Salary : $115,000.00 - $125,000.00 Annually
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: EAADEPDIRPOL_EAA10.13.26
Department: Office of the Governor
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/17/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 200 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: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.
Promotional Opportunity This announcement is open only to eligible individuals currently employed within the Policy and Research team, Office of the Governor. The announcement is for transparency purposes only to comply with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Only candidates currently employed within the Policy and Research team, Office of the Governor will be considered. Description of Job Position Title: Deputy Director of Policy and Research
Department: Policy and Research
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Schedule (Hybrid): In office at least 3 days per week; specific schedule will be determined in consultation with supervisor
Salary Range: $115,000-$125,000
Expected Annual Travel: Occasional in and out of state travel
Organizational Relationships: This position reports to the Director of Policy and Research and is part of the Governor's Office and Senior Leadership teams. This position assists in the supervision of the Senior Advisors and may directly supervisor Policy Advisors or Policy Coordinators. The Deputy Director of Policy and Research will work very closely with the legislative team, budget team, state agency legislative liaisons, and agency subject matter experts to advance policy goals.
Summary of Functions: The Deputy Director of Policy and Research is a member of Governor Polis' Senior Staff and reports directly to the Governor's Director of Policy and Research. The position directly supports management of the Governors' Policy and Research team which provides strategic policy and legislative analysis and recommendations, project management, press guidance and general policy support for the Governor's agenda.
Ideal candidates for this position will be effective problem solvers with a deep understanding of a breadth of policy issues; a proven track record in public policy work; and have experience with the Colorado state budget and legislative processes. They will be supportive and team-oriented problem solvers who are comfortable interacting with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected officials and cabinet members. The portfolios will include education-related issues, and therefore specific experience and expertise in these policy areas is strongly preferred.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:- Support the Director of Policy and Research in supervising policy staff and ensuring quality counsel to the Governor and other members of Senior Staff to achieve the goals of the office and advance the Governor's agenda.
- Directly advise the Director of Policy and Research, Governor, Lt. Governor and Senior Staff on general policy matters.
- Coordinate closely with senior executive staff across state agencies to ensure alignment and advancement of administration priorities.
- Coordinate closely with the Governor's legislative team and agency legislative liaisons on key agenda items and priorities in preparation for and during the legislative session.
- Support the policy and budget teams in the development of the Governor's annual budget request.
- Engage external stakeholders as appropriate to inform and advance administration priorities.
- Assist with office communications, including talking points, press inquiries, speeches, and memos, to ensure consistency and maximize strategic opportunities.
Skills and Competencies:- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across diverse and intersectional policy areas.
- Ability to step outside of core competency policy areas and provide strategic guidance to the policy team on additional areas when needed.
- Adept policy advisor as demonstrated by extensive experience successfully advising elected or appointed officials on complex policy issues.
- Effective listener, strategic thinker, and collaborative problem solver who is familiar with the public sector at the state and local levels.
- Effective manager capable of supporting guidance and direction to a large team.
- Proven leader who enjoys working with others and has a demonstrated commitment to professional development and supporting colleagues as appropriate.
- Familiarity with Colorado politics and understanding of issues unique to the state.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights - 5-7 years work related experience and Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields helpful.
- Public policy analysis and development skills, as demonstrated by professional and/or academic experience.
- Detail oriented and organized with the ability to work in a fast paced environment.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Familiarity with governmental and legislative processes.
- Experience and expertise in policy areas of public safety and labor-related issues is preferred.
Conditions of employment: must be currently employed within the Policy and Research team, Office of the Governor.
Supplemental InformationThe 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 a minimum of $50,000 or 1x annual salary
- 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: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.
