Innovation Program Director

About the Role

The Innovation Program Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and technical direction for the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Innovation Program within the Administration and Innovation Division. The position leads Department-wide innovation, enterprise technology, digital services, governance, and data modernization initiatives that improve customer experience, operational efficiency, transparency, and organizational resilience.

The Director advances modernization efforts by coordinating enterprise technology initiatives, strengthening governance and project prioritization processes, improving business processes, and advancing consistent data practices across DEC programs. The position provides oversight of core operational platforms and digital services, including ANR Online (nFORM), Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), Office 365 and Microsoft Power Platform solutions, DEC web services, SharePoint environments, business intelligence initiatives, and quality management activities. The role supports secure, sustainable technology solutions aligned with State technology, security, and governance standards.

The Innovation Program Director also serves as DEC's Quality Assurance Manager, overseeing quality management activities, federal compliance, and electronic data exchange initiatives supporting environmental reporting and permitting modernization. The position supervises professional and technical staff, establishes priorities, develops staff, and represents DEC in technology, governance, and modernization initiatives across the Department, Agency, State, and federal partners.

A Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent project management certification is preferred. This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the future of environmental services in Vermont. DEC is committed to protecting Vermont's natural resources through innovative, customer-focused programs that promote environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resilience. The Director will join a collaborative executive leadership team dedicated to operational excellence, digital transformation, and responsible innovation in support of the Department's mission.

DEC operates in a hybrid work environment that supports both remote work and designated in-office Core Days. Telework arrangements are available based on individual approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for DEC's Innovation Program.
• Lead Department-wide innovation, enterprise technology, digital services, governance, and data modernization initiatives.
• Coordinate enterprise technology initiatives and strengthen governance and project prioritization processes.
• Improve business processes and advance consistent data practices across DEC programs.
• Oversee core operational platforms and digital services, including ANR Online (nFORM), Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), Office 365, Microsoft Power Platform solutions, DEC web services, SharePoint environments, and business intelligence initiatives.
• Support secure, sustainable technology solutions aligned with State technology, security, and governance standards.
• Serve as DEC's Quality Assurance Manager, overseeing quality management activities, federal compliance, and electronic data exchange initiatives.
• Supervise professional and technical staff, establish priorities, and develop staff.
• Represent DEC in technology, governance, and modernization initiatives across the Department, Agency, State, and federal partners.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• Master's degree in accounting, business or public administration, office administration, or a related field AND one (1) year or more of professional-level experience performing and supervising administrative functions for a moderate-sized office, department, or agency.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business or public administration, office administration, or a related field AND three (3) years or more of professional-level experience performing and supervising administrative functions for a moderate-sized office, department, or agency.
• Bachelor's degree AND five (5) years or more of professional-level experience performing and supervising administrative functions for a moderate-sized office, department, or agency.
• Two years of full-time college coursework or associate's degree AND seven (7) years or more of professional-level experience performing and supervising administrative functions for a moderate-sized office, department, or agency.
• High School diploma or equivalent AND nine (9) years or more of professional-level experience performing and supervising administrative functions for a moderate-sized office, department, or agency.
• One (1) year or more of experience as an Administrative Services Manager III with the State of Vermont.

Note: Only administrative work experience is qualifying. Administrative support includes functions such as accounting, budget management, grant administration, finance, human resources, payroll, purchasing, or space management.

Special Requirements

For some positions, experience working with the VISION system (the State of Vermont PeopleSoft financial management system) may be required.

Benefits

As a State employee, you are offered a comprehensive benefits package worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• Two ways to save for retirement: A State-defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Low-cost group life insurance.
• Incentive-based Wellness Program.
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

For more details, explore the Benefits of State Employment on the State's website.