Chief Program Officer

Role Overview

The Colorado Department of Higher Education is seeking a Chief Program Officer to shape the structure of its program operations and provide executive oversight across development, implementation, monitoring, compliance, and ongoing management. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, this senior leader will guide program teams, strengthen operational execution, and ensure that all work is aligned with state and federal laws, regulations, and statutes. The role also serves as part of the Department’s senior leadership group and acts as a subject matter expert with legislative stakeholders while supporting the broader mission of the agency.

Internal Opportunity Notice

This opportunity is limited to current eligible employees within the Department of Higher Education. It is being shared for transparency and Equal Pay for Equal Work Act compliance purposes only. External applications will not be considered, and a highly qualified internal candidate has already been identified. The expected start date for the role is after July 1, 2026.

Leadership Scope

This executive role oversees four team members: a Senior Program Director for COSI, a Program Compliance & Oversight Manager, a Director of Outreach, and a GEAR UP Program Director.

Key Responsibilities

The position carries department-wide responsibility for program direction, operational planning, compliance systems, and strategic alignment. It requires independent judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage complex work in a political and education-focused environment.

• Create and maintain the operating framework for department programs, including day-to-day administration, development, implementation, oversight, and compliance monitoring.
• Lead and support staff to ensure program delivery remains fully aligned with state laws, federal requirements, and legislative directives.
• Build consistent compliance measures and performance-tracking methods across programs.
• Review organizational structures across divisions to clarify responsibilities, eliminate overlap, and improve long-term efficiency.
• Assess staffing patterns against funding sources and program needs to identify consolidation, reprioritization, or redeployment opportunities.
• Direct outreach functions and supervise associated personnel.
• Oversee GEAR UP operations and ensure the program meets federal grant requirements and operating conditions.
• Serve as the main program contact for federal agencies and maintain ongoing coordination on grant-related matters.
• Work with the Executive Director to support timely delivery of the Governor’s and Department’s Wildly Important Goals.
• Partner with senior leaders to review program data, legal implications, and organizational design and recommend informed actions.
• Contribute to discussions on education policy, budget planning, and legislative changes affecting departmental work.
• Strengthen collaboration across divisions and teams to improve productivity and internal morale.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities needed for the role. A typical qualification path includes a master’s degree in education, public administration, leadership, management, or a related field from an accredited institution.

A bachelor’s degree plus six years of executive management experience may substitute for the master’s degree requirement.

Required experience includes at least six years of progressively responsible professional experience, including executive-level management in a complex, multi-layered organization, plus ten or more years of experience in a college or university, state education agency, higher education setting, school district, or similar educational organization.

Licenses and Certifications

A valid Colorado driver’s license and continued compliance with requirements for operating a state vehicle are required for the duration of employment.

Preferred Background

A doctoral degree in education, higher education, public policy, or public administration is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Successful candidates should bring strong familiarity with office systems and communication tools, state rules and procedures, project and resource management, higher education policy, grant administration, and multi-program operations. The role also requires the ability to communicate clearly with varied stakeholders, build trusted working relationships, lead teams effectively, handle ambiguity, analyze financial and organizational information, maintain technical accuracy, manage time well, solve complex operational issues, and protect sensitive information.

Working Conditions

This role is based in a standard office setting with moderate noise and controlled temperatures. The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the position may be performed remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or in-office depending on the agreement reached with the supervisor.

Occasional extended hours may be needed. The position may also involve periodic travel within and outside Colorado, including overnight stays, and requires the ability to travel independently across the state.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Regularly sit or stand for extended periods.
• Move between locations during the workday for meetings or related duties.
• Occasionally push or pull objects.
• Frequently use hands and fingers for keyboard work.
• Lift up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Use vision to read documents, view screens, and work with close and distant objects.
• Use speech and hearing frequently for in-person and phone communication.

Additional Information

The responsibilities listed here are intended to describe the general nature and level of work for this role and should not be considered a complete list. Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed, and the role’s expectations may change with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

The State of Colorado is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and abilities. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on protected characteristics under applicable law. The Colorado Department of Higher Education also provides reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities in the application process, interviews, testing, selection, and essential job functions when doing so does not create undue hardship.

Accommodation Contact

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation may contact the Human Resource Director at HR@dhe.state.co.us or call 720.264.8575.