Department Information All candidates should make sure to read the following job description and information carefully before applying. This position is not part of the classified personnel system, applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado. Incumbent will be required to complete work for CDE within Colorado. Colorado Department Of Education – What We Do The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute. As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education , CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data. CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance. CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do. Why Work For CDE The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice! The following is a summary of the benefits we offer: Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment. Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible. Employer paid short-term disability and life insurance Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) 11 paid holidays per year Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org Employer paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply) Paid professional development opportunities A wide salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis. Description Of Job Work Environment: This position is Full-time, is Hybrid (Remote/Home Office w/requirement to report to Work location per business needs) Office hours are typically Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs 20% Travel required within State of Colorado A Remote (Home) office is required Required to report to the work location per business needs Essential Functions (ADAAA) MEDIUM/Office-Work Site Environment: Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time May be required to exert up to 10 lbs. of force constantly, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally to move objects (If lifting boxes, documents, mail, or packages of 10 lbs or more) Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, squatting, climbing, etc. May Require exposure to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, high elevations, noise, etc. DL Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle (OR State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle/Colorado DL required) to complete travel requirements. Position Summary The Teaching and Learning Unit is at the heart of educational excellence, driving innovative strategies to enhance student success. This leadership position provides focused direction for the Office of Elementary Literacy and School Readiness, Office of Learning Supports, Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, and the Office of Standards and Instructional Support, ensuring alignment with the department’s mission and vision. As a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, you will shape policies, cultivate impactful partnerships, and spearhead initiatives that support educators and learners across diverse settings. Your expertise will drive positive student outcomes, leveraging research-based instructional practices and fostering an environment where every student thrives. This unit is positioned within the department to create transformational change in education, empowering students, educators, and communities through high-impact programs and strategic initiatives. Leadership here is supportive, collaborative, and responsive, encouraging innovation while staying adaptable to evolving educational needs. If you are a visionary leader passionate about shaping the future of education, this is an opportunity to drive meaningful change in a highly collaborative and mission-driven environment. Major Duties And Responsibilities Provides direction, oversight, and supervises the directors of the offices within the Teaching and Learning Unit. Ensures each office’s initiatives, goals, and operations align with the CDE’s strategic plan and promote high-impact outcomes for student learning across Colorado. Leads the implementation and operationalization of relevant state and federal legislation, statutes, and State Board of Education rules within the Teaching and Learning Unit. Ensures state and federal funding is appropriately leveraged, accessed, allocated, and monitored to maximize impact and compliance. Works in close partnership with the Exceptional Student Services Unit within the Student Learning Division to support school districts in the implementation of state and federal mandates, with a focus on enhancing outcomes for all learners, including those with exceptional needs. Serves as a key member of the Commissioner’s Extended Leadership Team, contributing to the development and execution of statewide educational initiatives. Collaborates with other CDE units to drive achievement-focused initiatives, particularly in the area of early literacy. Partners with leadership from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood to ensure coordinated planning and alignment between preschool special education and universal preschool programs, fostering seamless support for young learners. Chairs the cross-division Literacy Leadership Team and ensures its work is integrated with CDE’s strategic goals. Promotes a unified vision for literacy development across all grade levels. Reviews and contributes to legislative reports, engages in legislative activities during the session, and supports communication and planning for State Board of Education engagement on key policy and implementation issues. Supervisory Responsibilities Models Organizational Values and Integrity: Consistently demonstrates and upholds the core values, mission, and professional standards of the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Serves as a role model for ethical leadership, equity, and commitment to continuous improvement. Sets Clear Expectations and Performance Standards. Clearly communicates roles, responsibilities, expectations, and performance standards to staff. Ensures alignment with organizational goals, department priorities, and CDE policies. Performance Management and Accountability: Provides ongoing supervision and performance management for assigned staff, including timely and constructive feedback, regular check-ins, coaching conversations, and formal annual performance evaluations. Proactively addresses performance concerns and holds staff accountable for outcomes and behaviors in alignment with agency standards. Workforce Planning and Oversight: Maintains oversight of employee work schedules, time reporting, and location of work in compliance with CDE policies. Approves time worked for payroll, reviews and manages requests for remote work, flexible schedules, and leave to ensure operational continuity and equity. Resource Allocation and Operational Support: Ensures staff are equipped with the necessary tools, resources, training, and support to perform their roles effectively. Identifies and addresses barriers to productivity and success. Coaching and Professional Development: Serves as a mentor and coach, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and professional growth. Encourages innovation, supports leadership development, and creates opportunities for staff to expand their skills and impact. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Degree or higher in education More than 5 years of successful district or state level experience as a leader Qualifications And Conditions Demonstrated knowledge of the Colorado READ Act (HB 12-1238/ SB 19-199), Colorado’s Achievement Plan for Kids (SB 08-212), the Universal Preschool Program, culturally and linguistically diverse education, preschool special education, and multi-tiered systems of support Strong communication skills, both written and verbal Leadership skills that include leading a professional staff, working with multiple perspectives, engaging stakeholders, collaborating with others, and facilitating improved systems and outcomes for every student Proven ability to lead, implement, and monitor large-scale, multi-unit projects with accountability for measurable outcomes Successful administrative and management experience leading a change effort, including proven planning and execution skills Demonstrated ability to work through ambiguity and problem-solve to bring clarity to roles and tasks to meet deliverables Ability to collaborate among diverse constituent groups and across multiple work teams Strong customer service skills Knowledge of and experience in using data to make inform decisions, create work plans, and evaluate return on investment Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.). Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units) Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as, on a team Preferred Qualifications (Preferred/Not Required): Demonstrated ability to lead change management Demonstrated ability to balance and lead and multiple initiatives concurrently Conditions of Employment : Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check. Ability and willingness to travel Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (percentage 20%) Work extended schedule per business needs Report to work location per business needs Valid Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements. Supplemental Information Complete Applications Must Include Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS . Cover Letter: Required Resume: Required FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO: Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately. Email Address All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to hr@cde.state.co.us . #J-18808-Ljbffr