Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer

Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer

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, job training to keep Colorado's workforce the best in the nation and several new and innovative housing finance initiatives.

The Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer within the OEDIT Executive Director's Office will provide the Executive Director with guidance on high profile policy decisions related to the Governor's priorities for economic development, opportunities for Public Private Partnership (P3) projects, industry partnerships and other strategic opportunities to support a robust business climate. The position directly influences the Burnham Yards redevelopment project and partners with the newly created P3 office in the Department of Personnel and Administration to foster opportunities to utilize state owned properties for greater economic benefit, especially focused on properties that connect affordable housing with transit options.

This position will collaborate with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission to propel forward a statewide transit system that fosters industry partnerships and development along transit corridors.

At least 10 years of professional experience in:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Developing, leading and implementing a public policy agenda, including gaining stakeholder buy-in.
• Successfully navigating local and state government political systems.
• Conducting stakeholder outreach and engagement related to public policy, including building and sustaining relationships with legislators, state agencies, and other stakeholders.

The exceptional candidate will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following preferred qualifications:

• High degree of political savvy.
• Experience working in State of Colorado government at a senior leadership or executive level.
• Experience working in federal government.
• Experience building effective, collaborative relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Critical thinking and analysis skills, including ability to research, analyze and formulate policy recommendations.
• Proven ability to negotiate and facilitate difficult conversations, resulting in positive outcomes.

Ten years of progressively responsible management experience in private, public or nonprofit organizations or agencies

Demonstrated leadership experience and success in housing policy and financing

Deep experience in working with local, state and federal legislative and governing bodies

Extensive experience working with and coordinating executive leadership of State of Colorado executive agencies

Salary Range: $220,000 - $230,000 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.

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

• Annual leave accrued  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) Eco Pass
• Training and professional development

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