Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Purpose Provide vision and leadership to the senior management team on all strategic matters regarding state-level activities. This position is vital to developing and implementing the strategic plan and to coordinating state-level policies that meet the education, workforce training, and economic development needs of the state Build and cultivate relationships with higher education stakeholders including policymakers, college administrators, K-12 educators, K-12 administrators, employers, and public and private partners Actively communicate with members of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and ensure that Board agendas support the completion of the Commission's statutory functions and the accomplishment of department goals Strategic Leadership Lead strategic planning efforts and ensure that statutory requirements and postsecondary system needs are successfully met. When appropriate, convene staff, constituents, and partners for review and discussion of departmental issues that impact Colorado's postsecondary system Develop and articulate the strategic message of the department and CCHE among all stakeholders and constituents and foster a team ethic within the department. Lead efforts to implement a unified vision and shared goals for all divisions Conduct special studies, as appropriate or directed, on statewide education policy, finance, or coordination Coordinate appropriate policy and administrative functions among the other Type 1 and Type 2 agencies within the department, including History Colorado, the Colorado Student Loan Program (also known as College Assist), College Invest, and the Division of Private Occupational Schools Regulatory, Policy, and Advocacy Manage operations of the agency, including budgeting, policy, and key initiatives. Set overall direction and tone for the organization's strategy Ensure that the department's regulatory responsibilities for private degree-granting and occupational schools are carried out effectively and efficiently Support department staff in developing and advocating for the CCHE's master plan and related initiatives Translate policy concepts found in CCHE plans into specific policy actions Advance and align Colorado's higher education agenda with national best practices Oversee the development of research allowing the department and the CCHE to remain proactive while addressing current needs of the field Coordinate assistance to college campuses and external partners for the successful implementation of CCHE initiatives and, as necessary, to pursue grant opportunities Oversee the development of department policies, ensuring their connection to broad state-level objectives and CCHE master plan priorities Administer statewide student financial assistance programs through policy development, program evaluation, and allocation of funds Establish statewide enrollment policies and admissions standards Organizational Relationships: Colorado Commission on Higher Education, institutional governing boards; the elected University of Colorado Board of Regents; Department of Education; Joint Budget Committee; Chief Strategy and Initiatives Officer on Colorado Corps; Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Preferred Education/Experience: Executive-level organizational leadership, including significant responsibility for: Strategic planning Budgeting and financial management (of organizations or divisions of >$50m per year) Operational management and process improvement Stakeholder and public relations, including developing relationships with stakeholders with varying perspectives and interests Planning, implementing, executing, and evaluating the success of special projects Leading day-to-day program and service delivery

Conditions of employment: Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment and reside in Colorado once employed To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.