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Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade

Technology Program Manager, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network

Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285


Department InformationThe 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 US Small Business Administration (SBA) Resource Partner, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is dedicated to helping small businesses throughout Colorado achieve their goals of growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, management improvement, and success. The SBDC Network has 14 service centers across the state hosted by universities/colleges, city and county governments, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and incubators. The SBDC provides no-cost business consulting and no- or low-cost training for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs on topics including business planning, accessing capital, marketing, regulatory compliance, technology development, international trade, and similar areas impacting business operations.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 SBDC Network.

Description of JobPosition ScopeThe position offers full-time employment as an exempt, at-will State of Colorado Employee with an anticipated duration through August 2026, with the possibility of extension based on available funding.The SBDC Technology Program Manager's primary focus will be overseeing the day-to-day administration of the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program (CSBPP) grant, aimed at training the next generation of cybersecurity specialists and supporting small businesses to manage cybersecurity risk. The SBDC Technology Program Manager will also provide oversight for additional technology initiatives and programming throughout the network, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence (AI), TechSource, and online education modules. They will work with the Colorado SBDC service centers, clients, advisors, community partners, funders, and vendors.Key Duties and Responsibilities:Manage all aspects of the cybersecurity grant program, ensuring the Colorado SBDC meets all milestones and objectives, effectively tracks and reports data and financial information, and maintains relationships with stakeholders and clients.

Manage curriculum development and program delivery, ensuring consistency across delivery methods and phases.

Provide oversight, coordination, and guidance to the Colorado SBDC Network on all technology initiatives, including but not limited to TechSource (existing program managed by the Boulder SBDC), existing cybersecurity programming, and AI education.

Oversee and facilitate communication and collaboration with all CSBPP program clients, partners, and students to maintain schedules, track deliverables, and support student participation and completion rates.

Work with the Colorado SBDC Network's financial manager and OEDIT procurement staff to create and manage contracts with vendors to execute CSBPP.

Oversee and participate in meetings with business and student groups throughout the clinic cycle.

Lead program outreach, recruiting, and communication efforts in coordination with SBDC and OEDIT outreach and marketing staff.

Work with the Colorado SBDC Network's financial manager to manage grant reporting, expense tracking, and audit requirements for all technology program grants.

Disclaimer: This job 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsQualifications, Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesTo 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.

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

Experience in and/or knowledgeable about the cybersecurity and technology sectors.

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, grant reports, and status update reports.

Familiarity with government procurement and contracting processes preferred.

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.

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

CompetenciesCommunication: 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

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

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.

Education / Experience3+ years of experience in grant, project, or program management (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 levels supporting private sector businesses

Bachelor degree preferred but relevant experience will be considered as an alternative; Degree in cybersecurity or related technology field a plus

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

Conditions of EmploymentApplicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify their application from the current position.

Supplemental InformationSalary Range:

$65,000 - $80,000 AnnuallyThis 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.BenefitsThe 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/benefitsEquity, Diversity and InclusionThe 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 AccommodationsThe 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.usApplicationYour 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.