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Posted: February 12, 2026 (8 days ago)

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Deputy Director

State of Colorado

Colorado Department of Human Services

Recent

Location

Salary

$8,810 - $14,097

per month

Closes

February 27, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a high-level leader who helps run the Office of Economic Security within Colorado's human services department, focusing on programs that provide income, food, and support to people in need.

The role involves overseeing daily operations, managing teams, and turning the director's big ideas into real results across divisions like child support and disability services.

It's a great fit for someone with strong leadership experience in government or social services who can handle complex challenges and work well in a team.

Key Requirements

  • Senior-level leadership and strategic advisory experience in human services or government operations
  • Proven ability to manage organizational operations, projects, and teams across multiple divisions
  • Direct oversight experience in financial management, data analysis, research, and evaluation
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and ethical competence in dynamic environments
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and deliver exceptional customer service
  • Resilience and adaptability to implement reforms and handle state-wide compliance
  • Hybrid work schedule with at least two days in-office and travel within Colorado for meetings

Full Job Description

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

**THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT COLORADO RESIDENTS**

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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About the Unit:

The Office of Economic Security (OES) shares the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) vision to serve Coloradans through bold and innovative health and human services. In collaboration with our partners, OES's mission is to provide income, nutritional, and support services to those in need.

The OES exists to manage internal programs and divisions as well as all external activities, including the supervision of 64 counties’ social/human services for compliance with Federal and State statutes and regulations.


Requirements

This position is hybrid, with at least two (2) days are required and as determined by business need at the office.
The role may involve travel within the state for meetings and community engagement activities.

What you will be doing:

This position works to ensure the fulfillment of the Department's mission and goals to provide income, nutritional, and support services to those in need.

This position exists to provide direction and senior-level leadership for the internal operations of the Office of Economic Security and serve as a strategic thought partner to the Office Director.

As Deputy to the Office Director, this position serves as the Office’s operational manager responsible for implementing and translating into outcomes the Director's vision, goals, and objectives.

This position also exists to assist the Office Director with the implementation of important reforms across OES's divisions.

OES Divisions include the Child Support Division (CSS), the Division of Economic and Workforce Strategies (DEWS), Food and Energy Assistance Division (FEAD), the Staff Development Division (SDD), and Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Additionally, OES has a Budget and Legislative Manager and a Communications Manager.


Responsibilities of the position include office-wide coordination of operations, organizational management, project coordination, and direct oversight of the financial management, CBMS, and research, evaluation, and data teams.

The position must demonstrate resilience in dealing with dynamic and challenging environments, ethical competence, and the ability to maintain confidentiality, and the ability to problem solve, execute decisions, and provide exceptional customer service.


Additionally, as a member of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) extended executive management team (E-EMT), the deputy plays a key role in the leadership and direction of the Office of Economic Security and acts as a strategic advisor to the Director to develop programmatic efficiencies and operations to achieve the Office’s mission.

The Deputy works closely with the Office Director in the following key operational areas:

  1. Organizational leadership and development to build a positive culture and trust within the Office; Operational structures to provide support to Division Programs and Directors to achieve timely, efficient, and effective delivery of public benefits;

  2. Communication strategies to build inspiring, clear, and visible impact through program services; and

  3. Strategic internal and external relationships across the Department and partner State Agencies, Counties, and Advocates to align work and efforts on behalf of Coloradans.

The Deputy Director acts on the Office Director's behalf and is expected to attend State Board and County C-Stat if the Office Director is absent or is otherwise occupied.

Additionally, the Deputy Director represents the Office both internally and externally with the same level of responsibility and strategic engagement in the Director’s absence.

If determined by the Office Director or CDHS executive management team, the Deputy Director serves as the temporary or interim director/administrator for the OES Office Director, Child Support Division (CSS), Division of Economic and Workforce Strategies (DEWS), Food and Energy Assistance Division (FEAD), and the Staff Development Division (SDD should any of those positions become vacated.



Primary Job Duties:


Operations - Manages day-to-day operations, including direct supervision of three operational teams; reviews and approves proposals, memos, and policies aligned with the strategic plan for OES and CDHS, and manages personnel issues office-wide.


Organizational Management - Guide strategic planning, policy, and structure, support legislative and state budget activities, and fiscal and audit activities.


Project Coordination / Management - Assist the OES Office Director with the business management of OES projects/tasks, including the development, implementation, coordination, and supervision of projects; coordinate process improvement efforts.


Financial Performance - Facilitates and represents the Office budget/finance/contract process in collaboration with other agencies and units. Represents OES leadership in CDHS-wide budget meetings.


Other duties as assigned - Acts on behalf of the Office Director in that person's absence, including meeting coverage and decision-making.



Qualifications

Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion.

For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS' hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process.

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications.

Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements..

Volunteer work or a related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but it must be clearly documented.

It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies, and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement.

This experience must be clearly documented on your application, and the supplemental questions must be answered. Answers such as "N/A," "In Cover Letter," or "See Resume" will not be accepted.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process:

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.

Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review:

After minimum qualification screening, which could include a skills test, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit.

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications:

Answer all supplemental questions (if listed) as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each response to supplemental questions.

Supplemental Questions:

Answer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Minimum Qualifications:

Option 1 - Experience Only:


Ten (10) years of relevant experience in Federal or State Government, Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, government finance & contracting, HR Policies and Procedures, Budgeting, Data Analysis, and Information Technology, two (2) of which must have included experience, establishing goals and objectives, supporting and preparing teams and leaders to execute strategic efforts, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.

A demonstrable diplomacy and tact, including the ability to defuse high-tension situations; the ability to work and meet demanding deadlines in a complex political and social environment.

Experience working with, presenting in front of, and being accountable for program results and compliance to senior government leaders.

As well as experience in successfully motivating and leading teams through systemic, cultural, and operational changes.

OR


Option 2 - Education and Experience:


A combination of related education in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Human Services, Public Policy, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a closely related field, and/or an occupation in Public Administration, Business Administration, government finance & contracting, HR policies and procedures, budgeting, data analysis, and Information Technology.

Experience working with, presenting in front of, and being accountable for program results and compliance to senior government leaders.

As well as experience in successfully motivating and leading teams through systemic, cultural, and operational changes, equal to ten (10) years.

Two (2) of which must have included experience establishing goals and objectives, supporting and preparing leaders to execute strategic efforts, developing and managing a budget, and leading and motivating teams to achieve program goals and objectives.

A demonstrable diplomacy and tact, including the ability to defuse high-tension situations; the ability to work and meet demanding deadlines in a complex political and social environment.


Substitutions:

  • Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

  • Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in the State of Colorado finance & contracting, HR policies and procedures, budgeting, data analysis, and Information Technology.

  • At least six (6) years of progressive responsibility in a field related to finance, procurement/contracting, IT, and/or data/reporting

  • Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent experience in business administration, public policy, public administration, finance, IT, or related field.

  • Extensive experience managing employees with diverse professional experiences, as part of a large, complex organization; providing leadership and direction; establishing strategies, goals, and objectives; leading multiple staff units; developing and growing; and focusing on culture and retention

  • Experience in evaluating and analyzing data

  • Experience in overseeing procurement processes, contracts, and contract monitoring, and finance/budgeting

  • Experience in legislative policy and fiscal impact analysis

  • Openness and ability to creatively explore and analyze all options and alternatives, and to consider diverse perspectives

  • Outstanding leadership and managerial skills; demonstrated leadership within and outside of a complex organization

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills that build consensus and a healthy organizational culture

  • Interpersonal skills that promote teamwork and belonging

  • Interpersonal savvy and ability to build constructive working relationships and rapport with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders

  • Ability to analyze situations and make good decisions based on a mixture of knowledge, experience, wisdom, and judgment

  • Experience leading organizations during transition or change, experience with crisis management, and experience with conflict resolution

  • Strong listening and consultative skills

  • Proven ability to influence change through a collaborative and inclusive leadership style

  • Knowledge of statutes, rules, policy, and best practices related to CDHS

  • Excellent negotiation and consensus-building skills

  • Recognize challenges and opportunities that require interagency collaboration and coordination and, to that end, enter into agreements as necessary to effectuate whole-of-government solutions

  • Understanding that the Agency serves all Coloradans, which is core to the mission of CDHS

  • COWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service, prorated for part-time, that contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior, or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.

  • TRANSFERS ONLY: Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.

Conditions of Employment

  • Standard Background Check and reference checks
  • CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver’s license).

  • Motor Vehicle Record Check: This position will drive a state fleet or non-state fleet vehicle for State business purposes:

  • Travel- May require intermittent travel as needed.
  • Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application, (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, and (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s prior State employment.

    Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

    PLEASE ENSURE TO INCLUDE A RESUME AND COVER LETTER WITH YOUR APPLICATION

    Appeal Rights:


    If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.


    An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative.

    This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.


    For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

    Additional Information

    How to Apply

    The Assessment Process

    For additional recruiting questions, please contact victoria.crocket@state.co.us

    About Us:

    If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).

    Our professionals strive to design and deliver high-quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado.

    Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

    Our Values:

    We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve.

    We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

  • Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

  • We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

  • Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

  • We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

  • Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADAA Accommodations:

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing 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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services.

Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives 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.



Toll Free Applicant Technical Support


Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).

Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.



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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/13/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-colorado-5201244