Executive Director, Colorado Department of Higher Education

Department Information

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Department Information

The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) carries out the policies of the General Assembly and Colorado Commission for Higher Education (CCHE). CDHE comprises six primary divisions : Student Success and Academic Affairs; Communications and Outreach; Data Research and Policy; Budget and Finance; Educational Equity Workforce and Social Mobility; and Executive. The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) was created by the General Assembly in 1965 to maximize opportunities for postsecondary education in Colorado. The Commission is a policy and coordinating board whose powers and duties are outlined in Title 23 of Colorado Revised Statutes. Additionally CollegeInvest College Assist and History Colorado are agencies with the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Description of Job

Transparency Posting

The announcement is for transparency purposes only to comply with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

An intended appointee has been identified for this position. A hiring freeze waiver to hire prior to January 1 2026 has been approved.

Description of Job

The Executive Director oversees the Department of Higher Education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose

Provides vision and leadership to the senior management team on all strategic matters regarding state-level activities. This position is vital for the development and implementation of the Colorado Commission of Higher Educations Strategic Plan as well as coordinating state-level policies to meet education workforce training and economic development needs of the State.

Builds and cultivates relationships with higher education stakeholders including policymakers college administrators K-12 educators and administrators employers and public and private partners.

Actively communicates with members of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and ensures that Board agendas support the completion of the Commissions statutory functions and the accomplishment of Department goals.

Strategic Leadership

Leads strategic planning efforts and ensures that statutory requirements and postsecondary system needs are successfully met. When appropriate convenes staff constituents and partners for review and discussion of departmental issues that impact Colorados postsecondary system.

Develops and articulates the strategic message of the Department and CCHE among all stakeholders and constituents and fosters a team ethic within the Department. Leads efforts to implement a unified vision and shared goals for all divisions.

Conducts special studies as appropriate or directed regarding statewide education policy finance or effective coordination.

Coordinates appropriate policy and administrative functions among the other type 1 and 2 agencies within the department including : History Colorado Colorado Student Loan Program (aka College Assist) CollegeInvest and Division of Private Occupational Schools.

Regulatory Policy and Advocacy

Responsible for all operations of the agency including budgeting policy and key initiatives. Sets overall direction and tone for the organizations strategy.

Ensures implementation of the Departments regulatory responsibilities with regard to private degree granting and occupational schools are effectively and efficiently carried out.

Supports department staff in developing and advocating for the CCHEs master plan and related initiatives.

Translates policy concepts found in CCHE plans into specific policy actions.

Advances and aligns Colorados higher education agenda with national best practices.

Oversees the development of research allowing the Department and the CCHE to remain proactive while addressing current and timely needs of the field.

Coordinates assistance to college campuses and external partners for the successful implementation of CCHE initiatives and as necessary grant opportunities.

Oversees the development of department policies ensuring their connection to broad state-level objectives and CCHE master plan priorities.

Administers statewide student financial assistance programs through policy development program evaluation and allocation of funds.

Establishes statewide enrollment policies and admissions standards.

Minimum Qualifications Substitutions Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

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 at-times adversarial stakeholders

Planning implementing executing and evaluating the success of special projects

Lead day-to-day program and service delivery

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

Substantial training and experience in higher education administration.

Experience in policy development and implementation including knowledge of the executive and legislative branches of government.

Experience working with elected officials and individuals in leadership positions in higher education including academic student affairs and administrative and budget leaders.

Substantial experience in managing staff and working in a collaborative setting including strong problem and interpersonal skills.

Substantial experience working with business and community leaders on higher education issues.

Conditions of employment : Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado; however applicants must reside in Colorado at the time of employment.

Supplemental Information

To Apply :

A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements including your experience and achievements.

The State of Colorado offers a generous benefits package including :

12 paid holidays per year

Medical and dental plans

State paid life insurance policy of a minimum of $50000 or 1x annual salary

Choice of 2 retirement plans

401K and 457 plans

State paid Short Term Disability coverage

Additional optional life and disability plans

Training and professional development

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit : and Belonging

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 Office of the Governor 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 Staffing Coordinator (the Senior Human Resources Director) at

Application process :

Please submit an online application for this position at 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.

Required Experience :

Director

Key Skills

Early Childhood Education,Classroom Experience,Education Administration,Lesson Planning,Special Education,Adult Education,Teaching,Curriculum Development,Administrative Experience,Leadership Experience,Program Development,Supervising Experience

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1