Strategic Initiatives Manager

The Strategic Initiatives Manager serves as the internal implementation and strategy lead for Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development (LCEWD). While Economic Development and Workforce Development teams lead the department's external programs and services, this position focuses on the internal systems, coordination, and execution needed to support those efforts. The role bridges strategy and operations by leading department-wide initiatives that span multiple divisions, aligning resources and stakeholders, and ensuring strategic priorities move from planning to implementation. Responsibilities include enterprise project management, strategic planning implementation, organizational coordination, performance tracking, governance, change enablement, and continuous improvement to strengthen the department's ability to achieve long-term outcomes. Rather than being responsible for an operational division or individual program area, this position works across LCEWD to ensure leadership identified strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans and measurable results. The individual serves as a business-side project support, connecting leadership, program teams, County departments, technology partners, and external stakeholders to align efforts, facilitate collaboration, and advance department-wide initiatives. The position brings a business-minded perspective, supports data-informed decision-making by developing performance measures, tracking progress toward strategic goals, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. Through effective project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional coordination, this role helps position Larimer County as a leader in innovative economic and workforce development. LCEWD carefully recruits staff to build on our existing culture of collaboration, respect, inclusiveness, and innovation. We value all types of diversity, and we value the journey and recognize skills can be demonstrated through a variety of professional and personal experiences. We believe in having purpose and balance in life and support employee flexibility. Our department is passionate about serving people, businesses, and our community. What you'll be doing: Lead implementation of Economic & Workforce Development's responsibilities within the Larimer County Strategic Plan by translating strategic priorities into coordinated projects, implementation plans, measurable outcomes, and actionable initiatives, with emphasis on the opportunity economy, equitable economic mobility, and development of the regional care workforce. Serve as project manager for complex, high-impact strategic initiatives, including implementation of the NSF ASCEND Engine and other grant-funded projects. Develop project objectives, scopes, timelines, deliverables, stakeholder engagement plans, and performance measures to ensure successful execution and alignment with organizational priorities. Facilitate implementation of new initiatives by applying project management methodologies, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, identifying risks, and supporting successful integration of new processes, services, and initiatives across staff, leadership, and community partners. Analyze organizational performance, strategic priorities, operational trends, and internal and external data to identify opportunities, assess risks, and provide evidence-based recommendations that inform strategic planning, project implementation, and executive decision-making. Build and maintain collaborative partnerships that support strategic priorities, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and drive successful project outcomes. Identify, develop, and implement new workforce initiatives in partnership with economic development initiatives by coordinating project activities, aligning resources, leveraging external funding opportunities, managing implementation timelines, and supporting department readiness to respond to emerging regional opportunities. Serve as a strategic advisor to department leadership by coordinating enterprise initiatives, preparing executive briefings and project updates, facilitating cross-functional discussions, tracking progress toward strategic priorities, and providing recommendations to support informed decision-making. To view the full job description, visit What we're looking for: A strategic and systems thinker who understands the intersection of workforce development, economic development, education, business needs, and organizational priorities, with the ability to translate complex challenges into actionable initiatives. Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate opportunities through employer demand, workforce supply, regional economic conditions, organizational priorities, and project feasibility considerations. Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders, business units, community partners, and funding sources from planning through successful implementation. Skilled in strategic planning, project management methodologies, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, facilitation, implementation planning, and performance measurement. Ability to influence without direct authority by building relationships, establishing shared goals, coordinating stakeholders, and creating alignment across diverse organizations and internal teams. Excellent communication, presentation, relationship-building, facilitation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to communicate complex initiatives, project status, risks, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders. Innovative mindset with the ability to identify emerging trends, assess opportunities, develop solutions, and translate strategic concepts into practical projects and measurable outcomes. All candidates will be screened for the following required minimum qualifications. Any candidate who does not meet all of the qualifications listed as required will be eliminated from the process. Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is required. Related education or experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Three (3) years' project management and/or program management experience. Organizational Change Management Training and/or certification preferred. Possess reliable transportation to be able work anywhere in the County as needed and required. Benefits Here's what Larimer County offers for all Regular, Limited Term, and Appointed positions: Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits FSA or HSA (depending on the medical plan) Short- and Long-Term Disability Employee Assistance Program Basic Life/AD&D Insurance Accident and Critical Illness Insurance Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match 457(b) Deferred Compensation Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays Want to dive into the details? Check out Larimer County's Benefits. Schedule This is a full-time, limited-term position through February 2029. The position is based at the Larimer County offices located at 200 W. Oak Street in Fort Collins, Colorado and will primarily work in an office setting. After successful completion of the probationary period, the position may be eligible for hybrid work options based on department needs, job responsibilities, performance expectations, and County policies. Other information An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre-employment checks or testing. All application components must be submitted by 11:59 PM MT on the closing date listed. Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Larimer County