Emerging Technology Program Analyst

Jefferson County CO•Golden, CO

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Emerging Technology Program Analyst identifies, evaluates, and pilots emerging technologies that have the potential to improve county operations, employee productivity, and resident services. With a primary focus on AI, automation, and other emerging technologies, this role scans the technology landscape, explores practical applications for Jefferson County, and leads structured pilot initiatives to determine whether new solutions can deliver meaningful value. This role requires curiosity, relationship-building, and strategic thinking to identify promising technology opportunities, engage partners across the county, and determine whether emerging technologies can deliver meaningful value through pilots and experimentation. As technologies mature from exploration to broader adoption, this position may also support the development of operational models, governance practices, implementation recommendations, and change management approaches that help the county adopt new tools responsibly and sustainably. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys exploring new technologies, and can translate emerging trends into actionable opportunities for the organization while balancing innovation, risk, and practical implementation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
One (1) year of experience in a full-time technology analyst role or equivalent (IT Solutions, business analysis, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Government, public sector, or other highly regulated organization experience.
Familiarity with AI tools, automation platforms, and emerging technology trends relevant to organizational productivity and service delivery.
Experience identifying, evaluating, piloting, and advancing new technologies within a structured organization, with attention to feasibility, risk, governance, adoption, and long-term ownership.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of building support for new ideas and initiatives.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to translate complex or emerging technology concepts for non-technical audiences.
Experience leading projects, pilots, research initiatives, or cross-functional efforts from concept through recommendation.
Experience mentoring or leading interns, junior staff, or project contributors.
Certifications such as PMP, CBAP, Prosci, or AI-related certifications.

Responsibilities

Research and track emerging technology trends with a strong focus on AI, automation, and other relevant innovations.
Identify external success stories and case studies, analyzing their potential applicability to county operations.
Evaluate the feasibility, risks, and potential benefits of implementing new technologies within the county.
Engage departments to explore potential applications of emerging technologies within their operational environments.
Present compelling use cases and success stories to department leaders and key stakeholders to gauge interest.
Conduct Discovery conversations to understand how emerging technologies may align with departmental goals, challenges, and opportunities.
Secure approvals for pilot projects, ensuring alignment with operational and leadership priorities.
Design and manage pilot projects from initiation to evaluation, ensuring structured testing and measurable outcomes.
Lead cross-functional collaborations with BIT (IT department), operational departments, and other county stakeholders.
Supervise and mentor interns, integrating them into research, implementation, and analysis efforts.
Analyze pilot results and develop recommendations for scaling, modifying, or discontinuing projects.
Present findings and learnings to leadership in a clear and actionable manner.
Develop implementation recommendations, change management considerations, and operational ownership plans for successful pilots.
Identify opportunities to engage innovation interns meaningfully in emerging technology initiatives to boost team capacity while providing valuable experiences.
Direct and lead day-to-day activities of innovation interns.
Provide leadership and mentorship to other staff, such as innovation fellows.