Assistant Commissioner- Non-Classified

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Health insurance

Pension/RETirement (PERA)

RTD Eco Pass

Paid holidays

Professional development

Remote work option

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Colorado Department of Education (CDE) seeks an experienced Assistant Commissioner to lead the Student Pathways and Engagement Division. You will guide executive leadership, strategic priorities, and program oversight across AEI, OSS, DPSR, MEP, SHS, and HES, driving policy, compliance, and outcomes.

You will manage budgets, staff, and interagency partnerships, ensuring equity, accountability, and service excellence while reporting to the Commissioner and Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in education, government, nonprofit, or a similarly complex organization.
• Experience leading professional staff through managers, directors, or other program leaders.
• Experience managing significant organizational resources including budgets and staffing.
• Experience developing, interpreting, or implementing complex public policy and advising executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive direction for state and federal education policies and programs within the division.
• Establish division-wide policy priorities and direct implementation strategies and accountability measures.
• Direct coordination with state agencies and partners to advance statewide educational priorities.
• Lead strategic planning, performance measurement, and cross-divisional initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Public policy

Budget management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, or related field

Job description

Colorado Department of Education – What We Do

This position is not part of the classified personnel system; applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado.

Incumbent will be required to live in and complete work for CDE within Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 184 school districts, 1,886 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.

Why Work For CDE

The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
• Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
• Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals.
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org.
• Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply).
• Paid professional development opportunities.

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 relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Work Environment:

This position is full-time, supported by state funds (contingent upon funding availability), and is eligible for a hybrid work environment.

• Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
• 30% Travel required within Denver Metro/Downtown Within State of Colorado for Meetings/Training.
• Driving Required(Please see description under Conditions of Employment).
• A Remote (Home) office is required.
• Required to report to the work location three days/week.
• Essential Functions (ADAAA)
  • LIGHT/Office environment:
    • Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
    • May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally.
    • Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
    • Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
  • DL Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle (Or State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle/Colorado DL required) to complete travel requirements.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Commissioner of Student Pathways and Engagement provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Student Pathways and Engagement Division, encompassing the Adult Education Initiatives Office (AEI), Office of Student Support (OSS), Dropout Prevention and Student Re-Engagement Office (DPSR), Migrant Education Program (MEP), School Health Services Office (SHS), and Health Education Services Office (HES).

The position is accountable for establishing and executing division-wide strategic priorities, directing programs and operations through subordinate leadership, overseeing fiscal and human resources, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state requirements, and evaluating organizational performance and outcomes.

As a member of CDE's executive leadership, the Assistant Commissioner advises the Commissioner and Commissioner’s Leadership Team on matters within the division's scope and exercises delegated executive authority to make organizational, operational, and programmatic decisions consistent with department priorities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Policy/Program Development and Implementation (35%)

• Provide executive direction and oversight for the development, implementation, and administration of state and federal education policies, programs, statutes, regulations, and State Board rules within the Student Pathways and Engagement Division.
• Establish division-wide policy and program priorities, directing subordinate leadership in the development of operational frameworks, implementation strategies, procedures, and accountability measures.
• Exercise delegated decision-making authority regarding division program operations, policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and resolution of complex issues affecting multiple subordinate units or offices
• Direct the evaluation of existing programs, policies, and implementation practices to determine effectiveness, identify systemic challenges, and establish priorities for improvement or redesign.
• Oversee compliance with applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, funding requirements, and State Board rules, ensuring subordinate leadership implements appropriate monitoring, corrective action, and accountability processes.
• Provide executive review and direction for policy recommendations, rulemaking proposals, legislative analyses, and State Board materials originating within the division.
• Advise the Commissioner, State Board of Education, and department leadership on significant policy matters, legislative developments, program risks, and strategic implications affecting the division's areas of responsibility.
• Direct coordinated policy and program implementation across subordinate offices, resolving competing priorities, overlapping responsibilities, and complex cross-program issues.
• Establish expectations for program evaluation, performance monitoring, continuous improvement, and evidence-informed decision-making across the division.
• Identify emerging statewide needs and determine division-level programmatic and policy responses within delegated authority, recommending department-wide policy or statutory changes when necessary.

Partner Engagement and Customer Service (25%)

• Serve as CDE's executive representative for matters within the Student Pathways and Engagement Division, engaging state and federal agencies, educational organizations, legislative stakeholders, professional associations, and community partners.
• Establish and direct division-wide stakeholder engagement and interagency partnership strategies to advance statewide educational priorities and improve coordination of services and programs.
• Exercise delegated authority to represent the department in executive-level discussions, negotiations, and collaborative initiatives concerning division programs, policies, and strategic priorities.
• Direct the development and implementation of strategic partnerships with state agencies, educational institutions, school districts, community organizations, and other entities to advance division goals and improve statewide service delivery.
• Provide executive leadership in coordinating cross-agency initiatives involving CDHE, CDPHE, HCPF, BHA, CCCS, CWDC, CDHS, CDLE, and other partners whose responsibilities intersect with the division's programs.
• Establish division-wide expectations for stakeholder engagement, communication, responsiveness, and customer service, holding subordinate leadership accountable for consistent and effective implementation.
• Advise the Commissioner and department leadership on emerging stakeholder concerns, interagency challenges, statewide service gaps, and opportunities for coordinated policy or programmatic responses.
• Represent the department in legislative and public policy discussions, in coordination with CDE's policy team and within delegated authority.
• Direct the resolution of significant interagency or stakeholder issues that affect multiple programs or organizational units, including establishing coordinated responses and recommending executive action when appropriate.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of major partnerships and external engagement strategies, directing adjustments to strengthen statewide outcomes and alignment with department priorities.

Division Leadership (20%)

• Direct and oversee all organizational units, offices, and programs within the Student Pathways and Engagement unit Division, establishing division-wide expectations for operational performance, accountability, service delivery, and achievement of strategic priorities.
• Exercise delegated executive authority over division operations, organizational structure, staffing priorities, resource allocation, and management practices, consistent with department policies and approved budgets.
• Provide executive leadership to subordinate directors and other management staff, establishing performance expectations, evaluating leadership effectiveness, supporting professional development, and holding leaders accountable for organizational and programmatic outcomes.
• Establish division-wide operational standards, management practices, accountability structures, and decision-making processes to promote consistency, effectiveness, and collaboration across subordinate units and offices.
• Direct organizational planning and evaluate the effectiveness of staffing structures, reporting relationships, operational processes, and resource distribution; recommend or implement organizational changes within delegated authority.
• Oversee the development, administration, and monitoring of division budgets, ensuring fiscal stewardship, appropriate resource allocation, compliance with funding requirements, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Serve as a member of CDE's executive leadership, participating in department-wide planning, policy discussions, organizational decisions, and initiatives that affect multiple divisions or the department as a whole.
• Resolve complex operational, organizational, and leadership issues that cross subordinate units, exercising executive judgment and escalating matters requiring Commissioner or department-level approval.

Strategic Planning and Implementation (15%)

• Establish and direct the strategic vision, priorities, goals, and long-term operational direction of the Student Pathways and Engagement Division in alignment with the Commissioner’s priorities, CDE strategic plan, and State Board of Education goals.
• Translate department-wide strategic objectives into division-level initiatives, operational plans, performance measures, and accountability expectations for subordinate units and offices.
• Direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of division-wide strategic initiatives, ensuring coordination among programs, effective use of resources, and measurable progress toward established outcomes.
• Establish division-level performance measures and accountability systems to evaluate program effectiveness, operational performance, statutory compliance, and progress toward strategic goals.
• Evaluate emerging educational, legislative, fiscal, and operational issues affecting the division and determine strategic responses, organizational priorities, and recommended department-level actions.
• Exercise executive judgment in prioritizing competing initiatives, allocating available resources, and directing adjustments to division operations in response to changing needs, requirements, and strategic priorities.
• Advise the Commissioner and Commissioner’s Leadership Team on division performance, emerging risks, strategic opportunities, and matters requiring department-wide executive consideration.
• Direct cross-divisional strategic initiatives and partnerships within assigned areas of responsibility, establishing expectations for coordination, implementation, and accountability.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Decision-Making Authority

• The Assistant Commissioner exercises delegated executive authority over the strategic direction, organizational operations, program implementation, and resource management of the Student Pathways and Engagement Division.
• Within established department policies, approved budgets, and delegated authority, the position independently determines division-level operational priorities, directs subordinate leadership, establishes management and accountability expectations, resolves complex cross-program issues, and directs implementation of division strategies and initiatives.
• The position is accountable for evaluating division performance, identifying and addressing significant organizational and programmatic risks, and making executive recommendations concerning policy, staffing, organizational structure, and resource allocation.
• Decisions involving department-wide policy, significant organizational restructuring, matters reserved to the Commissioner or State Board, or actions exceeding delegated fiscal or administrative authority are elevated through appropriate executive approval channels.

This position does have supervisory responsibilities.

• Models and ensure consistency with organizational values and policies.
• Clearly communicates expectations and standards to staff.
• Conducts timely performance management of staff including formal evaluations, on-going and routine feedback, and holding staff accountable.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Experience

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in education, government, nonprofit, or a similarly complex organization, including experience leading multiple programs, offices, or functional areas.
• Demonstrated experience leading professional staff through managers, directors, or other program leaders, including establishing expectations, developing leadership capacity, and ensuring accountability for results.
• Demonstrated experience managing significant organizational resources, including budgets, staffing, grants, contracts, or other funding, and making resource-allocation decisions aligned with strategic priorities.
• Demonstrated experience developing, interpreting, or implementing complex public policy, statutes, regulations, or administrative rules and advising executive leadership on associated risks and organizational impacts.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, education policy, public administration, organizational leadership, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, Political Science, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or doctorate preferred in education, education policy, or a related field
• Seven (7) years or more of progressively responsible leadership experience in education, government, nonprofit, or a similarly complex organization, including experience leading multiple programs, offices, or functional areas.
• Experience representing a complex public organization before governing bodies, elected officials, state or federal agencies, and external partners on significant policy, program, or operational matters.

Conditions of Employment (Required):

• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (percentage 30%)
• Work extended schedule per business needs.
• Report to work location three days/week.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License Required: Required to safely operate a State of Colorado Fleet Motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
• Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and is subject to availability.
• Driving Required: To ensure the safety and efficiency of CDE operations, certain positions are designated as Driving Required. These positions are required to safely operate a motor vehicle or a State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle to complete the travel requirements. These positions are subject to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and a valid driver’s license requirement if it meets the following criteria:
  • Travel Threshold: The position requires business-related travel at least 30% or more of standard working hours;
  • Operational Necessity: The travel requirements cannot be reasonably or efficiently met by alternative transportation (e.g., public transit, ride-sharing, or rail) due to:
    • Significant travel distances or out-of-state requirements.
    • A high frequency of stops at multiple locations throughout the workday.
    • The need to transport equipment or travel to areas where public transportation is unavailable or impractical.

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity

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, a 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 Education 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 performing 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 [e-mail].