Salary: $230,992.00 Annually
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: GOVELECT_EDOEDITEW11.07.26
Department: Office of the Governor
Opening Date: 11/07/2026
Closing Date: 11/15/2026 11:59 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.
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: Online applications through the Colorado Jobs portal will not be accepted. Please follow instructions on the job announcement for submitting an application.
Department Contact Information: [redacted] HOW TO APPLY: Please submit an online application for this position at buildingcoloradosfuturetogether.org. 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 before the closing date.
Department InformationThe Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. It advances the state's economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and the Executive Director. OEDIT works to grow a resilient economy in which everyone not only gets by but thrives. Its mission is to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. The office envisions a future in which quality of life keeps improving, great jobs and affordable housing are readily available, economic mobility and resiliency exist, environmental stewardship is valued by all, and international visitors abound.
OEDIT builds a strong public-private approach to economic development across the state. It monitors economic conditions and strengthens regional economies, supports entrepreneurs and small businesses, and creates quality jobs by expanding and attracting businesses. It also retains existing jobs through responsive programs and positions Colorado as a global leader in key industries.
Description of JobDepartment: Office of the Governor; Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Position Title: Executive Director
Summary of Functions: The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The position is part of the Governor's Cabinet and is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the office and for the consistent achievement of its mission and objectives. Its purpose is to create the conditions for businesses to start, grow, and stay in Colorado and to advance economic opportunity in every region of the state. The Executive Director also serves as the Special Assistant to the Governor for Economic Development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:- Oversee and manage the office's operations and direct the implementation of its services, policies, and programs in alignment with office goals, the Governor's initiatives, and the expectations of stakeholders
- Build and cultivate a high performing team that attracts, retains, and grows top-quality talent
- Direct and oversee the office's budget and ensure fiscal management that operates within the approved budget, makes full use of available resources, and keeps the organization in a positive financial position
- Direct business attraction, retention, and expansion
- Direct rural economic development through the Rural Opportunity Office
- Support the Colorado Economic Development Commission's incentive awards with staff analysis and recommendations
- Expand access to resources and capital for small businesses
- Simplify processes and remove unnecessary barriers for businesses that are starting or growing in Colorado
- Develop international trade and export markets on behalf of Colorado producers and lead foreign direct investment strategy, trade missions, and export assistance
- Advise the Governor and the General Assembly on issues affecting the business community and deliver the office's annual report to the General Assembly
- Partner with chambers of commerce, corporations, local economic development organizations, Economic Development Districts, and Tribal governments
- Promote tourism, outdoor recreation, creative industries, and film, television, and media
- Brief the Governor's Office on all relevant policy issues arising from state and federal legislative activities
- Build a good relationship with the legislature and serve as the point person for directing the office's response to proposed legislation that may affect its operations
Organizational Relationships: Colorado Economic Development Commission; Office of State Planning and Budgeting; Director of Rural Advancement; Chief Housing Officer
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsPreferred Education/Experience:- A bachelor's or advanced degree in business, economics, finance, law, public administration, or a closely related field
- Ten or more years of leadership experience in economic development, business, finance, or public administration
- Five or more years of professional executive management experience that includes setting goals and objectives and managing a budget to achieve them
- Five or more years of experience fostering effective and efficient process improvements for an organization of twenty-five or more employees
- Experience building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders with varying perspectives and interests
- Familiarity with the federal and state laws that govern economic development and experience working with site selection professionals and foreign trade representatives
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience structuring transactions and exercising judgment on incentives that commit public funds
- Experience forming public-private partnerships across industries, regions, and sectors
- Experience developing international trade and export markets on behalf of producers
- Experience providing decision-support analysis to independent commissions
- Experience expanding capital access and supporting founders at the earliest stages of business formation
- Experience leading rural economic development in partnership with local communities
- Experience building relationships with chambers of commerce, corporations, and local economic development organizations
Conditions of employment: Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment and reside in Colorado once employed
Supplemental InformationHOW TO APPLY: Please submit an online application for this position at 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 before the closing date.
A resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your 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.
Benefits The State of Colorado offers a competitive benefits package to permanent employees:
- PERA retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan, PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage
- Automatic Short-Term and Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
- 11 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
- Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.
We believe that diverse teams produce better results and encourage people of a variety of backgrounds and qualifications to apply.
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to
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