Business Innovation, Technology and Operations Unit Manager

Summary

Description

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, and building an economy that works for everyone. The Governor's staff includes offices for budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.

Committed to Diversity – We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.   If you’re looking for a place where you can be your authentic self at work and celebrate the uniqueness of those around you, then we want to talk to you! State of Colorado employees were asked to reflect on their experience with equity, diversity, and inclusion. Click here to learn more about their experiences Colorado For All – Colorado Employees Reflect on Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

We offer a generous benefits package including:
 • 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
 • Medical, dental, and vision plans
 • State paid life insurance policy
 • Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined benefit or defined contribution)
 • Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
 • State paid short-term disability coverage
 • Additional optional life and disability plans
 • Credit Union membership
 • Training and professional development
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

This position will have the opportunity for a hybrid schedule (combination of in-office and remote workplace, with the expectation that the incumbent will be reporting to the office 2-3 days/week based on business need).  **Please note – equipment provisioning and certain onboarding tasks will take place in person, in our Denver office, on the first day of employment.**   

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality, and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all Colorado's young children, their families and early childhood professionals in all settings. CDEC provides access to collaborative, coordinated, quality early childhood programs and support to children, families, and early care professionals in an effort to best prepare Coloradans for future success. CDEC works with many partners, including parents, schools, child care providers, Early Childhood Councils, counties, Community Centered Boards, early intervention service providers, family resources centers, county human services, county public health, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to provide high-quality early childhood and family support programs.

Business Innovation, Technology, and Security (BITS) is responsible for managing the Department’s information technology (IT) applications, technology service providers, including relations with the Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), and vendors. The Division serves as the main point of contact for departmental issues involving technology resources and needs and coordinates activities with the program staff for IT support of Department-wide operations, maintenance, modernization, and implementation of new IT systems. This Division is designed to assist the entire Department with innovating and maintaining the technology that supports the missions in a strategic, interoperable, and secure fashion.

Description of Job

What you’ll be doing: 

This position is accountable for achieving the agency’s Information Technology (IT) objectives by translating the Department’s vision, mission and strategies into actionable strategic plans to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and cost-savings through IT activities that have Department-wide impact. This will primarily be achieved through the creation and implementation of internal operational excellence, long-term sustainability practices, & cross-team workflow optimization. This position oversees the initiation, progress, risks, and prioritization of Department-wide IT efforts to ensure they are aligned with CDEC strategic goals, statewide IT strategy, and industry best practice. The position serves to manage and oversee the effective use of resources by ensuring business and technology resource deployment and requirements are aligned and capitalize on CDEC strategic goals. This position proactively promotes new solutions and opportunities for technology and process improvements to enable effective business outcomes. This position influences, coordinates, and facilitates agency-wide product/process innovation and product/process development activities (e.g. evaluating internal/external capabilities, identifying performance strategies, creating product/solution strategies). This position leads a team helping solve complex business technology issues from shaping and strategy to execution. This position will be responsible for the oversight, management, and provisioning of all hardware assets, software licenses, and digital assets throughout CDEC.  Duties include but are not limited to:
 

• Provides leadership for a diverse range of technology-related projects. Acts as a central point of contact for technology applications that are used department wide.
• Identifies opportunities, within existing technologies or in new spaces, where technology and/or process improvement positively impacts programmatic, Division, and Department objectives.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of direct staff and their related business applications including the oversight and management of specific projects, staff, and deliverables.
• Creates structures, processes, protocols and policies in a manner that actively encourages and promotes innovation throughout the Department.
• Advises leadership, staff, vendors, and partners on the formulation and administration of current state, strategic planning, and emerging and new technologies.
• Supports innovation within existing technologies and in the upgrade or replacement of those technologies.  Provides consultation in the development of technology, business policies, and procedures. 
• Acts as internal consultant by analyzing current state of technological solutions, develops and maintains 5 year road maps, and recommends technology and/or process solutions for issues relating to assigned program or product owner area.
• Lead CDEC in asset management efforts for budgeting purposes, tracking and managing lifecycle of IT assets, and setting standards for software used Department-wide.
• Supervision of staff in unit to include, but not limited to:  monitor workflow, maintain appropriate staffing levels, review progress, initiate hiring process as necessary, provide feedback and coaching, manage performance issues and recommend discipline as needed.  

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

Option I: Experience

Nine (9) years of progressive and increasing experience in technology, software, operations that include:

• solving complex business problems
• demonstrated operational experience with managing technology assets and technology budgets
• strategic planning or technology solutions
• at least one year of supervisory experience

Option II: Combination of Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Business, Software, or Technology or related education AND five (5) years of relevant experience in technology, software, operations that include progressive and increasing responsibilities to include: solving complex business problems, managing technology budgets and assets, and at least one year of supervisory experience.

Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application and in the supplemental questions. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section and supplemental questions of your application will be reviewed to determine this. “See Resume” statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated. 

Substitutions: 

• Additional related experience may substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis. 
• Additional appropriate education in a related field may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• State experience relevant to this position
• Experience with strategy and operations.
• Leadership in a diverse range of technology based projects.
• Strong communications skills

Highly Desired Skills:

• Significant leadership experience in software and technology projects
• Project management experience & background
• Business/Technology Operations experience with diverse, multi-division agencies
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence decision-making via relationship building
• Ability to communicate effectively between technology-based teams and non-technology-based teams
• Ability to operate independently while providing elite internal support to a largely remote workforce

DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Work that involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.  

• Employees who have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated their termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

Please note that ONLY your State of Colorado job application will be reviewed during the initial screening; if you submit a resume and cover letter, they will be reviewed in later stages of the selection process. Therefore, it is paramount that you clearly describe all your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered. 

 Complete Applications must include the following documents:

• A complete CDEC Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
• A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
• If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Your application will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications for the position. If your application demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be invited to the comparative analysis process, which is described below. 

 Comparative Analysis Process

The comparative analysis process will consist primarily of a review of applications against the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Applications will be reviewed in comparison to all others in the applicant pool in order to identify a top group of candidates who may be invited for a final interview. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, additional selection processes may be utilized to identify a top group of candidates. Applicants will be notified of their status via email. 

Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date will result in your application being rejected.

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 Colorado Department of Early Childhood 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 the Human Resources Specialist: ely.behrhorst@state.co.us

The Department does not offer sponsored visas for employment purposes. 

Technical Assistance
If you experience difficulty in uploading or attaching documents to your online application, or for any other technical difficulties, call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 anytime between 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).

HOW TO APPLY: 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.

IF NOT APPLYING ON-LINE, SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
Online applications are strongly preferred. If you are unable to submit an online application, please reach out to the contact listed. Please note, all applications must be received by the closing date listed on the job posting.

DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
ely.behrhorst@state.co.us

METHODS OF APPOINTMENT: Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.