Innovation Program Manager

Benefit Eligibility:

The Innovation Program Manager leads the Innovation function within Jefferson County’s Business Innovation & Technology department. This position supervises a multidisciplinary team and oversees programs and initiatives focused on solving complex organizational challenges, testing new approaches, and exploring emerging technologies. The Innovation Program Manager sets priorities, develops staff, builds partnerships across the organization, and plays a significant role in Jefferson County’s exploration and responsible use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

This position operates on our four-day work week (Monday-Thursday); however, with approval from supervisor, employees are allowed to work a 5-day work week if preferred. This position is hybrid, with remote work and in-office work as determined by business need.

• Supervise, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of professional staff, limited-term employees, and interns. Manage hiring, performance, professional development, and other personnel responsibilities.
• Set priorities and goals for the Innovation function, allocate team capacity, and oversee a portfolio of programs, projects, pilots, and services.
• Lead efforts to move complex or ambiguous organizational problems forward by helping define opportunities, identify appropriate resources and stakeholders, and establish practical paths toward action.
• Identify and scope meaningful projects for staff with varying levels of experience and time horizons, including interns and limited-term employees.
• Oversee Innovation programs, including the Jeffco Innovation Lab, internship and fellowship programs, partnerships, and related initiatives.
• Lead the Innovation team’s exploration of emerging technologies, including research, evaluations, pilots, and recommendations regarding potential organizational use.
• Play a lead role in developing and operationalizing Jefferson County’s approach to artificial intelligence governance and responsible AI use.
• Build relationships across County departments and collaborate with business analysts, project managers, Training and Communications, cybersecurity, technical teams, vendors, and external partners to advance Innovation initiatives.
• Develop external partnerships and identify opportunities to leverage grants and other resources to advance Innovation priorities.
• Manage applicable budgets, contracts, vendors, and other program resources.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Technology, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Experience: Five (5) years of work-related experience in innovation, technology, business analysis, program management, organizational improvement, digital transformation, consulting, or a related field.
• Note an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.Experience supervising and developing professional employees and leading multiple concurrent areas of work.Demonstrated ability to take complex or poorly defined problems and create practical paths toward action.Experience evaluating, piloting, implementing, or governing technology

• Driver’s License: Positions that require driving on County business in either a county or personal vehicle require a valid Colorado’s driver’s license within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions.
• CJIS Requirements: This position is subject to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security requirements. As part of the hiring, credentialing, and onboarding process, the selected candidate must successfully complete required background screening, including fingerprinting, and complete required CJIS security training. Continued employment and CJIS-authorized access to applicable Criminal Justice Information (CJI) or systems may be contingent upon meeting and maintaining these requirements.
• Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact careertalent@jeffco.us. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates. 

• Foster trust and open communication by creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to share ideas, ask questions, and raise concerns.  
• Communicate clearly and transparently by sharing information in a timely and honest manner, setting clear expectations, explaining decisions, and adapting communication styles to meet the needs of different audiences.  
• Act with integrity and accountability by making ethical decisions, following through on commitments, applying expectations consistently, and taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.  ·       Engage in collaborative problem-solving by building strong working relationships, seeking input from others, managing conflict professionally, and working across teams to achieve shared goals.  
• Develop and coach others by providing constructive feedback, supporting employee growth and learning, recognizing individual strengths, and helping team members build skills for current and future opportunities. 

We will review applications to make sure applicants meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job posting. If you are selected to move forward, the hiring team will contact you.   

You can check your application status by logging into your candidate portal.        

For more information about the hiring process, visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs