Behavioral Health Administration - Chief Strategy Officer
Salary
$187,000.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
ILA 70027 09/01/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
BHA -
Opening Date
09/04/2026
Closing Date
9/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address
710 S. Ash Street, Unit C140 Denver, CO 80246
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
gerald.barajas@state.co.us
Type of Announcement
This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Information
This position is open to residents and non-residents of Colorado. If appointed to a position,
applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date and be a resident on day one.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Hybrid Schedule - These working arrangements are subject to change
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CDHSCareers
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!
Description of Job
About this Unit:
Located within the Behavioral Health Administration work unit, according to House Bill (HB) 21-1097. HB21-1097 provides that a Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) was created to be a single-state entity. It was initially established under CDHS as of July 1, 2022, and will provide administrative and "back-of-the-house" support as long as the BHA remains under CDHS' purview. The BHA is a permanent entity that will be responsible for leading and promoting the state's behavioral health priorities and efforts across agencies, creating shared goals, improving collaboration, and driving accountability and transparency. The BHA will provide oversight and coordinate service standards across the hundreds of behavioral health programs that currently exist under multiple state agencies and the Judicial Branch. The BHA works to ensure the recommendations that resulted from the work of the Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF) and multiple ancillary projects evolving out of the work of the BHTF are honored and implemented, to ensure and meet our vision of having a comprehensive, equitable, effective continuum of behavioral health services that meets the needs of all Coloradans. The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is responsible for policy development, service provision and coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative oversight of the public behavioral health system. BHA funds, supports, and monitors numerous mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers, reviews and designates the State's 27-65 providers, and licenses substance use disorder service providers. BHA executes the State's federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and the State Substance Abuse Authority to administer federal mental health and substance abuse block grant funds.
About this Position:
The purpose of this position is to support the Commissioner in the administration and operations of the BHA. Key functions include:
Strategic Leadership: Managing and coordinating the BHA's implementation and operational strategy, including performance management, data-informed decision-making, and executing the BHA's strategic plan
Operational Support: Ensuring efficient processes for the Executive Leadership Team, setting priorities, and managing projects to meet the BHA's goals
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining partnerships across state agencies, the Governor's Office, and community stakeholders to create a cohesive behavioral health system and reduce silos
Change Management: Fostering a strong organizational culture, managing risks, and ensuring accountability throughout the BHA
The role requires an experienced leader capable of navigating complex organizational structures and fostering cross-agency collaboration.
This position serves as Chief Strategy Officer to the Commissioner of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) within the Colorado Department of Human Services. The position directly supports the Commissioner in the operations and administration of BHA. This position works alongside the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the BHA achieves integrated functions, efficient and effective processes, and cross-agency behavioral health leadership.
This position reports directly to the Commissioner. This position is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. The successful candidate is an excellent relationship builder and works closely with all members of the leadership team. They also maintain positive working relationships with other agencies' leadership as well as the Governor's Office on matters of strategy and operational accountability.
This position focuses on the strategic and practical strategies necessary to foster and maintain understanding among BHA staff members, State agency staff across partner state agencies, and external partners and stakeholders about the BHA's role and functions. On behalf of the BHA Commissioner and the Deputies, this position develops effective processes to meet the vision and expectations of the Governor, Commissioner, and BHA Advisory Council.
This position is responsible for supporting day-to-day strategy providing support and leadership with the Commissioner to set leadership meetings, priorities, strong communications, and inter-BHA collaboration as well as inter-state agency collaboration; specifically, with CDHS, HCPF, and CDPHE. This position identifies gaps, creates solutions, and directly manages risks, as well as, maintains a strategy balanced with response to urgent changes-creating options and pros and cons for the Commissioner to use in decision making. The position supports the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners with change management and the development of a strong culture with clear expectations for accountability across the BHA and with CDHS leadership. This position also supports the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and BHA leadership with crafting and executing the BHA's strategic plan and is responsible for tracking the related workstream priorities to achieve strategic goals. The position works closely with the Governor's Office on the BHA initiatives and acts as a liaison with other State agencies to ensure cross-agency projects are successful.
Summary of Duties:
Strategic Leadership and Operationalization:
Coordinates the Behavioral Health Administration's strategy for implementation, operations, and administration. Includes:
Relationship Building and Stakeholder Management:
Guide and coordinate the collaborative relationship development, manage risk, and set processes for inter-agency/division collaboration to achieve the Administration vision of a coherent and streamlined approach to behavioral health leadership Includes:
ability to identify systemic friction points using cross-agency performance data and initiate corrective strategic actions.
Change Management and Organizational Culture:
Demonstrated expertise in change management, conflict resolution, and shifting organizational culture.
Experience navigating the complexities of new agency models and managing the human elements of adaptation to change.
Project Management and Risk Mitigation:
Strong background in identifying gaps, managing risks, and troubleshooting underperforming initiatives or leadership gaps.
Experience coordinating projects across BHA to ensure goals, timelines, and action items are successfully executed.
Experience managing multiple competing priorities while maintaining a strategic balance between long-term goals and urgent, shifting demands.
High-Level Executive Support:
Other Duties as Assigned:
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
The role requires an experienced leader capable of navigating complex organizational structures and fostering cross-agency collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in a field of study related to the duties of the position.
AND
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience related to the duties of this position.
Substitutions
Preferred Qualifications:
A Masters of Public Administration, Business Administration or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the bachelors degree and one or two years of general experience respectively.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bachelor's or Master's in Management or Public Administration
Master of Public Policy (MMP) or Political Science
Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Public Health (MP
A doctorate in a field of study related to the duties of this position.
Experience working in a fast paced government work environment.
Excellent critical thinking skills
Experience taking the initiative and leading a large group of employees.
Experience working in an executive level position in a State department.
Exceptional communication skills.
Experience facilitating community meetings and meetings with internal/external staff.
Experience working with and effectively communicating with high level executives and legislators.
Experience working with staff and stakeholders in behavioral health and other state agencies.
Experience working with cabinet members.
Exceptional writing skills.
Experience giving presentations to the public and staff members.
Relevant years of state service
Strategic Leadership & Performance Management: Demonstrated expertise in executing high-level strategic plans and operationalizing performance management systems. This includes the ability to utilize data dashboards to track Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) and SMART deliverables to drive accountability.
Relationship Building & Networked Governance: Proven experience establishing formal cross-agency partnerships and breaking down organizational silos. Essential to this is the ability to institutionalize a "Community-First" framework, co-designing initiatives with Tribal partners, providers, and individuals with lived experience to ensure policy alignment.
Change Management & Organizational Culture: A history of navigating complex organizational structures, managing resistance during agency transitions, and fostering a strong, accountable organizational culture through conflict resolution and change management strategies
Executive Decision Support: The capability to identify systemic friction points, manage project risks, and provide executive leadership with actionable options (including pros and cons) for high-impact decision-making. This includes the ability to balance long-term strategic goals with urgent, shifting demands.
Operational & Financial Acumen: Experience in resource allocation, project management, and identifying revenue sustainability opportunities beyond direct appropriations-such as maximizing commercial insurance alignment and federal funding models.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
[Standard/full] background check and reference check required
This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License or an non-restricted U.S. Drivers License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
Out-of-State Driver's License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of employment start date.
Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
Disclose that information on the application.
Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
The Assessment Process
Please Note: This posting is open until filled. Applicants must submit a Comprehensive Resume and Cover Letter in order to be considered for this position
CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
Relevant years of state service experience.
Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.
Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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.
This includes 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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us.
EOE Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer
We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives 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, 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.
Additional Support For Your Application
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Please note: Applications that do not include a cover letter and comprehensive resume will not be reviewed. Please confirm that you have successfully uploaded your comprehensive resume and cover letter.
02
Provide 3-5 examples that demonstrate the relevant and preferred experience, education, specialized training, and/or certifications from the job announcement that prepare you for the Chief Strategy Officer role for the State of Colorados Behavioral Health Administration.
03
Explain your experience with EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) initiatives in the workplace and why it is important.
04
The BHA is in a critical formative period with high expectations. Imagine you are tasked with managing three distinct, high-impact initiatives (e.g., a legislative mandate, a new community partnership, and a performance management overhaul) that are currently running behind schedule due to resource bottlenecks. All three have stakeholders demanding immediate results. Walk us through your exact process for evaluating these competing demands. How do you decide which to push, which to deprioritize, and how do you communicate the cost of these decisions to the leadership versus your external stakeholders?
05
Our mandate requires co-designing initiatives with Tribal partners and individuals with lived experience. Suppose you have a high-impact initiative with a strict legislative deadline, but the feedback from a key community advisory group suggests the current implementation plan will be ineffective or culturally insensitive. How do you balance the pressure of the legislative clock with the necessity of community-led design? Describe a situation where you had to reconcile a similar conflict between operational urgency and community consensus.
Required Question
Employer State of Colorado
Address See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website https://careers.colorado.gov/
| Location | Denver, CO |
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