Innovation Program Manager

Jefferson County•Golden, CO

4d•$120,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Innovation Program Manager leads the Innovation function within Jefferson County’s Business Innovation & Technology Department. The position supervises a multidisciplinary team and oversees programs and initiatives focused on solving complex organizational challenges, testing new approaches, and exploring emerging technologies. The 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. The position follows a four-day work week, Monday through Thursday. With supervisor approval, employees may instead work a five-day week. The role is hybrid, combining remote and in-office work as determined by business need. The scheduled work week is 40 hours. The hiring range is $120,000–$140,000 annually, with compensation determined by education, experience, and skills. Employment is contingent on successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening, which may include criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and references. The position is subject to CJIS security requirements, including background screening and fingerprinting and completion of required CJIS security training. Continued employment and authorized access to applicable criminal justice information or systems may depend on meeting and maintaining these requirements. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required within 30 days of hire only for positions that require driving on County business.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Technology, Organizational Development, or a related field.
Five years of work-related experience in innovation, technology, business analysis, program management, organizational improvement, digital transformation, consulting, or a related field.
An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Demonstrated ability to foster trust and open communication in an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment.
Ability to communicate clearly and transparently, share information in a timely and honest manner, set expectations, explain decisions, and adapt communication to different audiences.
Ability to act with integrity and accountability, make ethical decisions, follow through on commitments, apply expectations consistently, and take responsibility for actions and outcomes.
Ability to collaborate in problem-solving, build working relationships, seek input, manage conflict professionally, and work across teams toward shared goals.
Ability to develop and coach others through constructive feedback, support for employee growth and learning, recognition of strengths, and skill development.
Successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening, which may include criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and references.
Successful completion of required CJIS background screening, including fingerprinting, and required CJIS security training; continued employment and authorized access may depend on meeting and maintaining CJIS requirements.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of supervisory experience.
Experience supervising and developing professional employees and leading multiple concurrent areas of work.
Demonstrated ability to turn complex or poorly defined problems into practical paths toward action.
Experience evaluating, piloting, implementing, or governing technology.

Responsibilities

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.
Advance complex or ambiguous organizational problems by defining opportunities, identifying appropriate resources and stakeholders, and establishing 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 exploration of emerging technologies, including research, evaluations, pilots, and recommendations regarding potential organizational use.
Lead development and operationalization of 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.
Develop external partnerships and identify opportunities to use grants and other resources to advance Innovation priorities.
Manage applicable budgets, contracts, vendors, and other program resources.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.