Director of Programs

About Serve Colorado and the Position

Serve Colorado operates under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, focusing on utilising volunteerism and service to address critical issues such as public health, climate change, childhood poverty, food security, and education across all 64 counties in Colorado. The agency emphasizes equity and inclusion, ensuring service opportunities are accessible to all, and works with an innovative spirit to create cross-sector partnerships.

The Director of Programs role manages Serve Colorado’s portfolio of federal, state, and non-governmental grants, including AmeriCorps State grants and commission support grants. This role oversees the annual grant award process and ensures effective training and monitoring of grant recipients. The position also manages assigned program staff, interns, and consultants, driving successful design and execution of national service programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to build strategic partnerships and help formulate the agency’s strategic goals and policies.
• Lead program and impact officers ensuring a balanced and compliant program portfolio aligned with agency objectives.
• Provide clear leadership and support to the program team to meet individual and collective goals.
• Co-manage responses to Inspector General inquiries and federal or state oversight alongside the Fiscal Officer.
• Identify opportunities for volunteer engagement across Colorado’s communities and foster collaboration across national service streams.
• Represent Serve Colorado in community and interagency engagements, along with attending related program events and celebrations.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments and trends in the volunteer service and national service field.
• Assess and develop the skills of direct reports and team members to ensure resilience and cross-functional support.
• Manage the preparation, submission, and compliance of Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) grant applications, including AmeriCorps prime and support grants.
• Oversee timely submission of programmatic and financial reports in compliance with grant requirements.
• Work collaboratively with finance and executive leadership to maintain compliant budgets consistent with federal and state laws.
• Develop and implement monitoring systems ensuring compliance with regulations and policy provisions.
• Provide training and supervision to staff, volunteers, interns, and VISTA associates.
• Support the Governor’s Commission on Community Service Committees with staff assistance as needed.
• Manage the grant application review process, including requests for proposals, review policies, independent peer review coordination, and recommendations to the Grant Review Committee.
• Work with the Commission to improve the grant award cycle for fairness, innovation, and transparency.
• Oversee technical training for applicants to enhance the quality and competitiveness of submissions.
• Manage grant contracting processes in compliance with state systems and procurement rules alongside finance leadership.
• Coordinate grantee technical assistance and monitor program and fiscal compliance.
• Ensure grantee performance reviews, evaluations, and financial reimbursements are accurate and timely.
• Provide exemplary customer service and targeted support to grantees to advance program success.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Conditions

• At least 7 years of direct experience working with AmeriCorps State and National Programs and associated grants.
• Strong vision for national service’s role within Colorado communities.
• Proven leadership and management skills, including supervising teams effectively.
• Experience developing, managing, and implementing programs.
• Excellent communication skills catering to diverse stakeholder groups.
• In-depth understanding of federal AmeriCorps program regulations, policies, and reporting requirements.
• Highly organized with a strong eye for detail.
• A minimum of two years in progressively responsible roles such as program manager, site supervisor, or program officer within national service programs.
• Proven fiscal and programmatic oversight experience.

Applicants must reside in Colorado at the time of hiring and successfully pass a comprehensive background check. Both Colorado residents and non-residents may apply. A detailed cover letter and resume are required for application consideration.

Additional Information and Benefits

• Annual leave accrual at the rate of 13.33 hours monthly (four weeks annually).
• Sick leave accrual of 6.66 hours monthly (ten days annually).
• Twelve paid holidays per year.
• Medical and dental insurance plans.
• State-paid life insurance policy valued at minimum $50,000 or one times annual salary.
• Choice of two retirement plan options.
• 401(k) and 457 retirement savings plans.
• State-covered short-term disability insurance.
• Optional life and disability insurance plans.
• Credit union membership and transit (RTD) pass.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.

The State of Colorado is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. This commitment is grounded in equal employment opportunity principles covering all protected classes by law.