Denver Regional Council of Governments

Role Description The Power Ahead Colorado Utility & Regulatory Affairs Lead will lead engagement with utilities, monitor and participate in Public Utilities Commission proceedings, track relevant legislation, and advise program leadership on regulatory developments impacting building efficiency and electrification. The position will also support alignment between utility programs and local government building policies and coordinate closely with the Building Policy Collaborative. - Serves as a key point of coordination between the Power Ahead Colorado program and electric and gas utilities; develops and maintains relationships to support program goals and promote alignment with local government building policy strategies. - Monitors utility activities, regulatory proceedings, and program developments to assess impacts on local governments; proactively communicates relevant updates and advises when engagement or intervention is warranted; and supports local jurisdictions in understanding implications and developing effective communication, coordination, and response strategies. - Collaborates closely with the Building Policy Collaborative to ensure alignment between utility programs and local policy adoption and implementation. - Represents DRCOG in proceedings and engagement with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and other regulatory or advisory bodies; coordinates internal review and develops organizational positions. - Coordinates with utilities on program design, implementation, and data-sharing opportunities to support building decarbonization initiatives. - Provides subject matter expertise on utility programs, tariffs, incentives, and regulatory frameworks; translates complex regulatory and technical information for internal and external audiences. - Develops and advances strategies to align utility investments and programs with regional building policy goals. - Builds and maintains relationships with state agencies, local governments, advocacy organizations, and industry stakeholders to support coordinated policy and program outcomes. - Supports cross-functional coordination within DRCOG, including policy, planning, implementation, and compliance teams. - Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned. Qualifications - Utility regulatory structures and processes, including Public Utilities Commission proceedings. - Electric and gas utility planning (e.g. IRPs, DSM plans, rate cases). - State and local building, energy, climate, planning, and public infrastructure policy landscapes. - Building electrification technologies and market dynamics. - Principles and practices of public policy analysis. - Legislative processes and regulatory compliance frameworks. - Stakeholder engagement and intergovernmental coordination. - Research, analysis, and data interpretation methods. - Navigating complex regulatory, policy, and political environments with strong political acumen. - Building and maintaining effective relationships with utilities, regulators, policymakers, and diverse stakeholders. - Interpreting utility filings, regulatory documents, legislation, and applicable laws and policies. - Synthesizing technical, policy, and program information into clear, actionable insights and recommendations. - Representing organizational positions effectively in formal and informal settings. - Strategic thinking and independent decision-making in dynamic and evolving contexts. - Mediating among stakeholders with differing priorities and facilitating consensus-building. - Coordinating across stakeholders, projects, and teams to advance program objectives. - Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. - Communicating complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing. - Conducting research, data analysis, and performance tracking to inform decisions and report on progress. - Preparing high-quality reports, presentations, and briefings for leadership and external audiences. - Collaborating across disciplines and providing clear, actionable feedback to leadership. - Applying creativity and problem-solving to overcome implementation barriers. - Microsoft Office Suite Programs. Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in public policy, energy systems, environmental studies, sustainability, planning, engineering, economics, or related field and a minimum of 5-7 years of related professional experience. - A Master’s Degree in public policy, planning, engineering, sustainability, or related field is preferred. - An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Benefits - Full-time, Exempt status. - LEEDs Certification (desirable but not required).

Summary The hiring salary range for this position is $3,259.58 - $4,072.08/semi-monthly or $6,519.16 - $8,144.16/month depending on qualifications. The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do,. Employees are rewarded with competitive compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you! Description of Work About the Position of Program Manager (Grant Administration): This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division. •Provides professional administrative and analytical support of assigned division, program or organizational function; serves as a liaison and provides technical assistance to staff, external agencies, contractors, business partners and other stakeholders; oversees compliance with standards, agreements and regulations.  Reports to the Sr. Manager, Grant Administration. •Researches, compiles and analyzes data; identifies trends and organizational opportunities; documents and presents findings; provides recommendations and program solutions in support of assigned area. •Prepares, reviews and monitors grant applications with program staff with emphasis on program budgets and related expenditures; analyzes and assesses funding needs; monitors grants and fund allocations; and/or assists with administering and reviewing contracts and related compliance. •In coordination with program managers prepares, updates and maintains reports, correspondence, plans, presentations, proposal requests, communication materials, and other related documents and program information; manages the organization’s grant tracking database. •Researches, recommends and prepares documentation and training on grant compliance; monitors and analyzes industry trends, best practices and regulatory changes; identifies organizational impact; presents solutions for business improvement and/or development opportunities; creates and oversees record retention policies and procedures. •Serves as a project manager for development initiatives or special projects; facilitates project implementation; and monitors project measures, activities and outcomes; oversees Accessibility law efforts across the agency; serves as the agency’s point of contact on all matters related to Accessibility.  •Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned. •Develops and manages a full cycle grant management workflow for the organization that begins with the request to submit a grant application through the initial billing of the grant award; •Ensures all grant applications adhere to DRCOG policies and procedures as well as state and federal regulations; ensures the application is compliant with guidelines outlined in the grant application; •In coordination with the Sr. Manager, Grant Administration, prepares the grant application budget and budget narrative, collects appropriate signatures and all necessary forms required of each grant application submission; •Creates, organizes and implements usage of the organization’s grant management software, Web Grants, throughout the agency ensuring data is entered accurately and consistently; in coordination with management, with the input of staff and management, facilitates portfolio management initiatives and objectives for the agency;  •Serves as the organization’s subject matter expert on 2 CFR part 200; trains staff organization wide on grant compliance and grant management; updates staff on other regulatory changes in grant management; develops tools for DRCOG staff on grant application submissions and ongoing grant management; continually looks for ways to improve processes and works with staff on implementation of such processes; •Serves as the subject matter expert on the state’s Accessibility law for the agency; keeps apprised of all updates to the Accessibility law; creates and maintains a training program on Accessibility standards for the organization; manages Accessibility software licenses and users; •Assists the Sr. Manager, Grant Administration with the monitoring of program activity and makes recommendations on improved efficiencies, conducts research, analyzes data, and maintains registrations and credentials in various grant systems; •Coordinates with contracts and accounting departments on setting up new projects upon grant award to ensure contracts and billings are done in accordance with grant requirements; •Assists or may review the scope of work in subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure conformity with the grant application and award; may serve on RFP review panels as needed; •Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction; •Assists the Sr. Manager, Grant Administration and accounting department with other matters relevant to the position. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities •Principles and practices of program administration and management. •Principles of data management. •Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research. •Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis. •Best practices, trends and emerging technologies. •Principles and practices of financial management. •Principles and practices of contract management. •Project management principles. •Communication styles and techniques •Principles of proper grammar, both oral and written, in all types of communication and presentations. •Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations. •Practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others (based on assignment). •Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment). •Customer service principles. •Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment. •Modern office technology. •Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason. •Managing a project or program. •Training others on processes and concepts. •Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices. •Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial information and statistics. •Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations. •Developing original reports, documents and presentations. •Monitoring project schedules, status and compliance. •Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands. •Developing policies and procedures. •Coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work performed (based on assignment). •Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment). •Providing customer service. •Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications. •Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Education and Experience •Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business/public administration or related field and five to seven  years of experience related to project management, grant management, contract management, or budget management. OR   An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation. Licensing/Certifications: •Valid Colorado Driver’s License and access to an automobile or to substantively equivalent alternative transportation; Project Management Professional (PMP) in good standing is preferred. Status:   •Full-time, Exempt All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.