Summary

The Consumer Protection Section in the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is seeking an experienced professional to be the Director of Colorado’s Office of Financial Empowerment. The Director leads the state’s work on access to safe and affordable banking and credit, access to free financial coaching and counseling, and wealth building.

Description

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

WHO WE ARE
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.

Visit our website to learn more: https://coag.gov/.

Description of Job

This position is open only to residents of Colorado.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Office of Financial Empowerment was created in 2021 legislation to grow the financial resilience and well-being of Coloradans through community derived-goals and strategies. The Director of the Office of Financial Empowerment (Program Management II) will lead the Office and implement the goals and objectives of the Office. The position will identify and promote safe and affordable financial products and those that may undermine financial stability, and will partner with other state agencies, local and tribal governmental bodies, community organizations, financial institutions, local service providers, philanthropic organizations, and other organizations as necessary to achieve the purposes of the office.

The Director of the Office of Financial Empowerment will be responsible for:

Plan, direct and implement the statutory mandates of the state-wide Office of Financial Empowerment.
Develop and promote:
- methods, programs, and policies to increase access to safe and affordable financial products
- tools and resources that advance, increase, and improve Colorado residents’ financial management, including strategies for debt management and reduction, increasing savings, and creating and retaining assets that promote personal financial stability
Work with stakeholders, to identify and increase access to safe and affordable credit-building loans and financial products, safe and affordable banking products with low fees and easy account access
Partner with and support organization of local community efforts to define and lead tailored financial resilience strategies based on local context, priorities, and expertise from those serving these communities
Establish and lead a statewide Council to assist in defining, creating and increasing access to ownership, financial well-being, and safe and affordable banking and financial services that help improve the financial stability of unbanked and underbanked individuals.
Draft annual report on the state of affordable banking access in Colorado, the activities of the Office of Financial Empowerment, and local partnerships in implementing the objective of the office
Supervise one professional staff member

Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in the Department of Law, Consumer Protection section.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications: Please document all relevant experience in detail on your application. Experience will not be inferred or assumed. Any part-time experience listed will be prorated.

Experience only:
Nine (9) years of professional experience performing the full range of program management duties this includes: banking access OR credit access OR financial coaching or counseling OR wealth building especially for low-income individuals and/or communities of color; OR. Must have experience with outreach and/or working directly with stakeholders.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution AND five (5) years' professional experience performing the full range of program management duties banking access OR credit access OR financial coaching or counseling OR wealth building especially for low-income individuals and/or communities of color; OR. Must have experience with outreach and/or working directly with stakeholders. Combination of education and experience equal to nine (9) years

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, if you possess any of the following specifically include the details on your application, as this information will be used to assess your qualifications and may be used to determine a top group of applicants.

Expertise on mainstream financial products, Community Reinvestment Act, financial counseling and coaching, community wealth building
Experience working on challenges facing unbanked/underbanked individuals
Knowledge of federal and state programs that support people with low incomes
Experience standing up a program, developing and implementing program objectives, strategic program planning, and program evaluation,
Strong background in coalition management or multi-sector collaboration
Knowledge of Colorado government and regulatory environment
Experience developing deep relationships/network with community, including community-based organizations, local governments, and financial institutions
Demonstrated strong public speaking and communications skills
Demonstrated strong writing, reviewing and editing skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with the public, Federal, state and local government agencies, and financial institutions
Demonstrated commitment to public service

Required Competencies:

Requires proficiency with MS Office Suite

Substitutions: Professional program management experience that included the elements described in the minimum qualifications listed above will substitute for the required bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. A master's in public administration, business administration, finance, or master's in nonprofit management will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Note: Candidates possessing a foreign degree must submit a translation (evaluation) of their degree from an accredited institution, such as The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services in order to be given credit for the degree.

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
The successful applicant must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Requires in-state travel up to 20% of the time and in-frequent out-of-state travel.
Hybrid work arrangements available
Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered 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 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
Required Application Materials:

A completed State of Colorado Application: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be considered.
Current Resume
Cover Letter: A detailed cover letter explaining your interest in the position, any information regarding your skills, qualifications, accomplishments, etc. and how you meet the listed preferred qualifications is due at the time of application.

Veteran’s Preference: In order to be considered for veteran’s preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.

Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position. If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Mercedes Chansisourath at 720-508-6793 or mercedes.chansisourath@coag.gov.

Assessment Information:
Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.

Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned.
Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

It is imperative that the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

WHY WORK FOR US

We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for all of our customers

We Are Committed to Diversity
At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!

We Have Strong Core Values
Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.

We are Committed to Developing our Employees
We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our employees grow and succeed.

We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

Medical and dental health plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Paid vacation and sick leave earned each month
10 paid holidays per year
Public Service Loan Forgiveness – A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
Free access to an on-site fitness center
Strong, flexible retirement benefits (Download PDF reader) including 401K and 457 plans
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program

To learn more about our benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

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.

The Department of Law 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 our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher, at hr.coag.gov.