Human Services Director

Pitkin County Library; Colorado; On-site; USD 140,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Pitkin County in Aspen, CO is seeking a Human Services Director to lead the department responsible for Adult and Senior Services, Veteran Services, Family and Child Welfare, and Economic Assistance. The role focuses on strategic direction, performance, and partnerships with community agencies.

The director builds a high-performing team, ensures compliant operations, oversees budgets, and represents the County in state and federal policy matters to improve services.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience as a director or cross-functional team leader.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in organizational systems and human services.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or related field.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License with acceptable MVR.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the Human Services Department across multiple divisions.
• Lead departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and priority implementation.
• Advise County leadership on human services policies and service delivery.
• Build and support a high-performing leadership team and inclusive work environment.
• Monitor state/federal policy development impacting human services and seek funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and standards.
• Develop external partnerships and oversee service contracts and performance.

Skills

Director experience

Leadership experience

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Human Services Director

$140,254.61 - $245,445.41 Annually

Aspen-Castle Creek, CO

Full-time with benefits, salaried

202300421

Human Services

10/26/2026

11/23/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

No

$140,254.61

$219,147.63

P110

Please Include a resume and cover letter for this position

Hiring Range Description

• Description
• Benefits
• Job Postings without Closing Dates: Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.
• Job Postings with Closing Dates: An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.

Job Summary

The Director is the strategic leader of Pitkin County’s Human Services department, accountable for the complex internal and external systems, relationships, and community partnerships focused on building a resilient, self-sufficient, and connected community. The Director is responsible for effective department operations, strong organizational leadership, and the delivery of high-quality, impactful, responsive services. This role builds trusted relationships with community partners, supports and holds accountable organizations delivering services on the County’s behalf, and ensures responsible stewardship of public resources.

More details about the leadership profile can be found here.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides strategic direction and oversight of the Human Services Department, including Adult and Senior Services, Veteran Services, Family and Child Welfare Services, Economic Assistance, and Emergency Support Function (ESF) 6. Establishes departmental priorities, sets expectations for department leaders, and ensures programs and services meet community needs.
• Leads departmental strategic planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and implementation of priorities.
• Advises County leadership on human services needs, policies, programs, and service delivery. Serves as the principal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners (acting as the Board of Social Services) on all Human Services-related programming and services.
• Builds and supports a capable, high-performing leadership team and workforce. Establishes clear expectations and accountability, develops leadership capacity, and fosters a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
• Monitors and engages in state and federal policy development affecting human services. Represents the County in statewide meetings, committees, and partnerships; collaborates with other county human services directors and government agencies; and identifies opportunities to influence policy, secure funding, and strengthen local service delivery.
• Ensures compliance with applicable County, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and standards.
• Establishes systems to monitor program performance, service quality, and outcomes, and supports continuous improvement across the department. Manages change and implements and improves systems to support organizational effectiveness.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with community partners, nonprofit organizations, grantees, and other agencies. Provides oversight and accountability for external service partnerships, ensuring services are effective, responsive to community needs, and aligned with County priorities.
• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating and being a role model of Pitkin County values when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned by the County Manager or Assistant County Manager.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge And Skills

• 3+ years' experience as a director of a department or cross-functional team.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience leading organizational systems and relevant areas of expertise, including human services program management.
• Bachelor’s Degree required in Social Work, Public Administration, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Knowledge Of

• County organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Organizational development theory and practices.
• Modern technology, systems, and software designed to assist in the computerized management of information.
• Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for government officers.
• Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including personnel rules, cost accounting, budgeting, contract management, and employee supervision.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation.
• Principles and best practices of high-performing teams, talent development, performance management, conflict resolution, and accountability.

Skill In

• Developing and executing strategic plans.
• Applying logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Drafting clear, complete, accurate, and logical written and verbal communications.
• Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized state and County software.
• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff.
• Providing feedback, coaching, and developing individual and team competencies
• Defining organizational priorities, aligning resources and systems for sustainable implementation, ensuring accountability and effective change management to achieve goals and objectives.
• Cultivating a positive culture and engaged work environment

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Requires travel within the state to multiple business locations within the county, community and regional partners, and events.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Employer Pitkin County

530 East Main Street, Suite 304

Aspen, Colorado, 81611

Phone [phone]

Website http://www.pitkincounty.com/jobs