Legislative & Special Projects Program Manager

​About Jefferson County:  

​Jefferson County is the fourth largest county by population in Colorado, located west of the Denver metro area where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains.  About two thirds of the county is in the foothills and mountain areas with one third on the plains where most of the county’s 580,000 residents live. 

​Jeffco serves as both an administrative arm of the state government and as a unit of local government. Overseeing Jefferson County are three County Commissioners. Each commissioner is elected by residents for a four-year term. Commissioners serve as policymakers for land use, roads and bridges, parks and open space, public assistance, and intergovernmental services. The Board of County Commissioners appoints the County Manager who oversees a leadership team comprised of Department Directors.  

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SCHEDULE: 

This schedule typically operates on a 10-hour workday, 4 days a week. This position is hybrid, with the option to work some hours remotely after the 6-month training period. Occasional off-hours and weekend work will be required as needed as legislative sessions and legislators’ schedules demand. Remote work arrangement is subject to supervisor approval and shall comply with Jefferson County’s Remote Working Policy. 

COMPENSATION:  

Hiring Range: $88,000 - $125,000 USD Annual  

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills. 

BENEFITS: 

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, remote work options and more.  For more information, click Here for our Total Rewards summary.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:  

• Oversee the development and administration of the County’s legislative program. Gather input from Commissioners and County leadership to craft a comprehensive legislative and lobbying strategy. Provide leadership and oversight for ongoing communication and evaluation of proposed state and federal legislation. Advise on strategies to advocate for or amend legislation as needed, and manage consultants to effectively implement the County’s legislative agenda. 

•  Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory developments. Maintain current knowledge of the evolving legislative landscape, including changes at the state and federal levels. Attend relevant professional meetings, conferences, and trainings to stay informed of emerging issues and best practices. 

•  Develop and lead initiatives to shape legislative and regulatory priorities. Identify opportunities to propose, support, or amend legislation and regulations affecting the County. Assess potential impacts, build consensus among stakeholders, and recommend actions to advance County objectives. Evaluate program effectiveness and implement improvements where necessary. 

•  Maintain systems and processes for legislative tracking and communication. Oversee tracking tools for legislation and regulatory changes, ensuring timely dissemination of updates to stakeholders. Foster innovative approaches to legislative monitoring and analysis, and identify resources to enhance existing efforts. Prepare regular reports, briefings, and policy updates for leadership and the Board of County Commissioners.  

•  Represent the Jefferson County’s legislative strategy and priorities. Serve as a liaison to other jurisdictions, legislators, and external partners. Collaborate with governmental and community organizations to ensure coordinated efforts and effective use of shared resources. Participate in committees and task forces to promote Jefferson County’s legislative objectives. 

•  Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships.  Establish strong, collaborative relationships with county staff and outside agency staff to advance the County’s legislative, regulatory, and public policy goals. 

•  Communicate progress and outcomes. Communicate with county leadership on progress made towards our goals and programs. Coordinate public communications activities for articles on a website, Engage Jeffco, J.E.N. newsletters, and other promotional materials and publications. 

•  Lead and support special projects and initiatives. Assist with and lead special projects, develop methods for improving county systems and implementing best practices. Oversee important county initiatives.  

•  Assist in policy formulation and implementation. Assist with the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures to align with the goals and objectives of the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager, and Elected and Appointed Officials. Identify and create strategies for implementing policies that support county priorities. Ensure policies reflect best practices and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Provide direction and support to staff involved in initiatives. 

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the County’s legislative, regulatory, and strategic objectives.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, or related field 
• Plus, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy or intergovernmental affairs.  
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable. 

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; adept at critical and strategic thinking with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively. 
• Deep understanding of government processes and outreach at the local, state, and federal levels, including experience working with elected officials, executive leadership, policy staff, or campaign representatives. 
• Proven ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex legislative or policy issues to inform recommendations and decision-making. 
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining productive relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and stakeholder coalitions to advance shared goals. 
• Proficiency in legislative tracking systems, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong time management and prioritization skills. 
• Proactive and ethical professional with a strong commitment to public service and alignment with the mission and vision of the County. 

Application Requirements: 

• A resume and cover letter that summarizes your experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, public affairs, or policy analysis, including the number of years and primary areas of responsibility should be included with your application. 
• Please be prepared to provide a writing sample in the form of a policy statement or position paper on state or federal legislative issues as part of your submission for the role. 
• In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.