Deputy Commissioner of Administration (Finance, Strategy and Operations)

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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:

This position serves as Deputy Commissioner of Administration for Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) within the Colorado Department of Human Services. The position works collaboratively with CDHS on support services and will directly oversee BHA internal operations. This position is designed to capture the strategic, leadership, and organizational goals of the BHA as outlined in legislation, internal, and external stakeholders in the areas of Fiscal, Budgeting, Contracts and Procurement, Project  Management, organizational strategic planning and staffing. This position provides oversight and direction in the strategic planning, goal setting, program outcomes, and performance measurement for BHA operations. This position develops tools and systems to provide critical operational information to the Commissioner, as well as implements actions related to strategic direction for these functions. This position serves on the Senior Executive Team. This position may represent the Commissioner in various meetings and decisions.

This position thinks strategically and works with the senior executive team to ensure key processes, procedures, and communications facilitate the Administration’s mission and operations. The position requires extensive cross-group coordination, collaboration, innovation, and excellent communication skills. This position drives overall strategy planning and facilitates aligned program execution and accountability as appropriate. This position drives the ongoing development and execution of BHA’s management system including accountability. A keen eye to all management priorities and the integrity of the management system is critical. This may involve leading or participating in ad hoc joining teams and initiatives that need executive-level support.

Additionally, this position is responsible for the oversight of the Administration’s financial programs, including, but not limited to, budget preparation and execution, financial management and reporting, procurement and contract management, accounting expenditures and receivables, and payroll processing. This position provides vision and strategic direction that is aligned with the Commissioner's goals and priorities. The Chief Financial Officer of BHA is a direct report to this position. 

Summary of Duties:

Leadership/ Management: 

• Collaborate with the other Deputy Commissioners to ensure BHA is operationally strong and meeting the needs of Coloradoans.
• Serve as a thought partner and strategic advisor to the Commissioner; standing in on meetings, challenging ideas and offering a different perspective, building trusting relationships with staff and stakeholders, and following up on action items with the team accordingly so BHA maintains accountability.
• Build and run cadence for BHA Senior Executive Team (SET) meetings, Status and Strategic planning meetings, and leadership off-sites, including structuring and helping to deliver BHA-wide priorities. This includes ensuring leadership is aligned with the Management system and is accountable for their actions and that appropriate follow-up occurs.
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives, facilitate special projects, and ensure action items are executed.
• Coordinate with budget and legislative staff leadership to ensure submissions are in line with organizational priorities.
• Establish and nurture highly effective relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders that support and advance business goals and objectives.
• Establish and promote a positive service culture.
• Work to remove barriers that hamper inter-agency communications.
• Articulate changes in organizational and business priorities to staff in ways that encourage action and support.
• Create and maintain a work environment that builds talent to ensure the continuity of leadership for the organization. Responsible for driving organizational culture.
• Ensures the successful dissemination of communications in collaboration with the SET.
• Collaborates with CDHS services to ensure BHA is receiving the services it needs to focus on the most important issues/opportunities for the State and the organization.
• In line with the management system, works with the Project Management team to ensure alignment with project prioritization.
• Responsible for BHA employee engagement and morale efforts to increase satisfaction and engagement.
• Provides oversight over all BHA positions in alignment with statutory requirements..
• Consults with program strategic and operational planners to include partnering with CDHS and other State leadership/services to achieve synchronized efforts.
• Represent BHA externally with legislators, advocates, and other stakeholders. This includes providing testimony to bills that impact BHA, presenting during legislative hearings, and speaking at external engagements such as conferences or meetings.

Budget and Finance:

• Through the oversight of the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), direct the development of BHA’s annual budget submissions, including base budget development, decision item review, fiscal notes, policy impact analysis, and general strategic discussions.
• Oversee the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for BHA.
• Partners with the CFO to establish effective strategic sourcing and vendor management functions to meet the needs of BHA including ensuring procurements are conducted under federal and state rules and regulations.
• Report financial status by developing forecasts, reporting results, analyzing variances, and identifying ways to improve performance.
• Ensure that the budget and other legislative support documents are consistent and complete and are prepared for review by the Commissioner and SET. Project manages deadlines and ensures questions are answered timely and accurately in legislative sessions and Joint Budget Committee hearings.
• Determines the best approach with external entities when representing BHA, including OMB in the Governor’s office. This requires a high degree of knowledge of BHA, the budget process, and the state’s fiscal rules.
• Direct the development of and maintenance of internal controls to safeguard the financial assets of BHA. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and that financial activities are following GAAP, GASB, and state fiscal rules.
• Determines the best course of action to take when identifying issues that impact BHA’s ability to meet its strategic plan, goals, and performance measures. Develop solutions that enable BHA to meet its goals and expectations of its constituents.

Project and Operational Management:

• Ensures the BHA has support for legal, medical, contracting, finance, accounting, budget, results-driven management systems. This includes engaging and collaborating with CDHS, other state agencies, and the Governor's office.
• Drives the successful organizational-wide implementation and development of the Management System for BHA. Works with the Governor’s Office, Commissioner, and leadership across the organization to ensure collaboration. Will also work with counties and other agencies on the implementation.
• Formulate and provide oversight to assigned strategic initiatives and project schedules, priorities, progress, and work plans. Identify scheduling problems while adhering to BHA-focused objectives, processes, and procedures, as well as ensure consistency in how projects are planned, budgeted, managed, and controlled throughout their life cycle. Ensure compliance with the terms of the project’s charter.
• Utilize metrics to analyze BHA trends and develop strategies for the BHA that minimize risk, create early active adaptation to change, and reduce waste in projects.
• Oversees the overall organizational structure ensuring staffing allocation aligns with statutory requirements and BHA objectives.
• Provide oversight for the BHA Operations team. This includes leading the team through goal-setting and planning. This also includes periodic assessment of team functions and initiate changes to structure, functions, or processes in order to improve efficiencies
• Provide expert guidance to BHA on state, federal, and local laws and regulations. This includes a
  comprehensive understanding of CO state fiscal rule, CDHS departmental policies and processes, and State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures,
• Management and approval of BHA internal policies and procedures. This includes ensuring that relevant policies and procedures are accessible and organized, as well as assessing policies and procedures on a routine basis and providing opportunities for feedback and improvement.
• Provide oversight and act as an escalation point for internal customer support to BHA staff and leaders regarding internal operational issues, risks, or concerns
• Partner and collaborate with CDHS Administrative Solutions leadership team to ensure that BHA is appropriately and thoughtfully considered within departmental policies and procedures. Assists to navigate situations where BHA policies and procedures differ.
• Lead discussions with SET regarding BHA organizational structure and alignment. This includes balancing legislative requirements, funding, BHA strategic goals, WIGs, and other priorities.

***Please Note: Applicants must submit a Comprehensive Resume and Cover Letter in order to be considered for this position ***

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. 

AND

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in finance leadership within a diverse and multifaceted organization, showcasing a proven track record of increasing levels of responsibility and accountability. Within this experience, a minimum of four (4) years must have been dedicated to professional public or business financial operations roles. These roles should entail direct involvement in financial forecasting, as well as hands-on management of contracts, procurement processes, and the preparation of budget reports for executive review.

Substitutions

• Experience that provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.

• A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the bachelor's degree and one or two years of general experience respectively. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Government Budgeting: In-depth understanding of government budgeting processes, including revenue forecasting, expenditure planning, and allocation methodologies. Proven experience in developing and managing budgets in alignment with organizational priorities.

• Accounting Acumen: Extensive expertise in accounting principles, practices, and procedures, with a demonstrated track record of implementing robust financial controls and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with the ability to utilize financial data to inform decision-making processes and support the achievement of organizational objectives.

• Contractual Management and Procurement: Proficiency in contractual management and procurement strategies, encompassing vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation. Demonstrated ability to optimize procurement processes to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.

• Data Analysis and Forecasting: Exceptional data analysis skills, enabling the interpretation of financial data to identify trends and provide actionable insights. Experience in developing financial forecasts, models, and projections to facilitate strategic planning and resource allocation.

• Executive Communication: Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly and concisely. Proven experience in preparing executive summaries, presentations, and reports for senior leadership and stakeholders.

• Community Engagement: Ability to connect financing activities with public programs and initiatives, emphasizing community needs and promoting equitable outcomes. Track record of collaborating with community stakeholders, elected officials, and advocacy groups to align financial strategies with organizational goals.

• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills with a history of building and motivating high-performing teams. Experience in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the finance and administration department.

• Strategic Vision: Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in the financial and administrative landscape. Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive organizational growth and sustainability.

• Ethical Integrity: Commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency in all financial and administrative activities. Demonstrated adherence to regulatory requirements and organizational policies governing fiscal responsibility and accountability.

• Experience in Medicaid Financial Management: Candidates with hands-on experience or exposure to Medicaid financial management processes will be given preference. While proficiency in this area may not be a mandatory requirement, familiarity with Medicaid funding mechanisms, reimbursement methodologies, and regulatory frameworks would be advantageous.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must pass Pre-employment background check

• This position is expected to be in the office four days per week

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s 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

How to Apply

 

The Assessment Process

 

For additional recruiting questions, please contact Melissa.Baca@state.co.us

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 

 

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:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

 

*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more

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. 

 

 ADAA Accommodations: CDHS 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 to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at  cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

 

 

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