Senior Program Manager, Rural Funding

The Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) supports Colorado businesses through programs that foster economic growth, job training, and workforce development. This position is part of the Business Funding & Incentives team and focuses on rural economic development initiatives.

Title: Rural Funding Senior Program Manager
Location: Denver (requires regular statewide travel)
Classification: Non‑classified, at‑will State of Colorado Employee
Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000 annually

• Manage the Rural Jump‑Start Tax Incentive and Grant program, including recruitment, competitive analysis, contract oversight, and outcome reporting.
• Design, monitor, and report on tax credit and grant policies for coal transition communities in partnership with the Office of Just Transition and the Rural Opportunity Office.
• Support the Enterprise Zone Program Manager and lead promotions, statutory compliance, and partnership cultivation with local Enterprise Zone Administrators.
• Facilitate the Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation and grant implementation, engaging stakeholders and aligning with Business Funding & Incentives leadership.
• Supervise up to two direct reports, including the Enterprise Zone Program Manager.
• Develop marketing materials, communications strategies, and outreach programs for rural and coal‑transition communities.
• Represent BF&I and OEDIT at regional, state, and national audiences interested in rural development programming.
• Other projects and program responsibilities assigned by Business Funding & Incentives division leadership.

• 12+ years of post‑secondary education and experience in program, policy, or project management, or an equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated strategic vision and ability to translate economic development concepts into actionable programs.
• Strong stakeholder management, planning, project management, communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Experience with grant contract development, procurement, and workforce of Colorado rural communities is preferred.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in program design and execution.

• Clear verbal and written communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem‑solving acumen.
• Understanding of Colorado’s rural communities and regional economic needs.
• Proficiency in drafting formal documents, including contracts and requests for proposals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage businesses, government, and community stakeholders.
• Passion for public service and the state of Colorado.

• Annual leave, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Health, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement plans with generous state contributions.
• Life insurance, short‑term disability, and optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
• State‑paid short‑term disability and optional life and disability plans.
• Employee Assistance Program and training and professional development opportunities.
• RTD Eco Pass and transit benefits.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status, are encouraged to apply.

Disabilities are welcomed. For reasonable accommodation requests, contact the ADAAA Staffing Coordinator, Director of Human Resources: