Deputy Director of Operations & Finance
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Salary
$106,776.00 - $170,856.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
FAA02135-07/10/26
Department
Department of Public Health & Environment
Division
Administration Division
Opening Date
07/17/2026
Closing Date
8/8/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
cdphehrtalent_acquisition@state.co.us
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.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.
ABOUT CDPHE:
Colorado for All Philosophy: Colorado for All means working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It means we support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Join us in serving our communities to advance Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.Join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn and play in this beautiful state we call home. IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This position will be onsite and required to report to the office located at: 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
CDPHE offers:
Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
Flexible working arrangements
Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)
Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
Tuition assistance
Wellness programs
Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
Description of Job
The Work Unit:State public health laboratories are foundational to protecting the health of the population. Only one of these highly specialized labs exist per state, creating a national network that works closely with the EPA, CDC, FDA and other federal agencies. The Colorado Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) protects the health of the population by identifying known and novel infectious diseases and outbreaks; detecting environmental contaminants in food products, natural medicine, and drinking and recreational waters; responding to bioterrorism and chemical threats; certifying every instrument in the state used for evidential breath alcohol testing; testing every infant born in Colorado and Wyoming to identify treatable genetic-related conditions at birth; performing audit functions and certification of outside laboratories; and conducting surveillance and public health research. The CPHL conducts around 3 million tests annually and works in partnership with local public health agencies to investigate and monitor public health threats.
The CPHL is a division with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, known internally as the Laboratory Services Division. The Operations and Finance Unit of the laboratory delivers core operational, pre-analytical, and business support functions that enable timely, reliable, and compliant laboratory services. This unit integrates informatics and data systems, specimen accessioning, logistics and supply chain operations, client coordination, fiscal and contract management, and personnel administration into a cohesive operational framework that supports testing programs, regulatory requirements, and emergency response readiness. Through coordinated oversight of these interconnected functions, the unit ensures secure specimen and data flow, sound financial stewardship, effective workforce management, modern technology and instrumentation, and consistent customer service, allowing the laboratory's scientific programs to operate efficiently while meeting public health priorities and surge demands. This Operations and Finance unit also serves as the primary laboratory logistics partner to CDPHE's Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response. The laboratory's logistical support includes purchase, storage and distribution of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment, and testing supplies; specimen transportation and testing support; and other logistical services necessary to support statewide preparedness, response, and recovery activities.What You Will Do:
Help lead one of Colorado's most important public institutions.
Every day, the Colorado Public Health Laboratory protects millions of people by detecting infectious diseases, responding to outbreaks, identifying environmental contaminants, testing every newborn in Colorado and Wyoming for life-threatening conditions, supporting emergency response operations, and serving as a critical component of the nation's public health infrastructure. More than three million tests flow through the laboratory each year.
We're seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Deputy Director of Operations & Finance , a senior executive role responsible for ensuring the laboratory has the people, systems, resources, technology, and operational excellence necessary to fulfill its mission.
This is not a traditional operations job.
You'll oversee a complex portfolio that includes logistics, supply chain, specimen accessioning, laboratory informatics, fiscal operations, customer service, workforce administration, emergency and preparedness logistics. You'll lead senior managers, shape organizational strategy, and serve as a trusted advisor to the Laboratory Director.
If you're energized by solving complex problems, building high-performing teams, modernizing systems, and making a meaningful impact on public health, this may be the role you've been looking for.
Lead a Complex Public Health Enterprise
Provide executive leadership for the operational backbone of Colorado's public health laboratory, ensuring secure, reliable, and compliant services that support critical testing programs and emergency response activities.
Build and Lead Exceptional Teams
Direct and mentor senior managers responsible for laboratory operations, logistics, fiscal services, client services, accessioning, and personnel administration. Shape workforce strategy, succession planning, and organizational development across multiple functional areas.
Drive Strategy and Operational Excellence
Serve as a member of the laboratory's senior leadership team. Translate strategic priorities into action, establish performance expectations, solve cross-functional challenges, and continuously improve systems, processes, and service delivery.
Steward Significant Public Resources
Provide executive oversight of budgets, grants, contracts, procurements, fee structures, and vendor relationships. Ensure sound financial management while positioning the laboratory for long-term sustainability and growth.
Strengthen Emergency Preparedness
Help lead one of Colorado's critical emergency response assets. Oversee logistics and preparedness functions that support disease outbreak response, public health emergencies, medical countermeasure distribution, and statewide continuity of operations.
Shape the Future
Guide major initiatives involving technology modernization, laboratory informatics, facilities planning, organizational design, fiscal oversight, operational performance, and workforce readiness.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Leadership
Laboratory Operational Oversight (Preanalytical and Support Functions)
Executive People Management & Supervision
Financial, Procurement & Grant Contract Oversight
Process Improvement, Systems & Policy Stewardship
Oversees Laboratory Emergency Preparedness and Response Functions
Facilities Coordination & Consultation
Executive Response & Special Assignments
What Makes This Opportunity Unique
Lead operations for one of the most sophisticated public health laboratories in the nation.
Influence decisions that directly impact the health and safety of millions of Coloradans.
Work at the intersection of science, technology, public policy, emergency management, and executive leadership.
Manage a diverse portfolio that spans people, operations, finance, logistics, technology, and strategy.
Join a mission-driven leadership team dedicated to public service and innovation.
Help shape the future of laboratory services during a period of transformation and modernization.
We're Looking For Someone Who
Has successfully led large, complex operational organizations.
Understands how to leverage technology, data, and informatics to improve operational performance, strengthen decision-making, and modernize complex organizations.
Knows how to build trust, develop leaders, and create accountability.
Is a systems thinker, a tinkerer, and problem solver.
Can navigate ambiguity, competing priorities, and high-stakes decisions.
Brings strong financial, organizational, and strategic management skills.
Thrives in collaborative environments and can influence across organizational boundaries.
Understands that great operations are invisible when they work-and mission-critical when they don't.
Is motivated by public service and improving outcomes for communities.
Why This Work Matters When a disease outbreak occurs, when drinking water is threatened, when a newborn needs a life-saving diagnosis, or when Colorado faces a public health emergency, the Colorado Public Health Laboratory is there.
Behind every successful laboratory response is an operational system that works. This position is vital to making sure that occurs.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
H1A4XX Program Management III (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-hr-professionals/job-classifications/class-description-and-minimum-qualifications-for-h1a)
Minimum Qualifications:
NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience: Experience Only:
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience leading complex operational, administrative, fiscal, scientific, technical, or business functions within a large, highly regulated organization (such as public health, healthcare, government, laboratory, higher education, or a similarly complex environment). Experience must include responsibility for program operations, regulatory compliance, strategic initiatives, or organizational improvement, including supervision of staff or leadership of multidisciplinary teams or major programs. Two (2) years of the ten (10) must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, and developing and managing budgets to achieve program goals and objectives.
Or
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor's Degree in public administration, business administration, public health, healthcare administration, laboratory administration, organizational leadership, management, finance, information systems, or a closely related field AND six (6) years of progressively responsible leadership experience leading complex operational, administrative, fiscal, scientific, technical, or business functions within a large, highly regulated organization (such as public health, healthcare, government, laboratory, higher education, or a similarly complex environment). Experience must include responsibility for program operations, regulatory compliance, strategic initiatives, or organizational improvement, including supervision of staff or leadership of multidisciplinary teams or major programs. Two (2) years of the six (6) must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, and developing and managing budgets to achieve program goals and objectives.
OR
A Master's Degree in public administration, business administration, public health, healthcare administration, laboratory administration, organizational leadership, management, finance, information systems, or a closely related field AND four (4) years of progressively responsible leadership experience leading complex operational, administrative, fiscal, scientific, technical, or business functions within a large, highly regulated organization (such as public health, healthcare, government, laboratory, higher education, or a similarly complex environment). Experience must include responsibility for program operations, regulatory compliance, strategic initiatives, or organizational improvement, including supervision of staff or leadership of multidisciplinary teams or major programs. Two (2) years of the four (4) must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, and developing and managing budgets to achieve program goals and objectives. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:
Demonstrated experience successfully leading large, complex operational organizations.
Demonstrated experience leveraging technology, data, and informatics to improve operational performance, strengthen decision-making, and modernize complex organizations.
Demonstrated experience building trust, developing leaders, and creating accountability.
Demonstrated ability as a systems thinker, a tinkerer, and problem solver.
Can navigate ambiguity, competing priorities, and high-stakes decisions.
Brings strong financial, organizational, and strategic management skills.
Thrives in collaborative environments and can influence across organizational boundaries.
Understands that great operations are invisible when they work-and mission-critical when they don't.
Has performance management and strategic planning skills.
Is motivated by public service and improving outcomes for communities.
Has experience leading organizational change, process improvement, or modernization initiatives while maintaining day-to-day operational excellence.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
A pre-employment financial check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Critical Status: This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.
Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency , (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
TRAVEL: Travel may be required 1-2 times per year.
Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website at CO State Personnel Board Forms and Filing (https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing) .
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us or by fax at 303-866-5038 within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department's action.
The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.
Supplemental Information
A complete application packet must include:
Completed State of Colorado application.
A Cover Letter
A Resume
If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
The Selection Process:
All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.
E-Verify:
CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
ADAAA Accommodations:
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. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 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 at cdphe_benefits@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
