Workforce Development Manager

This mission of the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumer energy costs by advancing clean energy, energy efficiency and zero emission vehicles to benefit all Coloradans. We do this by developing and implementing highly impactful policies and programs, establishing Colorado as a leading state for climate action. The Colorado Energy Office is a great place to work, with collaborative and talented employees who are passionate about our mission and a flexible hybrid (work from home/work from office) atmosphere. Employees report high satisfaction with their work, their colleagues and manager, and CEO leadership. Join us!

To meet our climate goals, there is a crucial need for meaningful and coordinated workforce development. CEO is investing in building a qualified, skilled, and reliable workforce that is ready to support the State of Colorados climate efforts. At the same time, clean energy jobs can offer stable employment and wealth-building opportunities, especially in underserved communities. CEO works to develop career pathways in areas such as beneficial electrification, solar energy, electric vehicle charging, and weatherization.

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.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Starting Salary: $68,016.00 - $84,011.20 Annually H iring range $72K-80. The position's funding is linked to a federal grant, which is expected to conclude in 2029.

*This position is eligible for a hybrid and/or remote working arrangement. Hybrid positions are expected to be present at the office location for no less than one day per work week.

CEO seeks a Workforce Development Manager for the Communications & Engagement (C&E) team, supporting Colorado Solar for All (COS4A). This role involves developing and managing a federal grant for solar workforce development under COS4A, collaborating across CEO and with external partners. The ideal candidate has experience in grant/program management, workforce development (ideally clean energy), and solar/electrical policy, with a solutions-oriented, collaborative approach, eager to expand solar access in Colorado. This C&E team position reports to a supervisor within that team and works closely with the broader COS4A program.

About Workforce Development on Communications & Engagement:

The Communications and Engagement team focuses on boosting awareness and involvement in the CEOs climate and energy initiatives through strategic communication, outreach, and workforce development. To meet Colorado's ambitious climate goals, the workforce development unit is dedicated to supporting the identification and creation of pathways for individuals to connect to climate-related occupations. This includes developing incentives, securing and administering grants, supporting policy, and fostering collaboration with other workforce entities. Our ultimate aim is to ensure individuals can earn stackable credits and credentials for both work and training, creating more quality climate jobs across Colorado.

About Colorado Solar for All (COS4A) :

COS4A is an income-qualified program launching in phases next year to accelerate solar adoption in Colorado, contributing to the states goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. It will support single-family, multi-family, and community solar installations, improving air quality, lowering energy bills, and increasing energy independence. The program will partner with industry leaders for delivery, installation, operation, and management. Additionally, COS4A includes community engagement, stakeholder involvement, and workforce training. A comprehensive Workforce Development Plan, backed by an $11.5 million grant from 2025-2029, will foster a robust solar workforce through training, upskilling, leadership development, and integration of solar and electrical content into apprenticeship programs. The position's funding is tied to a federal grant, concluding in 2029.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with COS4A and C&E Workforce teams to implement the COS4A Workforce Development Plan and COS4A workforce grant program.

• Develop a grant program based on an existing COS4A Workforce Development Plan to scale existing programming in partnership with other agencies or organizations, to bolster solar workforce in key areas, and develop new programming as needed.

• Manage a grant program by preparing scopes of work, evaluating proposals, and managing subrecipients and vendors. Monitor program uptake and changes in the market and make recommendations to improve program design and delivery as needed.

• Work closely with the COS4A Communications and Engagement Specialist to raise awareness and engagement with the program across the state, including supporting the development of educational and other outreach materials.

• Align COS4A workforce development with other programs, assessing existing and new solar energy workforce efforts to identify and fill gaps.

• Engage non-profits and community-based organizations to ensure disproportionately impacted and just transition communities benefit from COS4A's economic opportunities.

• Collaborate with interagency partners, local governments, and educational and industry partners on training, grants, and workforce development programs.

• Evaluate solar workforce data and use data to guide COS4A grant programming.

• Stayed informed of policies and legislation that may impact the solar workforce. Contribute as a subject matter expert when needed.

• Conduct stakeholder engagement, outreach, and education in support of workforce development policies, programs, and strategies.

• Maintain expertise in and facilitate best practices for accessibility and community engagement in serving low-income and disadvantaged communities and ensure best practices are in use.

• Maintain subject matter expertise on solar workforce issues and advise leadership.

• Other duties and tasks, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in any field or a combination of education and work experience meeting the minimum qualifications below.

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a related field (public administration, environmental science, political science, education, business, or similar)

  • Minimum of 3 years professional experience in program management, workforce development strategy, training and certification, or related fields

  • Knowledge of workforce development practices at the federal, state, or local level.

• Strategic thinker, adaptable to evolving federal landscapes (policy, funding, programmatic shifts).

• Experienced in program/project management: timelines, budgets, resources, stakeholders, risk mitigation.

• Excellent written, oral, and presentation communication.

• Proficient in Google Suite/Microsoft Office and video conferencing (Meet, Zoom, Teams).

• Aware of apprenticeships, work-based learning, skills-based hiring, and workforce development strategies.

• Familiar with workforce needs of underrepresented communities and DEI practices.

• Proven ability to build and manage diverse stakeholder relationships.

• Self-starter with minimal supervision, collaborative team player.

• Strong time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

• Valid driver's license.

• Ability to travel up to 15%.

• Flexible for periodic weekend, evening, and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing federal grants

• State of Colorado experience, including procurement, subcontractor/subgrantee management, and compliance.

• Experience working on climate and solar energy issues is strongly preferred

• Experience with Salesforce

• Bilingual in English and Spanish: writing, reading, and oral

To Apply:

A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements.

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks a year)

• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month (10 days a year)

• 12 paid holidays per year

• Medical and dental plans

• State paid life insurance policy of $50,000

• Choice of 2 retirement plans

• 401K and 457 plans

• State paid Short Term Disability coverage

• Additional optional life and disability plans

• Credit Union Membership

• RTD pass

• Training and professional development

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: style="color: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none">.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

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, 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.

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor 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 Staffing Coordinator (the Director of Human Resources) at ....

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.