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.
Colorado Department of Education – What We Do
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 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 the 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!
The following is a summary of the benefits we offer:
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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.
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Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
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Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
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Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
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11 paid holidays per year.
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Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals.
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Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org.
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Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply).
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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 part-time (40% PTE), benefits-eligible, term-limited [this position is expected to continue through the end of May 2027 (May 31, 2027)], contingent upon the availability of funding. Should funding become unavailable prior to that date, the position may end earlier than anticipated. The position is state-funded and federally funded (funding is subject to availability) and is eligible for a hybrid work environment (Remote/Home Office with the requirement to report to the work location per business needs).
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Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
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Commuting to the CDE buildings is required.
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A Remote (Home) office is required.
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Required to report to the work location per business needs.
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Essential Functions (ADAAA)
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LIGHT/Office environment:
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Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
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May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally.
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Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
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Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
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DL Not Required: Required to independently obtain and determine means to complete travel requirements.
Position Summary:
The CDE is seeking a 0.4 PTE District Transformation Specialist to support several major initiatives within the School and District Transformation Team. This team’s mission is to align resources, supports, and strategic initiatives to drive meaningful results in our most impacted schools and districts. The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting high-need schools and districts, highly organized, and skilled at analyzing challenges and designing effective improvements. They are energized by building strong relationships with stakeholders across the department and in the field and are committed to delivering high-quality support to district and school leaders. This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment, is results-oriented, and demonstrates resilience in navigating setbacks while maintaining a focus on continuous improvement and new opportunities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Facilitator and Lead for Accountability Work Group:
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Role & Responsibilities: Stakeholder Engagement & Accountability Systems
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In consultation with the Associate Commissioner (acting as Advisor) and the SDT special projects lead (organizing internal stakeholders), this individual will plan, lead, and facilitate both in-person and virtual meetings with external stakeholders to gather feedback on proposed accountability systems.
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Key Responsibilities & Strategy:
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Pre-Engagement & Data Collection: Conduct pre-meetings and utilize tools such as surveys to stock take and understand initial stakeholder opinions and data before formal convenings.
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Meeting Facilitation & Dialogue: Design meeting agendas that honor the background knowledge of the room and prioritize meaningful discussion. Utilize a mix of in-person and virtual structures to build relationships, foster authentic dialogue, and establish group credibility.
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Inclusivity & Culture: Deploy high-leverage facilitation moves during meetings to ensure all voices are heard, stakeholders can freely express their opinions, and dialogue remains strictly respectful and professional.
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Consensus & Follow-Up: Actively guide the group toward consensus or quorum to make formal recommendations, continuing to monitor progress and follow up post-meeting as needed to maximize alignment.
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To establish immediate credibility and trust with the group, this individual will bring firsthand experience as a former senior district leader who has successfully led schools through the accountability process.
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Revise and review applications for the work group. Design onboarding and welcome activities to bring new members up to speed on timely, relevant topics.
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Create a scope and sequence that is maintained and updated to ensure senior leadership is aware of upcoming topics and able to ensure coherence across advisory groups like TAP, etc.
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Lead planning sessions with internal and external stakeholders for AWG.
District Planning and Special Projects:
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Lead professional development and learning at conferences and leadership events, including CASE, CCSSO, CASB, Elevating Excellence, the Transformation Network, etc.
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Collaborate with those leading planning in the division, including the Improvement Unit and Innovation Unit, and provide technical assistance as needed to those in the field and other CDE departments.
Special Projects and Other Duties as Assigned:
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As available and needed, support Diagnostic Reviews and Improvement Planning
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Contribute to special projects, as appropriate, as a content expert in district improvement strategies, professional learning, and planning.
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Attend relevant meetings, trainings, and events to effectively carry out major duties and responsibilities.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires a combination of education and experience totaling eleven (11) years.
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in education.
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At least seven (7) years of experience leading district improvement efforts. Within those seven (7) years, candidates must have at least five (5) years of senior leadership experience and a minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting a school identified on the accountability clock.
Strong project management, follow-through, and organization.
Commitment to equity, coherence, and improvement.
Strong relationship-building and influence in complex contexts.
Understanding of the Colorado accountability context.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.).
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Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations.
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Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units).
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Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines.
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Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work.
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Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team.
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Ability and willingness to commute.
Conditions of Employment (Required):-
Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
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Report to work location per business needs
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Sign the Acknowledgment Form, understanding that this position is federally funded and state funded, and that this position is subject to available funding.
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Sign the Term-Limited Waiver Form acknowledging that this position is expected to continue through the end of May 2027, contingent upon the availability of funding. Should funding become unavailable prior to that date, the position may end earlier than anticipated.
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This position is designated as a Part-Time (40% PTE) position.
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The position is non-exempt (eligible for overtime/must have written approval from supervisor beforehand), and this position will be paid hourly.
Complete Applications must include:
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Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS.
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Resume: Required - Attached as a separate document.
College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.
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Failure to submit a complete application as defined above by the announcement close
may result in your application being removed from consideration.**
** Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.
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.
Email Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "
[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.
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
[email protected].
