Executive Director, Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA)

Full Job Description

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The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Colorado for All - Colorado Employee Reflections

Department of Personnel & Administration

The Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA) provides centralized support to State government agencies and institutions, thereby enabling them to focus their limited resources on their mission and the delivery of services to Colorado citizens.

DPA performs core functions that provide the infrastructure, processes, services, guidance, and tools necessary to alleviate redundancy in State government and minimize costs.

The department collaborates with employees, agencies and institutions, vendors, and citizens to develop innovative ways to provide cost- effective solutions that further the State’s ability to conduct business.

Led by the Executive Director's Office, the department operates through six divisions: Capital Assets, Central Services, Human Resources, Office of the State Architect, Office of the State Controller, and Office of Administrative Courts.

Requirements

Position: Executive Director, Department of Personnel & Administration

Department: Office of the Governor; Department of Personnel & Administration

Primary Physical Address: 1525 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203

Job Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation

Salary: $228,706 annually

Description of Job

The Executive Director oversees the agency, providing executive leadership by establishing and effecting broad policies and objectives related to DPA’s mission, values and strategic objectives.

This position role models the department's values-based culture, including the agency's core values of: Inclusivity, Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Responsiveness, and Transparency.

The Executive Director provides visionary and operational leadership, fostering trust and collaboration, such that DPA delivers credible and effective service to all state agencies and the general public.

This position establishes and maintains effective working relationships with external stakeholders, including other state agencies, the legislature, and public and private entities to influence policies and operational improvements.

The Executive Director is part of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet and leads the department according to the Governor's values: be bold, be consistent, no unforced errors, and be joyful.

This position also serves as the State Personnel Director, overseeing all facets of human resources for state employees; labor relations, including negotiations and responding to labor disputes; and analyzing and responding to appeals within the State Personnel Director's purview.

Strategic & Operational Leadership:

Responsible for the oversight and management of DPA operations, directing the implementation of departmental services, policies and programs.

Ensure successful execution and alignment with the department’s goals, Governor’s initiatives and service expectations of stakeholders.

Implement and support policy, budgetary and management options needed to establish, modify or maintain the agency's administrative requirements and procedures for the facilitation of program delivery.

Advance the Governor’s Operational Agenda, including spearheading the State’s transition to skills-based hiring and work-based learning efforts, advancing greening government and sustainability priorities, and driving reductions in the State’s physical footprint.

Through this work, position DPA as a model for enterprise-wide operational excellence.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders, including other state agencies, the legislature, and public and private entities, to influence policies and operational improvements and position the agency as a credible resource providing effective service to its customers.

Receive input from program directors, labor, agency executive directors, deputy directors and HR directors, state auditor's office, Legislative Audit Committee, Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and the Governor's office regarding statewide programs and policies.

Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget and maintains the agency in a positive financial position.

Manage the development and execution of the department's communication strategy and activities. Ensure alignment with overall department policy, vision, goals, and Governor's Office initiatives.

Organizational Culture & Leadership

Champion and oversee all facets of the department's statewide equity office’s strategic plans and initiatives.

Collaborate with agency leadership and employees in efforts to remove disparities in employment and programs.

Ensure an environment that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone, encouraging and respecting varying perspectives and ideas.

Build and sustain employee engagement strategies rooted in development, rigorous performance management, and a positive workplace culture.

Serves as a role model for the department's values-based culture, including the core values of Inclusivity, Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Responsiveness and Transparency.

Champion effective change management strategies that sustain employee engagement and a positive culture.

Team Leadership & Staff Development:

• Build and cultivate a high performing team through effective leadership focused on recruiting and retaining top talent, providing guidance, coaching and development to direct reports. Create a clear vision for the department marked by collaboration, transparency and opportunities to learn.
• Maintain a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and out-of-the box problem solving. Foster and promote a culture of continuous learning and development throughout the agency.
• Manage and effectively balance conflicting priorities between the immediate needs of divisions and the priorities and longer- term objectives of multiple state agencies.

State Personnel Director

Oversee the Division of Human Resources (DHR) in carrying out delegated responsibilities of the State Personnel Director.

Manage the delegation to DHR, ensuring oversight of the personnel director rules and centralized aspects of the Human Resources function, including, but not limited to, benefits, compensation, risk management, HR systems.

Ensure the development and implementation of human resource programs in alignment with the overall mission and strategy of the State.

Lead efforts to further position the state as an employer of choice, resulting in innovative, best practices and policies that help build a high-performing culture of success, accountability, transparency and collaboration.

Oversee the state's equity, diversity & inclusion strategy ensuring delivery of equitable services and employment opportunities inclusive of all Coloradans.

Manage statewide labor relations, including maintaining a positive labor relations philosophy that furthers strategic goals and ensures compliance with the Employer’s obligations as outlined in the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act (Act), statewide partnership agreement and agency side agreements as applicable.

Provide leadership during the statewide labor relations negotiation, navigating competing priorities, budgetary restrictions, and the needs of state agencies and institutions while meeting the collective goals established through the Act.

Legislative, Cabinet and Community Responsibilities

Lead efforts to prepare the annual legislative agenda, determining statutory changes and priorities for submission.

Attend and testify at legislative hearings, oversee preparation of responses to JBC questions and testimony points.

Secure legislative approval of programs and services, including budgetary approval, through clear and concise proposals conveying the needs of various agencies and programs.

Build a good relationship with the legislature and serve as the point person for directing the Department’s response to proposed legislation that may impact the Department’s operations.

Serve as an official department representative to the public as well as legislative committees, local officials, agency executives, other jurisdictions, community action groups, professional organizations and stakeholders regarding the department's programs and services.

Anticipate and manage stakeholder reactions to policy changes; discern and reconcile conflicting viewpoints and diverse motives; design and implement workable solutions.

Direct an integrated legal and policy strategy, anticipating and preparing for potential challenges.

Communicate with legislators, department heads, state employees, agency HR directors and staff, employee associations and other work groups to gain their cooperation or persuade them on various matters such as supporting key initiatives or creatively resolving business challenges and compliance issues.

Advise the Governor on all relevant policy and programmatic issues arising from State and Federal legislative activities. Maintain the ability to work well and cooperatively as a member of the Governor’s team, which includes all Cabinet officers and staff.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Political Science or closely related field required.

Experience which provided the same kind, amount and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted for the bachelor's degree.

10+ years of progressive leadership experience with a combination of responsibilities in operations, finance, human resources, and/or process improvement.

A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in the above-mentioned fields may be substituted for a portion of required experience.

Proven ability to provide leadership and expertise in strategic planning, operational effectiveness and progressive evaluation of operations.

Proven experience leading a team with diverse professional experience and qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of 5 years’ executive leadership experience.
• 15+ years of relevant business experience ideal.
• Proven experience in public sector financial management, policy analysis, development and implementation is preferred.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, written, verbal and interpersonal with an ability to tailor communication style to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success at cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and creating partnerships at all levels within the organization to achieve results.
• Results-driven, agile, change agent with the commitment and confidence to assume a leadership role in a complex environment.
• Empathetic and engaging individual, who listens well, is responsive, solutions focused and results oriented.
• Ability to work in a complex political environment.
• Ability to lead with integrity, accountability, high energy, and initiative, with a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in leadership and operations.
• Specific functional experience in workforce engagement initiatives, total compensation, learning and development, strategic recruitment and retention, performance management, organizational design, employee and labor relations, and laws and regulations affecting human resources.

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must pass through a background check prior to employment. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado; however, applicants must reside in Colorado at the time of employment.

Additional Information

To Apply:
A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements.

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks a year)

• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month (10 days a year)

• 12 paid holidays per year

• Medical and dental plans

• State paid life insurance policy of a minimum of $50,000 or 1x annual salary

• Choice of 2 retirement plans

• 401K and 457 plans

• State paid Short Term Disability coverage

• Additional optional life and disability plans

• Credit Union Membership

• RTD pass

• Training and professional development

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

Inclusion and Belonging
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.

ADAAA Accommodations
The Office of the Governor 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 ADAAA Staffing Coordinator (the Senior Human Resources Director) at gov_hr@state.co.us.

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.