Chief Legal Officer - SES

Salary : $105,923.22 - $219,993.02 Annually
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IHA 70014 05/22/2026
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: Admin Solutions
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 1575 Sherman Street, Denver
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: View email address on click.appcast.io
Type of Announcement: This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: 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.


Department Information
This position is open to residents and non-residents of Colorado. If appointed to a position,

applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado before their start date.
Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days In Office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
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Description of Job
About this Unit:

Operations & Strategy provides management and oversight for key administrative and technical services that enable the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to achieve its goals. It is responsible for several support functions to make our agency as efficient, effective, and impactful as possible. Operations & Strategy is comprising Human Resources, Facilities Management, Communications, Business Innovation Technology and Security, and Organizational Performance & Compliance (OP&C) (formerly known as Legal).

The OP&C work unit assists CDHS with identifying risk and complying with laws and regulations. The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) serves as an internal consultant to CDHS through legal research, review of legislation and rules, and analysis of any regulatory changes needed based upon constitutional or statutory amendments.


OP&C also supports divisions and programs within CDHS by serving as a single point of contact to navigate challenging legal issues, serves as the Department's primary liaison with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on many matters, and coordinates the internal Department-wide written policy and practice. This work unit provides The opportunity for CDHS to centralize and ensure consistency in its approach to engagement of the OAG on legal matters and analyze related policy and programmatic implications of legal issues impacting CDHS.

OP&C is comprised of the Office of Appeals, the Administrative Review Division, Quality Assurance & Standards Compliance, Public Assistance Quality Assurance, Audit Division, Emergency Management, Strategic Operations and Solutions, as well as the CDHS CORA Manager and CDHS Records Manager

About this Position:
This position serves as the strategic liaison and coordination lead between the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and the Office of the Attorney General (AGO), ensuring a consistent and effective approach to legal matters, litigation strategy, and related policy and programmatic implications across the Department. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director of Operations & Strategy, the position oversees the Organizational Performance & Compliance (OP&C) work unit and provides centralized oversight of litigation coordination, legal services support, litigation holds, and engagement with the AGO. The role supports CDHS executive leadership, offices, and divisions by coordinating responses to legal and regulatory matters, reviewing legislation and contracts, managing legal services resources and budget needs, and promoting consistent compliance, risk management, and operational alignment throughout the Department. Additionally, the position oversees the Department's litigation hold process, assists in evaluating litigation and settlement decisions, and helps ensure CDHS programs receive the legal and operational support necessary to advance the agency's mission and strategic objectives

Summary of Duties:
Coordination and Oversight of Legal Matters Across CDHS:

• This position consults with senior management, leadership team members, and division staff regarding CDHS's existing legal authority, including state law and regulation. This position manages CDHS's relationship with the AGO. This position reviews drafts of legislative language for bills on CDHS's legislative agenda. This position reviews documents gathered by CDHS in response to subpoenas to ensure the record's completion to the AGO (in consultation with the AGO when necessary) and sets policies to standardize responses and procedures where needed. This position may provide training where needed. This position reviews legal research and determines when additional legal research is needed. This position works directly with the Governor's Office of Legal Counsel on legal issues related to CDHS and other State agencies; however, this position does not provide legal advice on issues raised by the Governor's Office of Legal Counsel or other state agencies.
• This position works with the AGO to ensure that CDHS's legal activities continue to operate according to State and Federal statutes, including State Personnel Rules governing the CDHS offices, divisions, and programs. The position develops programs and initiatives to ensure that public dollars are being used effectively as it relates to legal matters and that there is consistent management of legal matters across CDHS.

Liaison to the Attorney General's Office:

• Serves as CDHS's point of contact regarding regular interactions with the AGO.

Supervision:

This position supervises six positions as follows:
1. Legal Operations Deputy (1 FTE in unit): Serves as the Deputy to the Chief Legal Officer and oversees Emergency Management and Buildings Operations, Division of Audit, Records, CORA, and the Office of Appeals.
2. Director of the Administrative Review Division (48 FTE in division): Serves as an independent third-party review system under the auspices of CDHS. ARD is the mechanism responsible for the federally required Case Review System and a portion of the Quality Assurance System for both the Division of Child Welfare and the Division of Youth Corrections.
3. Director of Quality Assurance & Standards Compliance (10 FTE in division): Facilitates Compliance Reviews and quarterly monitoring of the state-owned/operated Division of Youth Services facilities and Regional Offices. Facilitates survey readiness and review activities for the CDHS state-owned/operated 24/7 direct care facilities, including the Veterans Community Living Centers, Regional Centers, and Mental Health Institutes.
4. Director of Public Assistance Quality Assurance (22 FTE in division): Facilitates reviews of county-facing public assistance programs, including Adult Financial, Child Support Services, Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, Colorado Works, Low-income Energy Assistance Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
5. Director of Strategic Operations and Solutions (28 FTE in unit): Serves as the leader over the Performance Management and Strategic Initiatives units. SOS owns and facilitates the results-driven management system for CDHS.
6. Executive Assistant (1 FTE): Supports CLO and LOD functions from an operational and administrative standpoint.
Professional Development & Other Duties as Assigned :

• Participates in professional development coursework, training sessions, and/or seminars on an ongoing basis. Enhances individual and unit effectiveness by completing special projects and stretch assignments accordingly. Stays abreast of current developments and best practices; Maintains up-to-date knowledge of recurring issues and trends, labor laws, and legislative initiatives that have short- and long-term implications for CDHS.
  • Manages legal, legislative, or compliance issues as they arise.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Education and Experience: Juris Doctorate (JD) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school with current admission to the Colorado Bar as an attorney in good standing and a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience, which included:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience serving as a licensed attorney.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a formal supervisory role overseeing a large group of individuals.
• Professional public or business administration experience that demonstrates proficiency in the following areas:
  
  • Establishing and managing organizational structures.
  • Developing and implementing strategic work plans.
  • Budget development and financial control.
  • Setting organizational goals and objectives to achieve program results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with greater depth and breadth of experience than listed in the minimum qualifications.
• Human services or healthcare administration experience.
• Experience advising a Government, State agency, or other legislative/advisory board. Advocacy, settlement, procurement, and contract experience.
• Management experience coordinating and managing systems/organizations in a complex environment.
• Experience advising a Government, State agency, or other legislative/advisory board, including work as general counsel for any of the above or in the private legal sector.
• Experience advising elected or appointed officials.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership in a government organization.
• Expertise in employment law and civil litigation, with specific experience in legal matters supporting CDHS services, including public assistance benefits, child welfare, and aging/adult protective services. Preference for experience supervising mid-level supervisors.
• Proven experience in directing and leading mid-level managers.

Conditions of Employment

• Standard background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
• Out-of-State Driver's License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of employment start date.
• Position requires travel, sometimes over multiple days, to perform job duties.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
• Disclose that information on the application.
• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
  
  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.


If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions
Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).
Supplemental Information

• How to apply to the State of Colorado (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high-quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits, including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training, and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families, and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness, and access in every decision, policy, and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
• Collaboration helps us rise together:We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.

This includes 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives 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.
Additional Support For Your Application
Toll-Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g., uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

Toll-Free Applicant Technical Support
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01


Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.
02


The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information.
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

03


Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application.

• Yes
• No

04


If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.
05


The CDHS Chief Legal Officer supports decision-making by the Executive Director and Senior Executive Team on complex regulatory, legislative, and compliance matters. Describe your philosophy for embedding legal risk management into an agency's operations and strategic decision-making. Provide an example of how you successfully influenced executive leadership on a high-risk legal matter.
06


The role requires deep expertise in legal analysis of state and federal human services regulations (e.g., SNAP). Provide an example of a time you successfully interpreted complex, evolving federal regulatory requirements and translated them into clear, actionable policy guidance or internal controls for your organization to ensure program compliance.
07


Describe your experiences supervising and managing teams. Include whether you have supervised legal professionals and/or mid-level supervisors.
Required Question