Senior Manager SBDC Operations & Programs

The Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) fosters a positive business climate and encourages quality economic development through the support of local and regional economic development activities across the state. A comprehensive slate of programs within OEDIT's divisions work together to offer economic development services for all Colorado businesses - new and expanding, traditional and emerging, small and large. The service offerings include retention programs to ensure continued competitiveness of Colorado's economic base and job training to keep Colorado's workforce the best in the nation.

As a U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Resource Partner, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) empowers entrepreneurs and business owners to successfully navigate their full business lifecycle-from launch through growth to exit-by delivering business advising and other technical assistance (e.g., training) as well as connecting them to community resources. The Colorado SBDC consists of a network of 14 Service Centers across the state hosted by institutes of higher education, city and county governments, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and incubators.

The Business Support Division consists of four major programs within OEDIT: Employee Ownership Office (EOO), Cannabis Business Office (CBO), Minority Business Office (MBO), and the Colorado SBDC.

The position offers full-time employment as an exempt, at-will State of Colorado Employee with an anticipated duration through June 2027, with the possibility of extension based on available funding.

The Senior Manager, SBDC Operations & Programs (Sr. Manager) will oversee and align the network's long-term operational and programmatic strategy with efficient day-to-day service delivery across the statewide SBDC Network while maintaining compliance with federal and state funders. The Sr. Manager will be responsible for several on-going and new programs across the Network. This position has one direct report who manages some of the programs, with the Sr. Manager directly managing two programs (see below). Program management encompasses the overall operations, including project, financial, and compliance management, and is not solely focused on training. This could include contract negotiation and management, statement of work development, and reporting in order for the SBDC service centers to provide technical assistance to Colorado small businesses.

As noted above, the Sr. Manager will directly manage two programs executed through the SBDC Lead Center and 14 Service Centers to reach all Coloradans: the U.S. Department of the Treasury (UST) State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) Program and the Economic Resilience TA Program. The Sr. Manager will oversee other programs managed by their direct report or other SBDC Lead Center staff to ensure productive operation of all client services. Additionally, the Sr. Manager will lead the SBDC Network's Program Committee, which coordinates and evaluates training activities provided by the SBDC centers.

The Sr. Manager will also develop, implement, and ensure network fidelity to standardized operational policies and procedures across the state to ensure consistency, quality of service delivery, and grant compliance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee statewide SBDC network operations and program strategy for the Colorado SBDC Network, in coordination with the Lead Center, 14 Service Centers, and the Program Committee

• Oversee and execute the UST SSBCI TA Program (federally funded) and manage performance throughout the Network, including contracts, reporting, compliance, supporting service centers in execution, and maintaining relationships with SSBCI stakeholders

• Oversee and execute the Economic Resilience TA Program, including contracting subject matter experts (SMEs); manage performance throughout the network, including proposals, procurement, compliance, and reporting

• Connect business owners impacted by COVID-19 with no- or low-cost SBDC and OEDIT resources to aid in recovery and resiliency

• Manage procurement process for program-specific funds, ensuring compliance across the Network with all funding requirements; Tasks may include developing statements of work (SOWs), coordinating efforts with the SBDC fiscal and compliance lead, working with OEDIT Procurement staff on contract vehicles, and interpreting regulations and program requirements into procurement language

• Work with directors and staff members at all SBDC Service Centers to coordinate training and programs, ensuring collaboration and efficiency across the state; Tasks may include identifying redundancy and developing unified training courses in addition to managing schedules to avoid overlap

• Work with the SBDC State Director to conduct annual Program Reviews of each service center in accordance with the SBA cooperative grant agreement

• Manage one full-time Program Manager, providing support through goal-setting, accountability, thought partnership, and professional development

• Lead the Program Committee, ensuring active engagement and regular meetings with clear objectives; Tasks will include partnering with SBDC center directors and staff to ensure a smooth and collaborative transition as locally-developed courses are integrated into a unified, efficient statewide training strategy.

• Identify, perform due diligence for, and manage new program opportunities for the SBDC Network

• Work with other Lead Center staff to ensure accurate network economic performance tracking, benchmarking, and reporting

• Manage course creation projects for the SBDC Network, including work with Program Committee, OEDIT Learning Management System (LMS) staff, internal and contracted SMEs, and other contractors to develop course content; create online courses on the LMS; develop course materials for hybrid courses (i.e., mix of online and in-person coursework); transcreate the courses and materials (where needed); seek feedback from clients and SMEs about the courses; and update the courses and resources as needed

• Create, manage, and analyze dashboards for SBDC service center goals and performance metrics

• Create and maintain relationships with all 14 service centers, program staff, and SBA key contacts, providing support and resources as needed

• Develop and implement standardized operational policies and procedures for all service centers to ensure consistency and quality of service delivery across the state.

• Develop and maintain a system for internal controls and risk management related to network operations

• Represent the Colorado SBDC at events and presentations, as necessary

• Work with the State Director and SBDC Lead Center to plan and facilitate network gatherings and meetings

• Support the network's accreditation self-study and review process every five years

• Other duties as assigned

Disclaimer: This posting provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job posting may change at the discretion of the employee's direct supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities preferred.

• Experience managing projects from concept to delivery and meeting fixed deadlines, with previous project management experience preferred.

• Complex program management, including contract negotiations/management, statement of work development, communications and relationship management, multi-entity coordination, compliance monitoring, and reporting.

• Experience managing numerous internal and external stakeholders to meet performance metrics and deadlines, with previous grant management experience preferred.

• Ability to effectively work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; prioritize and support multiple projects and/or work tasks/initiatives; and apply effective problem-solving skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders (e.g., staff members, clients, vendors) and provide a high-level of customer service as well as apply conflict resolution.

• Must be detail oriented and possess exceptional organizational skills, with demonstrated time management and analytical abilities.

• Ability to accurately and efficiently complete required documentation, status update reports, and grant reports (some with fixed deadlines).

• Familiarity with government procurement and contracting processes preferred.

• Familiarity with an online learning management system (LMS) is a plus.

• Must be honest, trustworthy, and demonstrate a high degree of integrity and ethical behavior.

• Must be a self-motivated team player who is a creative and strategic thinker, with previous change management experience preferred.

• Ability to represent the Colorado SBDC and OEDIT in presentations and at events.

• Outstanding customer service skills, including maintaining a positive attitude, actively listening to needs, and calmly responding to requests

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, able to prioritize multiple initiatives

• Must be a creative and strategic thinker with effective oral and written communication

• Ability to do detailed work, as many reporting requirements necessitate zero-error type deliverables (such as federal grant reports)

• Ability to work a hybrid schedule in downtown Denver and remotely

Competencies

• Communication: Is understood by and understands others; effectively persuades and influences others; clearly articulates key points when writing and speaking; active listener

• Teamwork: Builds and supports effective teams; encourages a spirit of participation and belonging; enhances group cohesiveness by emphasizing team objectives and reinforcing cooperation

• Problem Solving and Adaptability: Identifies and defines a problem; gathers and analyzes information; determines potential solutions and decides on course of action(s); accountable for and learns from decisions; responds to new information and/or situation and adapts to updated priorities and/or requirements.

• Relationship Management: Builds collaborative relationships and effectively manages relationships within OEDIT, with the SBDC network (includes SBDC Service Center Directors and staff statewide), and with external community partners

Education / Experience

• 4+ years of experience in grant/project/program management and operations, with a preference for previous experience with the SBDC (this may include internships, volunteer work, or other applicable experience)

• Demonstrated acumen and excitement to work at the convergence of public sectors at the local, state, and federal level supporting private sector businesses

• BA preferred but relevant experience will be considered as an alternative

• Experience with project management, change management, and/or process improvement is preferred

• Experience with government procurement and/or contract management is preferred

Salary Range: $82,000 - $90,000 Annually

This position is considered non-classified, which means the position is not part of the Colorado State Personnel System. Therefore, the individual appointed to this position is considered at-will, and is not covered by the State Personnel Rules or the State Classification System. However, this position does come with the same benefits (retirement, insurance, etc.) as every other State employee, and with the same opportunities, pride and passion that comes with working for the great State of Colorado. Even though employment is at-will, non-classified positions have protections against discrimination and retaliation in state and federal employment laws. "At-will" employment means that either the employee or the State may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason or no reason, with or without notice or cause, as long as no federal or state law is violated.

A wide salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work. While all offers are compliant with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, there is no guarantee an offer will be at the top of the posted range based on the salary analysis.

Benefits

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers generous benefits to full-time employees including:

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month

• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month

• 11 paid holidays per year

• Medical plans - choice of Cigna or Kaiser; several plan options (including High Deductible Health Plan with HSA); most plans offered with significant state contribution towards premium

• Dental and vision plans

• Flexible spending accounts

• State-paid life insurance policy of $50,000

• Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined contribution or defined benefit) with generous state contribution

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans for additional retirement savings

• State-paid short-term disability coverage

• Additional optional life and disability plans

• Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program

• Membership opportunity with the Credit Union of Colorado

• RTD (transit) EcoPass

• Training and professional development

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

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

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.

To learn more about the "State of Colorado For All", visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion website.

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor 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 Staffing Coordinator, the Director of Human Resources: jennifer.salvatore@state.co.us

Application

Your application 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.

Due to the large volume of resumes we receive, we do not acknowledge receipt of each application and are unable to give status updates. If a strong match is found between your qualifications and the requirements of the position, a member of the recruiting staff will contact you to further discuss the career opportunity.