Director of Statewide Performance (internal candidate only).

This announcement is open only to eligible individuals currently employed within the Office of Operations within the Office of the Governor.

About the role

The Director of Statewide Performance oversees the statewide performance management system, including the development and execution of high-priority goals and strategic plans for each Department under the Executive Branch. The Director leads the Governor’s Office of Operations alongside the Deputy Chief of Staff to organize the executive branch to deliver on policy priorities, implement initiatives to improve agency operational performance, and address operational challenges across the State as they arise. The Director also supports the Deputy Chief of Staff in other responsibilities, including representing the Deputy Chief of Staff in various internal and external meetings, assisting with day-to-day Cabinet operations, and other responsibilities as assigned.

This is a full-time, exempt position funded through December 2026. The Director reports to the Deputy Chief of Staff for State Agency Operations & Cabinet Affairs and directly supervises a team of 3-6 Operations Advisors, the Operations Data Analyst, and the Operations Coordinator. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is expected.

Responsibilities

• Operationalize the Governor’s priorities by coordinating with State Agencies and facilitating cross-functional teams within executive branch agencies, community stakeholders, and/or vendors to execute initiatives.
• Maintain the State’s performance management system in compliance with the SMART Act, including:
  • The Governor’s Dashboard (https://dashboard.colorado.gov/);
  • The State’s performance management guidelines;
  • Coaching State agencies on setting strong performance metrics;
  • Monitoring goal progress and resolving barriers.
• Oversee the Operations team’s professional development portfolio, including courses offered to state employees, leadership training programs, and employee recognition awards.
• Oversee the work of the Operations Advisors, including maintaining a project pipeline, making recommendations on priority projects, conducting regular reviews and retrospectives to improve team performance, and monitoring project execution.
• Ensure Executive Leaders are adequately briefed on key issues regarding Department performance and other priority issues.
• Scope each initiative or project, including identifying stakeholders, key outcomes, and creating project plans.
• Assist the Deputy Chief of Staff in daily responsibilities, including acting as their representative and ensuring they are briefed on key state issues.
• Support the management of the Governor’s Cabinet, including the annual review process, monthly check-in meetings, and coordination of bi-annual cabinet retreats.

Requirements

• Strong analytical skills, with a sound understanding of statistics and the ability to use data to inform decisions and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize and motivate teams around shared goals, set direction in a complex environment, make difficult decisions, and deliver tough messages with grace.
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation to follow up on projects, information, and issues until resolved.
• Empathetic and creative problem solver able to listen, understand, and lead decision-makers at all levels of state government in an emotionally intelligent manner.
• Enthusiasm for the power of performance management, data, and information to drive positive outcomes.
• Political savvy to coach agency leaders and advisors on connecting public expectations to government work.
• Ability to understand employee motivations and concerns, rally teams around common goals, and advise senior executives.

Qualifications

Minimum Education/Experience:

• At least eight (8) years of relevant experience, which may be exclusively work experience or a combination of higher education, training, and work experience.
• Options include:
  • Eight (8) years of professional experience in a related field; or
  • A bachelor's degree and four (4) years of relevant work experience; or
  • An associate degree and six (6) years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A degree in political science, public policy, business administration, organizational effectiveness, or a related field.
• Previous experience in government or business administration, project management, process improvement, data analytics, customer service, or a related field.

Conditions of Employment: Currently employed within the Office of Operations within the Office of the Governor.

Benefits

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks per year).
• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours per month (10 days per 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 opportunities.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.