Membership opportunity with the Credit Union of Colorado

• RTD (transit) EcoPass

• Training and professional development

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive 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.

To learn more about the "State of Colorado For All", visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion website.

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor is committed to the full inclusion of 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, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform 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 our ADAAA Staffing Coordinator, the Director of Human Resources: jennifer.salvatore@state.co.us