Project Manager I - Project Management Unit

About the Department

This position is hybrid at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs.  The employee may still be required to report to the agency address listed on this announcement

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 

We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.  We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Mission - To advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.

Vision - To create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

CDPHE offers: 

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.

• Flexible working arrangements

• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans

• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off

• Tuition assistance 

• Wellness programs

• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Position Duties

The Work Unit: The team performs project management and process improvement across the Disease Control & Public Health Response Division (DCPHR). This position supports DCPHR Leaders, key project stake holders, as well as the Division’s relevant external community stakeholders as a source for project management leadership and expertise by developing, integrating and promoting project management best practice standards, quality and methodologies This position provides a channel of communication for project status, financial health, and mitigation of issues, risks, and dependencies across projects, which can involve other departments, and/or divisions

What You Will Do: This position provides specialized project management leadership for complex public health initiatives within the Epidemiology and Laboratory Sections that require the integration of advanced project management methodologies with specialized knowledge of epidemiology, disease surveillance, electronic disease reporting, laboratory operations, and public health program requirements. The position serves as the Division's staff authority for project management within these highly specialized program areas, independently advising leadership on project strategy, implementation approaches, operational risks, and organizational readiness. By integrating project management expertise with technical understanding of Epidemiology and Laboratory operations, the position leads cross functional initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation, ensuring projects are strategically aligned, operationally feasible, and support DCPHR's public health mission. The position also provides specialized project management expertise for other Division initiatives when this unique combination of competencies is needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides specialized project management leadership for complex initiatives within the Epidemiology and Laboratory Sections that require integration of advanced project management methodologies with specialized knowledge of epidemiology, disease surveillance, electronic disease reporting, laboratory operations, and public health program requirements. 
• Leads and coordinates complex cross-functional initiatives from project initiation through implementation and evaluation by translating highly technical public health, laboratory, and epidemiologic business requirements into executable project plans and operational solutions. 
• Facilitates collaboration among epidemiologists, laboratorians, informaticians, program leadership, operational staff, technology partners, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are technically sound, operationally feasible, and aligned with Division priorities. 
• Develops project governance structures, implementation plans, communication strategies, performance measures, and reporting processes that support successful project execution. Advises leadership on project prioritization, resource considerations, implementation risks, and change management strategies.
• Develops and implements project management standards, tools, and best practices that improve consistency and effectiveness across Epidemiology and Laboratory initiatives while supporting broader Division priorities as assigned.
• Serves as a strategic communication and implementation partner for Division leadership, Epidemiology and Laboratory programs, and project stakeholders by translating complex public health, epidemiologic, laboratory, and operational information into actionable recommendations, implementation strategies, and communication approaches. 
• Provides specialized consultation regarding stakeholder engagement, organizational readiness, implementation risks, and change impacts associated with complex public health initiatives. 
• Advises leadership on communication strategies necessary to support project success, operational adoption, and achievement of program objectives. 
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among epidemiologists, laboratorians, program managers, informaticians, operational staff, healthcare partners, vendors, and leadership to establish shared understanding of project goals, operational requirements, implementation constraints, and organizational impacts.
• Develops and disseminates project communications, executive briefings, implementation updates, recommendations, and stakeholder engagement materials that support informed decision-making and successful implementation of Division priorities.
• Interprets stakeholder feedback, identifies recurring themes, evaluates operational impacts, and provides recommendations to leadership regarding project direction, communication approaches, and implementation strategies.
• Serves as the Division's staff authority for specialized project management within the Epidemiology and Laboratory Sections by integrating advanced project management methodologies with specialized knowledge of epidemiology, disease surveillance, electronic disease reporting, laboratory operations, and public health program requirements. 
• The position exercises independent judgment in evaluating complex operational and technical issues and provides specialized consultation to leadership regarding project strategy, implementation approaches, organizational readiness, operational risks, and process improvements affecting these highly specialized program areas. 
• Management relies on the position's recommendations when making decisions regarding the planning, prioritization, implementation, and evaluation of complex public health initiatives. 
• Develops project management standards, implementation strategies, governance approaches, and operational recommendations that support consistent execution of Division priorities. Through specialized project management expertise within the Epidemiology and Laboratory environment, the position influences program direction without exercising formal supervisory authority. 
• Provides consultation, guidance, and mentoring to project teams and program staff regarding project management methodologies, implementation planning, organizational change, and continuous improvement as they relate to complex epidemiology and laboratory initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. 

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience Only:

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in leading process strategies and technology solutions, performance strategies, project management and planning and implementation of the missions of the organization or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in public health administration,  public health program management, business management or a closely related field and/or relevant experience in leading process strategies and technology solutions, performance strategies, project management and planning and implementation of the missions of the organization or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to seven (7) years.

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:  

• Experience designing workflow and process strategies.
• Experience in designing and monitoring implementation of new technology solutions.
• Experience analyzing data to identify process performance areas.
• Experience creating and presenting process reports for stakeholders.
• Experience managing a high volume of rapid-turnaround media inquiries under tight deadlines
• Experience working with diverse groups and general public
• Experience with digital engagement platforms, analytics and communications tools
• Experience collaborating with executives, business stakeholders
• Experience with contingency planning to adapt and prioritize multiple competing priorities

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Critical Status: Must be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Other Qualifications

A complete application packet must include

• Completed State of Colorado application

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations

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. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 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 to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator at [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

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.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of ColoradoAddress See the full announcement by clicking
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Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/