Coordinator of Innovation Programs - Term-Limited 6/31/2026

State of Colorado

  • Denver, CO
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 9 days ago
Under this term-limited position, the Coordinator of Innovation Programs assists with the management of two programs under Senate Bill 21-106 and Senate Bill 24-143. This position is responsible for developing and disseminating guidelines to participating in postsecondary programs to ensure appropriate use of state funding. The Coordinator of Innovation Programs will ensure compliance with eligibility and quality requirements among participating postsecondary institutions and training programs, and provide technical assistance under SB21-106, which creates the fourth-year innovation pilot program in the Department. This position also serves as the lead in developing and managing reporting and evaluations for the program.The Coordinator of Innovation Programs is also responsible for providing administrative and organizational support, conducting research, and extending technical assistance to postsecondary institutions, training providers, and other state agencies including the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and Apprenticeship Colorado, and other stakeholders in support of SB24-143: Credential Quality Apprenticeship Classification. Supervision Exercised
This position does not supervise any employees.Scope of Responsibilities
This intermediate level position is responsible for independently performing specialized duties supporting the programs under SB24-143 and SB21-106 within the Student Success and Academic Affairs Division. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Job DutiesThe duties listed below reflect the different types of work that may be performed. The omission of any specific duty will not prevent the assignment of work that is appropriately related to this position.Fourth Year Innovation Pilot Program / Path4Ward (SB21-106)
  • Act as liaison for the pilot program between the Department, the Colorado Department of Education, participating postsecondary institutions, local education providers (participating high schools and school districts), and participating training program providers
  • Receive and maintain information regarding students eligible for the pilot program as provided by local education providers
  • Work with the Department fiscal area to ensure timely disbursement of state funds to postsecondary programs on behalf of eligible students
  • Update and disseminate guidelines for participating postsecondary programs which clearly describe allowable uses of pilot program funding
  • Lead the development and management of reporting and evaluations and develop resources and materials, such as data tracking tools, needs assessments, and reporting templates
  • Compile and communicate information regarding changes to policies or guidelines necessary to administer the pilot program
  • Coordinate with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment for approved training providers under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
  • Identify improvement opportunities within the program; guide, interpret, and synthesize data and reports to drive overall program improvement; and develop requests for recommendations regarding the implementation of the program
Credential Quality Apprenticeship Classification (SB24-143)
  • Act as a program liaison between the Department, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Apprenticeship Colorado, the Colorado Community College System, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade and institutions of higher education
  • Assist with the evaluation of non-degree credentials, application of Colorado's Quality Non-Degree Credential framework across the educational and workforce development systems, and completion of required reporting.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to staff at other state agencies in the effective use of the quality framework and the education equivalency level determination process.
  • Assist with conducting required program evaluations and report writing.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement within the program; interpret and synthesize data and reports to drive overall program improvement
Education and ExperienceAny combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education:Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in public administration, policy education or a related fieldSubstitution: Four (4) years of experience in a related field can replace the education requirement of a bachelor's degree Experience:
  • One (1) to three (3) years of experience in higher education or workforce, funds management, reporting, and evaluation, or related field required
  • Experience managing multiple-organization funds' portfolios
Knowledge of:
  • Standard office practices, procedures, software and equipment, including the use of personal computers, telephones, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Teams)
  • State statutes, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines
Ability to:
  • Work effectively in both independent and team situations
  • Apply time management skills to prioritize work across both programs as well as other assigned tasks.
  • Employ attention to technical detail and accuracy
  • Read and interpret new and existing statutes to identify the impact of proposed legislation on the department
  • Communicate effectively, both written and verbally
  • Contribute to cultural diversity, equity and inclusion for educational enrichment
Physical and Mental Standards (Hybrid Setting)The physical and mental standards described here are representative of those that must typically be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Frequently sit/stand at a desk for extended periods of time
  • Frequently move from one area/building to another and sit/stand during the course of a day/week/month for meetings
  • Occasionally may push or pull an object
  • Frequently use finger dexterity and operate a keyboard
  • Regularly lift 10 pounds and occasionally lift 25 pounds
  • Frequently use vision to read documents, view computer screens, and see close and distant objects
  • Frequently use speech and hearing to engage in conversation, in person, and over the telephone
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquires to Typical Working Conditions
  • The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate, and the office has controlled temperatures. Works a 40-hour work week, either remotely, hybrid, or in-office, depending on the arrangement met during employment with the supervisor during normal office hours of Monday- Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
  • Job duties may occasionally require working extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
Position Term
  • This grant funded position is term limited until June 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension until December 31, 2027
NoticeThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The duties, expectations, and actions listed for this role may change at any time with or without notice.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.The Colorado Department of Higher Education 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 Human Resource Director at HR@dhe.state.co.us or call 720.264.8575.

State of Colorado