Director of Programs

Director of Programs

Serve Colorado believes that service and volunteerism can be part of the solution to our greatest challenges. Coloradans are our greatest resource to respond to public health needs, address climate change, end childhood poverty, ensure food security, educate our kids, and create a Colorado for all.

Serve Colorado works under the direction of the Lt. Governor and the Governor's Commission on Community Service (Commission). We engage local communities across all 64 Colorado counties to determine priorities and create opportunities to serve. We approach our work with an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, seeking to develop new and unique cross-sector partnerships.

Serve Colorado also believes that to be effective all of our work must be done through the lens of equity and inclusion. Because service can be a pathway to opportunity, developing skills and creating leaders, everyone should have the opportunity to serve.

Position Summary

The Director of Programs is responsible for the management of Serve Colorado's federal, state, and nongovernmental grants, which include, but are not limited to, the AmeriCorps State grants and the commission support grants. The position oversees the agency's annual grant award process and ensures the provision of effective training and monitoring to grant recipients.

The Director of Programs oversees the design, implementation, and success of national service initiatives. The position is responsible for the supervision of assigned program staff, interns, and consultants as necessary.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Stewardship

• Works with the Executive Director to cultivate strategic partnerships and lead the design of the agency's strategic goals and objectives.
• Under the oversight of the Commission and the Executive Director, lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and objectives;
• Strategically manage Program and Impact Officers to ensure a balanced, compliant, and impactful program portfolio;
• Provides leadership for the program team, ensuring they have clear direction and support to achieve their individual and team objectives.
• Share responsibility with the Fiscal Officer to provide timely and accurate responses to Inspector General (IG) inquiries, investigations, or other federal or state oversight;
• Identify and develop opportunities for individuals to serve and/or volunteer;
• Work with the Executive Director and the Commission to develop and expand collaboration across the streams of national service;
• Represent Serve Colorado at various community and/or interagency meetings;
• Attend program events, graduations, and related program celebrations to support the AmeriCorps identity across the streams of service;
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field;
• Assess and develop the skills and abilities of direct reports and other Serve Colorado team members to ensure team resilience and cross-coverage support of all aspects of this role.

Grant and Operations Management

• Supervise/manage the preparation and submission of Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) grant applications, including, but not limited to, all Colorado AmeriCorps prime and commission support grants;
• Administer the timely and compliant submission of monthly, quarterly and/or yearly reports, including, but not limited to, programmatic progress reports, federal financial reports, and grant closeout reports;
• Work with the Executive Director, Controller, Director of Finance to prepare and maintain a budget that complies with federal and state laws and regulations;
• Develop and implement monitoring systems to ensure Serve Colorado's compliance with all required standards and policy and provision requirements;
• Train and provide work direction to staff, volunteers, interns, and/or VISTA program associates, as assigned;
• Provide staff support to the Governor's Commission on Community Service Committees, as needed;
• Coordinate with the AmeriCorps agency on a range of programmatic and grant related topics;
• Perform other such duties as assigned;

Grant Award Process

• Oversee all aspects of grant application review process including, but not limited to, publication of Request for Proposals; planning and developing policies, procedures, and timelines to solicit, review and select grant proposals; soliciting independent peer reviewers; coordinating the review process, and submitting recommendations to the Grant Review Committee and AmeriCorps;
• Work with the Commissioners and the Grant Review Committee to review and refine the annual grant award cycle to ensure a high quality, innovative and transparent process;
• Work with the Commissioners and Grant Review Committee to develop and enhance an applicant technical training process which results in high caliber and competitive grant applications;
• Share responsibility with the Director of Finance to manage the grant contracting processes with grantees, in compliance with state contract SMS system and state procurement rules, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in accordance with state and federal regulations;

Grantee Management and Development

• Coordinate the development and provision of timely and accurate technical training to grantees that supports their understanding, and compliance with, all applicable rules and regulations;
• Oversee the implementation of programming and support designed to strengthen grantee performance in areas including, but not limited to, grant management, program operations and member management;
• Supervise the review of grantee performance and evaluation, as well as the financial reimbursement requests and payments, ensuring accurate and timely information;
• Design and administer a grantee monitoring system to effectively prevent, detect and, if necessary, resolve areas of fiscal and programmatic non-compliance;
• Provide responsive customer service, high-quality support and targeted technical assistance to grantees;

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Position Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years working directly with the AmeriCorps State and National Program and AmeriCorps grants
• Strong vision for the role of national service in Colorado
• Proven management and effective supervisory skills
• Demonstrated experience in program conceptualization, development, and implementation;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents;
• Extensive knowledge of federal AmeriCorps program rules and regulations, policies and procedures, reporting requirements and/or fiscal rules;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• A minimum of two year's progressively responsible experience as a program manager, site supervisor, or program officer in AmeriCorps State or other national service program;
• Demonstrated experience providing fiscal and programmatic oversight

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/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks a year)
• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month (10 days a year)
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Medical and dental plans
• State paid life insurance policy of a minimum of $50,000 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
• Credit Union Membership
• RTD pass
• Training and professional development

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit:

Inclusion 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.