Program Manager

Conservation Market Expansion Program ManagerThis division exists to provide oversight and coordination of CDA's efforts to protect and enhance the state's agricultural activities, including land use and range management, conservation, soil and vegetation management, grazing rights on public lands, water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, endangered species, and energy development. The purpose of the division also includes administrative and financial assistance to the 76 conservation districts, and oversight and administration of the noxious weed, bio-control (insectary), groundwater, chemigation, and weed-free forage programs. It also includes coordination and collaboration with other states and federal agencies. Major Objectives of the Position:The Conservation Market Expansion Program Manager is a strategic leader responsible for managing the cross-division coordination, organization, and execution of the $16M budget for the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant and program. The Program Manager will directly influence the success of projects funded by the AMP Grant, uplifting conservation efforts and advancing marketing opportunities for farmers and ranchers across industries from every area of the state. The Program Manager will be responsible for distributing more than $13 million dollars over 2 years to support producers implementing conservation practices (soil health, noxious weeds, climate resilience, and others) and support producers engaging in new markets. The position will also be responsible for developing a program-wide strategy and workflow that aligns with division programs and federal funding rules. This program will have a lasting impact on the Colorado agricultural industry, and this position will determine the success or failure of the program.The Conservation Market Expansion Program Manager:Creates and leads the implementation of internal structures, workflows, and processes to support execution on grant deliverables, including distributing $13.7M directly to Colorado farmers and ranchers. Leads AMP project efforts across teams and divisions, including the Markets Division and Conservation Services Division (CSD), ensuring programs that utilize AMP funding execute on project deliverables and reporting requirements.Creates guidelines and program rules and makes daily decisions that will impact Colorado farmers and ranchers and their ability to apply for or spend these grant awards.Liaisons between CSD, Markets, and the Commissioners' Office, coordinating with the AMP Steering Committee to ensure successful project implementation.Maintains communication and coordination with federal partners at USDA-NRCS, advancing goals of the AMP program for the state of Colorado in coordination with CDA's core values and strategic mission.Primary Duties:Design and oversee various rules, processes, and guidelines related to distribution of AMP funding through grants.These design decisions will determine if and how farmers and ranchers can apply for and use these fundsThey will also determine rules around verification and grant management, including impacts to producers who have not met grant goals.Lead strategic decision-making and execution of grant programs associated with this program with the program team, AMP Steering committee and CDA leadership.Assist the program team in identifying impactful opportunities for program funds.Develop, monitor, and evaluate inputs, outputs, and outcomes of individual grant awards and develop other organizational tools to track program progress.Develop grant reporting requirements that will impact farmers and ranchers.Provide regular status updates through in-person briefings, written reports, and other communication methods to inform the AMP Steering Committee and CDA leadership.Manage environmental review process, per federal regulations.Lead internal meetings with program managers across the Department that are working on AMP-funded programsEnsure all state and federal reporting deadlines are met by internal staff.Utilize reporting from grant specialists in each division to track and monitor the program budget, identify and resolve any financial issues successfully.Comply with all procurement and grant procedures and policies.Establish and follow processes to prevent fraud, waste and abuse of program funding.Create processes that other departments will utilize to manage their own grant and grant reporting.Internal Cross-Team Coordination & Strategy:Creating an organized internal and external communications strategy for AMP-related updates and deadlines as needed.Working with other departments (including Department of Natural Resources, Depart of Local Affairs) to demonstrate how this program will overlap and intersect with their programs, and design clear rules and strategies to align programs and meet goals. These departments will have to adjust their program design and program reporting requirements to account for the new AMP program. This position will help other departments revise their program rules and guidance.Assist program managers, at CDA and across the state, with the development, promotion, review, selection, awarding of grants through various Department programs.Disseminate to the necessary staff, all federal and state compliance requirements in administering AMP funding.Scheduling, hosting, and coordinating cross-team and cross-department program updates in both virtual and in-person settings.Presenting AMP updates to the AMP Steering Committee, Agricultural Commission, other Departments, including the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the State Land Board, various stakeholder meetings, advisory councils, and others as needed.Coordination with Federal Agencies (Grantor):Compile and submit reports and invoices to USDA timely and accurately, with support from program staff, CDA's accounting team, and the AMP Steering Committee. Submit semi annual reporting to NRCS using their required reporting spreadsheet.Advocate for CDA's policy and programs. Promote Colorado producers, farmers, ranchers, and ag businesses.Ensure CDA is in compliance with grant agreement and grant rules. Work with CDA's Procurement team to report grant progress and request reimbursements.Ensure CDA's AMP-funded grants are processed per state and federal requirements.Attend training, meetings, or conferences required through the AMP grant award.Oversee a successful close out grant and wind down of the AMP grant program.Work with federal partners to ensure a smooth reporting and invoicing process.Allocate and monitor AMP funding awards, encumbrances, and expenditures across programs and teams.Compile program results and statistical data to provide reports to USDA-NRCS and the AMP Steering Committee to relay programmatic performance and implementation.Outreach and Engagement:Assist program managers in the promotion of AMP grant opportunities, including online and in-person workshop or information sessionsDevelop electronic and print promotion material.Gather feedback as needed on project prioritiesInform the CDA of areas of need within the state, including technicalities specific to certain industriesInform producers of upcoming project opportunities funded by AMP grant dollars through conference presentations, webinars, or other engagement opportunitiesAttend site visits across Colorado to visit with granteesThis position will need to travel within the state a few times a year. When possible, a Fleet Car will be provided.