Chief Legal Officer - SES

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as the strategic liaison and coordination lead between the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and the Office of the Attorney General (AGO), ensuring a consistent and effective approach to legal matters, litigation strategy, and related policy and programmatic implications across the Department. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director of Operations & Strategy, the position oversees the Organizational Performance & Compliance (OP&C) work unit and provides centralized oversight of litigation coordination, legal services support, litigation holds, and engagement with the AGO. The role supports CDHS executive leadership, offices, and divisions by coordinating responses to legal and regulatory matters, reviewing legislation and contracts, managing legal services resources and budget needs, and promoting consistent compliance, risk management, and operational alignment throughout the Department. Additionally, the position oversees the Department’s litigation hold process, assists in evaluating litigation and settlement decisions, and helps ensure CDHS programs receive the legal and operational support necessary to advance the agency’s mission and strategic objectives.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (JD) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.
Current admission to the Colorado Bar as an attorney in good standing.
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience serving as a licensed attorney.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a formal supervisory role overseeing a large group of individuals.
Professional public or business administration experience that demonstrates proficiency in establishing and managing organizational structures, developing and implementing strategic work plans, budget development and financial control, and setting organizational goals and objectives to achieve program results.

Nice To Haves

Greater depth and breadth of experience than listed in the minimum qualifications.
Human services or healthcare administration experience.
Experience advising a Government, State agency, or other legislative/advisory board.
Advocacy, settlement, procurement, and contract experience.
Management experience coordinating and managing systems/organizations in a complex environment.
Experience advising elected or appointed officials.
Experience working directly with executive leadership in a government organization.
Expertise in employment law and civil litigation, with specific experience in legal matters supporting CDHS services, including public assistance benefits, child welfare, and aging/adult protective services.
Experience supervising mid-level supervisors.
Proven experience in directing and leading mid-level managers.

Responsibilities

Consults with senior management, leadership team members, and division staff regarding CDHS’s existing legal authority, including state law and regulation.
Manages CDHS’s relationship with the AGO.
Reviews drafts of legislative language for bills on CDHS’s legislative agenda.
Reviews documents gathered by CDHS in response to subpoenas to ensure the record's completion to the AGO (in consultation with the AGO when necessary) and sets policies to standardize responses and procedures where needed.
Provides training where needed.
Reviews legal research and determines when additional legal research is needed.
Works directly with the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel on legal issues related to CDHS and other State agencies, but does not provide legal advice on issues raised by the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel or other state agencies.
Works with the AGO to ensure that CDHS’s legal activities continue to operate according to State and Federal statutes, including State Personnel Rules governing the CDHS offices, divisions, and programs.
Develops programs and initiatives to ensure that public dollars are being used effectively as it relates to legal matters and that there is consistent management of legal matters across CDHS.
Serves as CDHS’s point of contact regarding regular interactions with the AGO.
Supervises six positions: Legal Operations Deputy, Director of the Administrative Review Division, Director of Quality Assurance & Standards Compliance, Director of Public Assistance Quality Assurance, Director of Strategic Operations and Solutions, and Executive Assistant.
Participates in professional development coursework, training sessions, and/or seminars on an ongoing basis.
Enhances individual and unit effectiveness by completing special projects and stretch assignments accordingly.
Stays abreast of current developments and best practices; Maintains up-to-date knowledge of recurring issues and trends, labor laws, and legislative initiatives that have short- and long-term implications for CDHS.
Manages legal, legislative, or compliance issues as they arise.