Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman; Chief Executive Officer

Position: Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman (Chief Executive Officer)
Job Title

Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman (Chief Executive Officer)

Agency

Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO), an independent state office within the Colorado Judicial Branch, reporting to the Ombudsman Advisory Board.

Overview

The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman is established by statute to provide oversight of Colorado’s child protection system. It serves as a neutral forum for the public to raise concerns related to child protection services and as a source of credible, system‑level insight for state leaders. The CEO will lead this organization and work to strengthen fairness, accountability, and learning across the child protection system.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction and ensure the fulfillment of the office’s statutory mission.

• Lead and support senior leadership, including the Deputy Ombudsman and Director of Client Services.

• Oversee complaint investigation, system evaluation, and public reporting processes.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the office, representing it publicly in legislative hearings, judicial settings, media inquiries, and community forums.

• Engage credibly with legislators, judicial leaders, agency executives, media, and the public.

• Foster an inclusive, mission‑driven culture that supports staff working in emotionally complex environments.

• Build credibility with staff, Board members, legislators, judicial partners, counties, and advocacy organizations.

• Elevate statewide understanding of the Ombudsman’s role and value.

• Deliver evidence‑based recommendations that influence policy, practice, and system behavior.

Qualifications

• Advanced graduate degree or equivalent professional experience in public administration, nonprofit or government leadership, social work, public policy, behavioral sciences, or a related field.

• Deep working knowledge of ombudsman principles or comparable independent oversight functions, including neutrality, confidentiality, due process, and ethical judgment.

• Demonstrated understanding of child‑serving systems such as child welfare, behavioral health, juvenile justice, and their intersection with law and courts.

• A proven record of leading system‑level change that produced measurable improvements in outcomes, processes, or organizational culture.

• At least seven years of executive‑level leadership with direct accountability for strategy, budgets, operations, and workforce leadership.

• The ability to analyze legislation and policy and communicate complex findings clearly to diverse audiences.

• A documented commitment to equity, fairness, and public accountability.

• A reputation for integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.

Additional Qualifications

• Juris Doctor, Ph.D., or professional doctorate in a relevant field.

• Experience with in the Colorado state government, including legislative or budget processes.

• Public reporting and data analysis experience that informs policy recommendations.

• Media engagement and issues management experience in high‑visibility environments.

• Direct experience with independent oversight, investigations, or ombuds work.

Work Environment

• Hybrid leadership role that blends strategic work with regular in‑person engagement across Colorado.

• Periodic travel is required.

• The position does not provide relocation compensation.

Agency Values

• Integrity – transparent, impartial, and consistent.

• Collaboration – change through shared knowledge and partnership.

• Equity – systems responsive to diverse experiences and needs.

• Curiosity – continuous learning and reform.

• Independence – autonomy from the agencies reviewed.

Benefits and Equal Opportunity

The position includes a comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, paid leave and holidays, retirement through Colorado PERA, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to full inclusion and reasonable accommodations.

Application

Applications will only be considered if submitted through OASIA's Bamboo

HR system. Submit your application by Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST, at  Only completed applications received by the deadline will be considered. Following the close of the posting, all applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted to participate in the interview process.

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