Behavioral Health Administration - Chief Strategy Officer.

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work arrangements

PERA retirement plan

Flexible schedules

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

State of Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration seeks a Chief Strategy Officer to support the Commissioner in strategy, operations, and inter-agency coordination. This role leads project management, workforce strategies, and cross‑agency collaboration to advance behavioral health priorities.

The CSO will report to the Commissioner, work with Deputy Commissioners, and guide the BHA in aligning with gubernatorial priorities and policy objectives, including rural and tribal partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to duties and seven years of progressive experience.
• Masters degree preferred in public administration or related field.
• Experience managing executive leadership and cross‑agency programs.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and operationalization of organizational goals.
• Coordinate performance management and data-informed decision making.
• Build partnerships across state agencies, Governor’s Office, and tribes.
• Lead change management and foster accountable culture.
• Oversee project management and risk mitigation across BHA initiatives.
• Provide high-level executive support to Commissioner and Deputies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Change management

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Project management

Data-informed decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred (MPA/MBA/etc.)

Job description

Department Information

This position is open to residents and non-residents of Colorado. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date and be a resident on day one.

Hybrid Schedule - These working arrangements are subject to change.

About this Unit

Located within the Behavioral Health Administration work unit, according to House Bill (HB) 21-1097. HB21-1097 provides that a Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) was created to be a single-state entity. It was initially established under CDHS as of July 1, 2022, and will provide administrative and “back-of-the-house” support as long as the BHA remains under CDHS’ purview. The BHA is a permanent entity that will be responsible for leading and promoting the state’s behavioral health priorities and efforts across agencies, creating shared goals, improving collaboration, and driving accountability and transparency. The BHA will provide oversight and coordinate service standards across the hundreds of behavioral health programs that currently exist under multiple state agencies and the Judicial Branch. The BHA works to ensure the recommendations that resulted from the work of the Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF) and multiple ancillary projects evolving out of the work of the BHTF are honored and implemented, to ensure and meet our vision of having a comprehensive, equitable, effective continuum of behavioral health services that meets the needs of all Coloradans. The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is responsible for policy development, service provision and coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative oversight of the public behavioral health system. BHA funds, supports, and monitors numerous mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers, reviews and designates the State’s 27-65 providers, and licenses substance use disorder service providers. BHA executes the State’s federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and the State Substance Abuse Authority to administer federal mental health and substance abuse block grant funds.

About This Position

The purpose of this position is to support the Commissioner in the administration and operations of the BHA. Key functions include:

• Strategic Leadership: Managing and coordinating the BHA’s implementation and operational strategy, including performance management, data-informed decision-making, and executing the BHA’s strategic plan
• Operational Support: Ensuring efficient processes for the Executive Leadership Team, setting priorities, and managing projects to meet the BHA’s goals
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining partnerships across state agencies, the Governor’s Office, and community stakeholders to create a cohesive behavioral health system and reduce silos
• Change Management: Fostering a strong organizational culture, managing risks, and ensuring accountability throughout the BHA

This position requires an experienced leader capable of navigating complex organizational structures and fostering cross-agency collaboration. The position serves as Chief Strategy Officer to the Commissioner of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) within the Colorado Department of Human Services. The position directly supports the Commissioner in the operations and administration of BHA. This position works alongside the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the BHA achieves integrated functions, efficient and effective processes, and cross-agency behavioral health leadership. This position leads the project management, workforce, rural and Tribal team members, propelling the BHA strategies to ensure success.

This position reports directly to the Commissioner. This position is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. The successful candidate is an excellent relationship builder and works closely with all members of the leadership team. They also maintain positive working relationships with other agencies’ leadership as well as the Governor’s Office on matters of strategy and operational accountability.

This position focuses on the strategic and practical strategies necessary to foster and maintain understanding among BHA staff members, State agency staff across partner state agencies, and external partners and stakeholders about the BHA’s role and functions. On behalf of the BHA Commissioner and the Deputies, this position develops effective processes to meet the vision and expectations of the Governor, Commissioner, and BHA Advisory Council.

This position is responsible for supporting day‑to‑day strategy providing support and leadership with the Commissioner to set leadership meetings, priorities, strong communications, and inter‑BHA collaboration as well as inter‑state agency collaboration; specifically, with CDHS, HCPF, and CDPHE. This position identifies gaps, creates solutions, and directly manages risks, as well as, maintains a strategy balanced with response to urgent changes—creating options and pros and cons for the Commissioner to use in decision making.

The position supports the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners with change management and the development of a strong culture with clear expectations for accountability across the BHA and with CDHS leadership. This position also supports the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and BHA leadership with crafting and executing the BHA’s strategic plan and is responsible for tracking the related workstream priorities to achieve strategic goals. The position works closely with the Governor’s Office on the BHA initiatives and acts as a liaison with other State agencies to ensure cross‑agency projects are successful.

Summary of Duties

Strategic Leadership and Operationalization

• Experience managing and executing large-scale organizational strategies, including the operationalization of performance management systems (e.g., using data dashboards for WIGs and SMART deliverables).
• Demonstrated ability to identify systemic friction points using cross‑agency performance data and initiate corrective strategic actions.
• Experience leading key strategies Including identified team to advance behavioral health efforts to include rural and workforce strategies.
• Experience creating and executing detailed strategic plans that align with high‑level administrative goals and gubernatorial priorities.

Relationship Building and Stakeholder Management

• Proven experience as an excellent relationship builder, capable of maintaining positive working relationships with internal leadership, other state agencies, the Governors Office, Tribal nations and external partners
• Experience leading networked governance efforts, fostering formal cross‑agency partnerships to break down silos and ensure horizontal integration of strategies. ability to identify systemic friction points using cross‑agency performance data and initiate corrective strategic actions.
• Experience institutionalizing "Community First" frameworks, co‑designing initiatives with Tribal partners, providers, and individuals with lived experience.

Change Management and Organizational Culture

• Demonstrated expertise in change management, conflict resolution, and shifting organizational culture.
• Experience navigating the complexities of new agency models and managing the human elements of adaptation to change.

Project Management and Risk Mitigation

• Strong background in identifying gaps, managing risks, and troubleshooting underperformance initiatives or leadership gaps.
• Experience coordinating projects across BHA to ensure goals, timelines, and action items are successfully executed.
• Experience managing multiple competing priorities while maintaining a strategic balance between long‑term goals and urgent, shifting demands.

High‑Level Executive Support

• Experience working directly with executive leadership (e.g., Commissioner/Deputy Commissioners) to streamline processes, manage calendars, prioritize initiatives, and prepare options for high-impact decision‑making.

Other Duties As Assigned

• This position is highly agile to the needs of the Governor’s Office, the Commissioner, and the administration. As different issues and circumstances arise, the Chief Strategy Officer needs to evaluate and manage each one with high‑level problem‑solving, identifying and engaging appropriate resources for timely and informed decision‑making and actions.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

Please Note: Applicants must submit a Comprehensive Resume and Cover Letter in order to be considered for this position

The role requires an experienced leader capable of navigating complex organizational structures and fostering cross-agency collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field of study related to the duties of the position.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience related to the duties of this position.

Substitutions

• Experience that provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's of Public Administration, Business Administration or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the bachelor's degree and one or two years of general experience respectively.
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Management or Public Administration
• Master of Public Policy (MMP) or Political Science
• Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Public Health (MP
• A doctorate in a field of study related to the duties of this position.
• Experience working in a fast paced government work environment.
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Experience taking the initiative and leading a large group of employees.
• Experience working in an executive level position in a State department.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Experience facilitating community meetings and meetings with internal/external staff.
• Experience working with and effectively communicating with high level executives and legislators.
• Experience working with staff and stakeholders in behavioral health and other state agencies.
• Experience working with cabinet members.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Experience giving presentations to the public and staff members.
• Relevant years of state service

Strategic Leadership & Performance Management: Demonstrated expertise in executing high-level strategic plans and operationalizing performance management systems. This includes the ability to utilize data dashboards to track Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) and SMART deliverables to drive accountability.

Relationship Building & Networked Governance: Proven experience establishing formal cross‑agency partnerships and breaking down organizational silos. Essential to this is the ability to institutionalize a "Community-First" framework, co‑designing initiatives with Tribal partners, providers, and individuals with lived experience to ensure policy alignment.

Change Management & Organizational Culture: A history of navigating complex organizational structures, managing resistance during agency transitions, and fostering a strong, accountable organizational culture through conflict resolution and change management strategies

Executive Decision Support: The capability to identify systemic friction points, manage project risks, and provide executive leadership with actionable options (including pros and cons) for high-impact decision‑making. This includes the ability to balance long‑term strategic goals with urgent, shifting demands.

Operational & Financial Acumen: Experience in resource allocation, project management, and identifying revenue sustainability opportunities beyond direct appropriations—such as maximizing commercial insurance alignment and federal funding models.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• [Standard/full] background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state‑owned vehicle, either in an on‑going capacity while performing their normal day‑to‑day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
• Must possess a valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non‑restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
• Out‑of‑State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
• Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
• Disclose that information on the application.
• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

Supplemental Information

Our Benefits

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long‑term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
• Excellent work‑life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs .

Our Values

We believe in a people‑first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.

This includes 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].

EOE Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all background and abilities, 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.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855‑524‑5627 Mon‑Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.