Local Government Federal Funding Advisor (internal candidates only)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Governor’s Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives (OFFSI) drives Colorado’s strategic use of federal resources by maximizing funding opportunities, overseeing implementation of stimulus dollars, and translating cross-agency lessons into coordinated action. OFFSI currently manages $8.7 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations and supports the deployment of roughly $10 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). By convening a cross-agency team alongside a statewide network of local grant navigators, OFFSI accelerates the drawdown of federal funds while modernizing government systems to boost efficiency and impact. Our work extends beyond immediate economic recovery—implementing long-term ARPA investments, harnessing IIJA/IRA opportunities to propel Colorado forward, strengthening pandemic-strained systems, and advancing the Governor’s strategic priorities. This is a term-limited position; continued employment is contingent upon the ongoing availability funding and may be subject to change following a gubernatorial administration transition. As a Local Government Federal Funding Advisor within OFFSI, you will partner with state agencies and local jurisdictions—especially rural and resource-constrained communities—to navigate federal policy shifts, identify funding pathways, and serve as the point person for local government questions as it relates to federal changes. Drawing on state agency and OFFSI’s subject-matter experts, you will provide hands-on support in: * Federal policy analysis and opportunity identification/research * Project management and milestone tracking * Peer learning initiatives, trainings, and capacity-building activities You excel at building trust with diverse stakeholders, thrive in a collaborative environment, and bring a proactive, detail-oriented approach to advancing Colorado’s federal funding goals.

Requirements

At least four (4) years of professional experience working on the implementation, financing, and or technical assistance for transportation or other infrastructure or community development projects
Demonstrated ability to produce professional communications through email, phone, video, and in-person meetings
Understanding of and commitment to rural development and equity as demonstrated through work, education, and/or lived experience
A degree from an accredited college or university or specialized training in fields relevant to this position may substitute for related occupational experience on a year-for-year basis up to two years.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with federal policy analysis and federal grant management.
Strong grant-writing and budget-development skills.
Experience designing and delivering training or peer-learning programs.
Track record working with rural or resource-constrained local governments.
Experience working with SAM.gov , Grants.gov and US Treasury portal

Responsibilities

Act as primary liaison for local governments needing support as it relates to federal policy, grant contracts, budget implications, etc.
Understand and communicate to stakeholders how funding pools have changed and federal priorities have shifted
Coordinate with state agencies, the Department of Local Affairs, and OFFSI team members to resolve stakeholder needs.
Facilitate cross-jurisdictional collaborations for competitive funding proposals.
Create systems that support non-entitlement units to be proactive in preparing and submitting ARPA reporting into the US Treasury portal before the deadline.
Supporting DOLA regional managers in identifying and navigating relevant federal funding opportunities
Researching the status of federal funding opportunities and helping local governments determine application status
Direct local governments to resources and programs that benefit their projects and goals
Design and deliver webinars, workshops, and peer-learning networks on topics such as: Grant contract and funding changes, Federal and state budget impacts, Identification support of alternative funding streams for critical local government projects.
Participate in Department of Local Affairs convenings and integrate shared strategies.
Maintain a forward-looking calendar of anticipated Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), regulatory comment periods, and interim guidance releases—so local partners can “get in line” early.
Develop a simple “audit readiness” toolkit and run periodic peer-review clinics so local governments can confidently prepare for close-outs, single audits (A-133), and Treasury monitoring visits.
Monitor and report on emerging federal policy and funding issues affecting local governments.
Establish metrics and milestones for technical assistance initiatives.
Collaborate with the Communications Team to craft timely briefs, newsletters, and web content.
Support the Grant Writing and Technical Assistance Program, Local Match Assistance Program, Regional Grant Navigators, and IIJA Cash Fund.
Develop executive-ready reporting materials, strategic briefs, and performance summaries that communicate program impact, emerging risks, and funding opportunities to leadership and stakeholders
Lead programmatic tracking and reconciliation of IIJA Cash Fund expenditures in partnership with Finance, OSPB, and OFFSI leadership to ensure alignment between CORE financial reporting and program implementation tracking.
Work directly with finance team to reconcile expenditures, encumbrances, obligations, and programmatic delivery milestones, identifying discrepancies and improving fiscal transparency.
Support the development and maintenance of return on investment dashboard, reporting tools, and internal controls that provide accurate, real-time visibility into IIJA Cash Fund spending, implementation progress, and risk areas.
Lead return-on-investment (ROI) development, tracking, and performance monitoring for IIJA Cash Fund investments, including establishment of measurable outcomes, impact metrics, and reporting methodologies.
Support legislative reporting, executive briefings, budget development, and strategic analyses related to IIJA Cash Fund expenditures, outcomes, and future funding recommendations.
Monitor implementation timelines, compliance requirements, and performance milestones to proactively identify barriers, flag underperformance, and recommend corrective actions.
Lead implementation of Colorado’s Local Legal Protection Initiative, a statewide program designed to provide legal guidance and strategic support to local governments and nonprofits in navigating federal funding changes, compliance obligations, and associated legal risks.
Oversee day-to-day program operations, including consultant management, work plan execution, deliverable oversight, and coordination of technical and legal support services provided through contracted partners.
Serve as the primary liaison for interagency coordination with Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), managing partnership implementation and ensuring alignment with the Interagency Agreement governing fund administration and invoice processing.
Direct program financial management, including invoice review and approval workflows, budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, reconciliation of program costs, and coordination with DOLA finance staff to ensure accurate fiscal stewardship of program resources.
Develop and maintain programmatic tracking systems to monitor contract performance, financial obligations, deliverables, milestones, and overall initiative outcomes.
Provide strategic oversight of consultant scopes of work, ensuring contractor activities remain aligned with state priorities, contractual requirements, and program objectives.
Lead initial program design and scope development, including defining program purpose, operational framework, eligible services, and implementation strategy to establish a scalable statewide support model.
Support DOLA procurement and contracting processes, including development of procurement materials, scope refinement, vendor coordination, contract implementation planning, and ongoing contract administration.
Coordinate across state agencies, philanthropic partners, consultants, and local government stakeholders to ensure effective program delivery and alignment with broader statewide federal funds strategy.
Identify operational risks, implementation barriers, and process improvement opportunities, and develop solutions to strengthen program delivery, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
Produce executive briefings, implementation updates, and performance reporting related to program operations, financial status, and strategic outcomes for leadership review.
Manage and fulfill all reporting and accountability requirements associated with philanthropic sponsorships, including tracking program performance, compiling financial and programmatic updates, coordinating required deliverables, and serving as the primary point of contact for sponsor reporting and compliance.
Share lessons learned and best practices with Regional Grant Navigators and DOLA Regional Managers.
Support the Thriving Communities Program Manager to identify targeted opportunities in southeast Colorado.
Contribute to OFFSI strategic initiatives as directed by the Director of Strategic Federal Funding Coordination and OFFSI leadership

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision plan coverage - including extensive prescription drug coverage (many preventive medications covered at no cost).
Health Savings Account (with state contribution) when electing HDHP medical coverage.
Wellness programs - participation can reduce employee premiums.
Short-term and optional long-term disability coverage.
Life and Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
11 Paid Holidays Annually
13.33 hours of Annual leave and 6.66 hours of sick leave accrued each month.
Welcome Aboard Program - July 1, 2023.pdf
Retirement benefits - including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans
Remote or hybrid work arrangements.
Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Discount Program .
Training and professional development opportunities, including reduced college tuition through CSU Global (contact CSU Global for latest offerings).
Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP): offers confidential mental health counseling, professional coaching, employee mediation, 24/7 crisis support.
Free RTD EcoPass to all eligible State Employees.
Credit Union of Colorado Membership Eligibility.