CDA-Market Expansion Program Manager (Grant Specialist V)

State of Colorado; Broomfield (CO); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement

Medical & dental plans

Health Savings Account

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Holidays & vacation

Job summary

The Colorado Department of Agriculture seeks a Conservation Market Expansion Program Manager to lead AMP grant programs in a hybrid, Broomfield-based role. You will supervise cross-divisional work, ensure grant compliance, and oversee the distribution of funds to Colorado farmers and ranchers.

This role requires strong program management and collaboration with state and federal partners, with travel a few times per year throughout Colorado and a focus on outcomes and market development in

Qualifications

• Eight years of program management, grant management, agricultural or related experience or a combination of education and experience equaling eight years.
• Experience with federal grants (preferably USDA) and managing grantees.
• Experience working with agricultural producers and across diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of AMP grant programs and related funding distribution across divisions.
• Coordinate cross-team and cross-department work to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Prepare reports and communications for USDA-NRCS and AMP Steering Committee.
• Promote AMP opportunities and engage with stakeholders through workshops and outreach.

Skills

Program management

Grant management

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Eight years combined education/experience

Job description

Who we are:

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.

Core Values:

Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on five "wildly important goals:"

• Goal 1: Expanding National and International Market Access
• Goal 2: Developing Agricultural Leaders
• Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan
• Goal 4: Implementing the Beaver Strategy
• Goal 5: Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website.

What you get from us:

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)
• Medical and dental health plans (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/)
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)
• Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options
• Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program State of Health
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation

Equal Opportunity

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.

We believe 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.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi

Organizational Purpose:

This division exists to provide oversight and coordination of CDA’s efforts to protect and enhance the state’s agricultural activities, including land use and range management, conservation, soil and vegetation management, grazing rights on public lands, water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, endangered species, and energy development. The purpose of the division also includes administrative and financial assistance to the 76 conservation districts, and oversight and administration of the noxious weed, biocontrol (insectary), groundwater, chemigation, and weed-free forage programs. It also includes coordination and collaboration with other states and federal agencies.

Major Objectives of the Position:

The Conservation Market Expansion Program Manager is a strategic leader responsible for managing the cross-division coordination, organization, and execution of the $16M budget for the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant and program. The Program Manager will directly influence the success of projects funded by the AMP Grant, uplifting conservation efforts and advancing marketing opportunities for farmers and ranchers across industries from every area of the state. The Program Manager will be responsible for distributing more than $13 million dollars over 2 years to support producers implementing conservation practices (soil health, noxious weeds, climate resilience, and others) and support producers engaging in new markets. The position will also be responsible for developing a program-wide strategy and workflow that aligns with division programs and federal funding rules. This program will have a lasting impact on the Colorado agricultural industry, and this position will determine the success or failure of the program

The Conservation Market Expansion Program Manager:

• Creates and leads the implementation of internal structures, workflows, and processes to support execution on grant deliverables, including distributing $13.7M directly to Colorado farmers and ranchers. Leads AMP project efforts across teams and divisions, including the Markets Division and Conservation Services Division (CSD), ensuring programs that utilize AMP funding execute on project deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Creates guidelines and program rules and makes daily decisions that will impact Colorado farmers and ranchers and their ability to apply for or spend this grant awards.
• Liaisons between CSD, Markets, and the Commissioners' Office, coordinating with the AMP Steering Committee to ensure successful project implementation.
• Maintains communication and coordination with federal partners at USDA-NRCS, advancing goals of the AMP program for the state of Colorado in coordination with CDA’s core values and strategic mission.

Primary Duties:

Market Expansion Program Management:

• Design and oversee various rules, processes, and guidelines related to distribution of AMP funding through grants.
• These design decisions will determine if and how farmers and ranchers can apply for and use these funds.
• They will also determine rules around verification and grant management, including impacts to producers who have not met grant goals.
• Lead strategic decision-making and execution of grant programs associated with this program with the program team, AMP Steering committee and CDA leadership.
• Assist the program team in identifying impactful opportunities for program funds.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate inputs, outputs, and outcomes of individual grant awards and develop other organizational tools to track program progress.
• Develop grant reporting requirements that will impact farmers and ranchers.
• Provide regular status updates through in-person briefings, written reports, and other communication methods to inform the AMP Steering Committee and CDA leadership.
• Manage environmental review process, per federal regulations.
• Lead internal meetings with program managers across the Department that are working on AMP-funded programs.
• Ensure all state and federal reporting deadlines are met by internal staff.
• Utilize reporting from grant specialists in each division to track and monitor the program budget, identify and resolve any financial issues successfully.
• Comply with all procurement and grant procedures and policies.
• Establish and follow processes to prevent fraud, waste and abuse of program funding.
• Create processes that other departments will utilize to manage their own grant and grant reporting.

Internal Cross-Team Coordination & Strategy:

• Creating an organized internal and external communications strategy for AMP-related updates and deadlines as needed.
• Working with other departments (including Department of Natural Resources, Depart of Local Affairs) to demonstrate how this program will overlap and intersect with their programs, and design clear rules and strategies to align programs and meet goals. These departments will have to adjust their program design and program reporting requirements to account for the new AMP program. This position will help other departments revise their program rules and guidance.
• Assist program managers, at CDA and across the state, with the development, promotion, review, selection, awarding of grants through various Department programs.
• Disseminate to the necessary staff,all federal and state compliance requirements in administering AMP funding.
• Scheduling, hosting, and coordinating cross-team and cross-department program updates in both virtual and in-person settings.
• Presenting AMP updates to the AMP Steering Committee, Agricultural Commission, other Departments, including the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the State Land Board, various stakeholder meetings, advisory councils, and others as needed.

Coordination with Federal Agencies (Grantor):

• Compile and submit reports and invoices to USDA timely and accurately, with support from program staff, CDA’s accounting team, and the AMP Steering Committee. Submit semi annual reporting to NRCS using their required reporting spreadsheet.
• Advocate for CDA’s policy and programs. Promote Colorado producers, farmers, ranchers, and ag businesses.
• Ensure CDA is in compliance with grant agreement and grant rules. Work with CDA’s Procurement team to report grant progress and request reimbursements.
• Ensure CDA’s AMP-funded grants are processed per state and federal requirements.
• Attend training, meetings, or conferences required through the AMP grant award.
• Oversee a successful close out grant and wind down of the AMP grant program.
• Work with federal partners to ensure a smooth reporting and invoicing process.
• Allocate and monitor AMP funding awards, encumbrances, and expenditures across programs and teams.
• Compile program results and statistical data to provide reports to USDA-NRCS and the AMP Steering Committee to relay programmatic performance and implementation.

Outreach and Engagement:

• Assist program managers in the promotion of AMP grant opportunities, including online and in-person workshop or information sessions
• Develop electronic and print promotion material.
• Gather feedback as needed on project priorities
• Inform the CDA of areas of need within the state, including technicalities specific to certain industries
• Inform producers of upcoming project opportunities funded by AMP grant dollars through conference presentations, webinars, or other engagement opportunities
• Attend site visits across Colorado to visit with grantees

This position will need to travel within the state a few times a year. When possible, a Fleet Car will be provided.

Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.

This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy.

***This is a Grant Funded Position set to expire on 3/31/2028 if not renewed***

***Please note that this position is considered hybrid for the Broomfield Office location and is eligible for flexible work arrangements, including some work-from-home options.***

Skills-based Hiring:

This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015, Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!

Salary Range:

• BIWEEKLY $3,547.38 - $4,256.77
• ANNUALLY $92,232.00 - $110,676.00

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Minimum Requirements:

• Eight (8) years of program management, grant management, agricultural business, conservation or agricultural support services, business management experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR

Education and experience:

• A combination of related education, Public Administration, Agricultural Business, Environmental Science, Economics or related field and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with strategic program development and program management
• Experience with federal, ideally USDA, grant management
• Experience working with agricultural producers
• Experience managing grantees, including tracking budgets
• Experience with measuring, monitoring, and evaluation strategies.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have and maintain an active Colorado driver's license. Must be able to pass a motor vehicle background check.
• Must be a resident of the state of Colorado.
• Be willing to travel 6-10 times a year throughout Colorado
• Must be willing to work outside of normal business hours

Required Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
• Experience working with Program Management
• Experience with Grant Management
• Experience with outreach and education
• Knowledge of conservation practices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.
• Detail oriented
• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.
• Work well under pressure.
• Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions.
• A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.
• Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
• Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently

Important Information:

Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

E-Verify:

CDA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

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 first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.