Senior Program Manager, Rural Funding
State of Colorado
Posted: January 16, 2026 (1 day ago)
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State of Colorado
Colorado Department of Higher Education
Location
Colorado, --
Salary
$65,246.51 - $67,937.74
per year
Type
Full Time
More Management & Supervision jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves leading the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) program by creating plans to help students complete applications, coordinating with various groups, and improving the system through research and updates.
The role supports outreach efforts in higher education financial aid without supervising others.
It's a good fit for someone organized and experienced in program management, policy development, and working with stakeholders in education or government.
Internal Transparency Opportunity
This announcement is open only to Current CDHE employees within the State of Colorado. The announcement is for transparency purposes only to comply with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Only applications from eligible individuals currently employed within the above office will be accepted.
Under general supervision, the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA)Program Manager assists the Outreach team in creating a statewide plan for CASFA completion.
The CASFA Program Manager serves as the lead for the CASFA program, manages completion efforts at the local and state levels and is responsible for both research activities and program coordination of multiple stakeholders.
Supervision Exercised
This position does not supervise any employees.
Scope of Responsibilities
This intermediate level position is responsible for independently performing specialized duties in support of the Department of Higher Education’s Outreach Office by managing the CASFA program.
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, practices and policies of the work unit.
The 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.
Education and Experience
Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited university or college in research, higher education or related field
Substitution: Four (4) years of experience in a related field can replace the education requirement of a bachelor’s degree
Experience:
Licenses and Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
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.
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 toHR@dhe.state.co.us
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.
Notice
The 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 Directorat HR@dhe.state.co.us or call 720.264.8575.
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