Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer

Department Overview

The Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) supports Colorado's economic growth by promoting business development across various sectors and regions. It manages programs aimed at enhancing workforce quality, retaining businesses, and pioneering housing finance solutions that enable affordable living connected to transit.

Role Summary

The Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer, reporting to the Executive Director of OEDIT, advises on major policy decisions aligned with the Governor’s economic development priorities. This role influences projects such as the Burnham Yards redevelopment and collaborates with the Public Private Partnership office to maximize state-owned assets, particularly those linking affordable housing with transit options. Coordination with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is crucial to advance transit infrastructure fostering industry growth along key corridors.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must have a minimum of ten years’ relevant professional experience in strategic planning, public policy leadership, stakeholder engagement, and navigating government political systems. Desired attributes include political acumen, prior senior/state or federal government leadership experience, ability to build collaborative stakeholder relationships, critical analysis and policy formulation, and successful negotiation skills.

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to represent the state effectively to constituents and media locally and nationally.
• A strong results orientation, driving initiatives to completion with a sense of urgency and quality.

Employment Details

This non-classified, at-will position offers a salary range of $220,000 to $230,000 annually, with benefits comparable to other state employees including retirement options, insurance, paid leave, and transit passes. The role complies with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, ensuring equitable compensation.

Additional Information

This posting is restricted to individuals on the departmental promotional list to comply with transparency and equal pay mandates; other applications are not accepted. The State of Colorado champions diversity, equity, and inclusion and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.

Benefits

• Accrual of annual leave at 13.33 hours monthly and sick leave at 6.66 hours monthly
• Eleven paid holidays per year
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with significant state contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• State-paid life insurance coverage of $50,000
• Choice between defined contribution or defined benefit retirement plans, with generous contributions
• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• State-paid short-term disability and optional life/disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program access and transit EcoPass
• Professional training and development opportunities