Regional Program Manager- Non-Classified

This position is not part of the classified personnel system; applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado. Incumbent will be required to live in and complete work for CDE within Colorado. Colorado Department of Education - What We Do The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute. As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education , CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data. CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance. CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do. Why Work For CDE The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice! The following is a summary of the benefits we offer: Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment. Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible. Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance. Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML). 11 paid holidays per year. Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals. Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org . Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply). Paid professional development opportunities. A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. Work Environment: This position is full-time, state-funded (funding is expected to continue indefinitely unless otherwise indicated in this posting), and is remote (Assigned to a service area and no assigned office space). Office hours are typically Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm. Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs. Up to 20% of travel may be required within an assigned region of the State of Colorado for meetings, training, and site visits. Overnight travel is required. Out-of-state travel may be required for conferences once or twice a year. A Remote (Home) office is required. Essential Functions (ADAAA) LIGHT/Office Environment: Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time. May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs. of force frequently or 20 lbs. of force occasionally . Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. May be required to climb a ladder. DL Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle ( OR State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle/Colorado DL required) to complete travel requirements. Position Summary: Are you passionate about healthy and safe schools for Colorado kids (or do you know someone who is)? We are looking for a Regional Program Manager for the Building Excellent Schools Today grant program. BEST has contributed to over $4 billion dollars in construction projects improving health, safety, and security in Colorado schools. Join us and help make a difference for Colorado's kids! The main focus of the Capital Construction Unit is to administer the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant program, which is available to all public school districts, charter schools, institute charter schools, boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. BEST is a competitive grant program addressing legislated priorities, mainly to resolve health, safety and security deficiencies through major systems upgrades or replacement, school additions, and replacement school construction. Staff work directly with the nine-member and appointed Capital Construction Assistance Board (CCAB) to ensure all legislative requirements are met and that grants are successfully vetted, reviewed, scored, and prioritized based on available appropriations. A Regional Program Manager (RPM) is an industry leader who participates in knowledge groups that support the mission of the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and Colorado schools. Collaboratively, RPMs oversee the development of grant requests and make recommendations to the CCAB on prioritization. RPMs approve reimbursement requests and monitor construction projects to ensure program requirements are met, that reporting is accurate, and that project files are maintained. RPMs also provide technical assistance to the CCAB, district and charter staff, and boards related to facility master planning, design/engineering, construction, procurement and contracts, operations, and maintenance and repair. It is anticipated that this position will cover the northeast region of the state and portions of the Denver Metro Area. However, for the right candidate, consideration may be given based on location. The amount of travel is seasonal but sometimes requires overnight stays, multiple days, or an entire week at a time. The final salary is anticipated to fall within the posted salary range; however, it may be higher or lower, depending on the preferred candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications, while considering internal equity. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Building Excellent Schools Today Grant Program Management: Leads the BEST program in assigned region and/or charter schools statewide. Oversees development of grant applications, including project identification and eligibility requirements, due diligence, budgets, space requirements, and other grant requirements. Interprets reports and data in order to properly evaluate and summarize grant applications for board review. Serves as an expert on all related grant applications during board review and the life of awarded projects. Interprets grant review results for applicants to improve project requests and reapply in future grant cycles. Monitors grantee project implementation and management as it relates to grant requirements, CDE policies, industry best practices, and ancillary external impacts. Monitors adherence to CDE RFP and RFQ policies and best practices. Audits and approves Fund Requests for reimbursement or contractor payment. Monitor grant fund expenditures against the overall budget. Partners with other state agencies as needed or required by statute. Instructs applicants in due diligence needed to successfully finance Lease-Purchase grants. Outreach, Communication, and Technical Assistance: Monitors compliance activities that may include reviewing internal processes, documents, and reports to ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory framework(s). Conducts targeted outreach to schools based on Facility Insight Assessment reports. Attends and presents at conferences, workshops, trainings, school board, and community meetings to ensure the relevant stakeholders are well-informed of current issues and developments. Collaborates across applicable CDE Units/Departments or Offices to ensure successful project and program implementation when issues arise. Leads the collaboration with functional or operational specialists to collect and compile data, reports, and other information necessary for required submissions (regulatory or otherwise). Administrative: Develops and updates complex databases and Excel workbooks, utilizing at times advanced formulas and macros (a high-level proficiency in Excel is necessary). Maintains annual updates to the region's Lease-Purchase projects authorized signer details, Sublease, site lease, and Insurance documentation. Works with the CDE web team and agency software to regularly update board meeting info, links, documents, grant lists, and announcements. Develops and maintains a schedule of required updates and/or reviews. Reviews pages, links, and documents to ensure they meet state accessibility requirements. Utilizes listserv to push information regarding the program and to assist schools and projects in soliciting RFP/Q responses. All Other Duties as Assigned (these are types of general needs of the office and given to individual RPMs based on experience and desire.) Charter School Management. Grant, Budget, and Contract Management. Construction Guidelines. Agency Partnerships. Strategy, Process, and Program Development. Energy Efficiency/Green Schools. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Education and Experience: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned that is equal to five (5) years. Graduation from an accredited college or university* with a bachelor's degree in construction management , facility management, architecture, engineering, business, or a field of study related to the work assignment will substitute for four (4) years of the required experience, but not the specific experience listed below. Demonstrated Experience in grant program management. QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS : Qualifications for Success in the Position: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in construction management, facility management, architecture, engineering, business, or a related field. Five (5) years of professional experience in public school operations, maintenance, design, construction, or grant program management required. Demonstrated experience in grant program management, combined with at least one of the other disciplines, is preferred. A demonstrated high-level of digital proficiency (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word). Experience that demonstrates strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to establish rapport with persons of diverse backgrounds. Must possess a professional demeanor. Personal style that adapts to a constantly changing environment, handling multiple competing demands, and a welcoming attitude for challenges with intelligence, analysis, pragmatism, resilience, positive energy, drive, and enthusiasm. Effective communication style that addresses consensus-building for participative decision making. Interpersonal skills and team-building style that promotes collaboration, values diversity, and respects the contributions of authority, subordinates, and peers. Achievement focus that demonstrates a drive for results while maintaining patience. Willingness and ability to travel throughout the State of Colorado. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.). Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations. Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units). Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work. Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized. Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team. Ability and willingness to travel. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications: Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Conditions of Employment: Up to 20% of travel may be required within an assigned region of the State of Colorado for meetings, training, and site visits. Overnight travel is required. Out-of-state travel may be required for conferences once or twice a year. Valid Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements. Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through state funds and is subject to availability. Driving Required: To ensure the safety and efficiency of CDE operations, certain positions are designated as "Driving Required." These positions are required to safely operate a motor vehicle or a State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle to complete the travel requirements. These positions are subject to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and a valid driver's license requirement if it meets the following criteria: Travel Threshold: The position requires business-related travel at least 20% or more of standard working hours; AND Operational Necessity: The travel requirements cannot be reasonably or efficiently met by alternative transportation (e.g., public transit, ride-sharing, or rail) due to: Significant travel distances or out-of-state requirements. A high frequency of stops at multiple locations throughout the workday. The need to transport equipment or travel to areas where public transportation is unavailable or impractical. Personal car insurance under the employee's name and on the vehicle driven is required (if they use their own vehicle). Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and is subject to availability. Complete Applications must include : Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS . Cover Letter: Required - Attached as a separate document Resume: Required - Attached as a separate document Transcript: Required if using education to meet MQs - Attached to the online application and meeting requirements as described under "College Transcripts". College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position. ** Failure to submit a complete application as defined above by the announcement close may result in your application being removed from consideration.* * ** Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening. FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO: Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification's pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately. Email Address: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "..." addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity 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, a 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 Colorado Department of Education 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 performing 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 ... .