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.

• 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.

Disclaimer:
This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion of the employee’s direct supervisor.

• Communication-Is understood and 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. Is an articulate and knowledgeable spokesperson for the state with constituents and media locally and nationally
• 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; advances tasks and assignments toward closure; invests considerable effort to ensure goals are achieved in a high-quality manner.

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…