DFPC Deputy Director

State of Colorado

Department Information

This is an at-will Senior Executive Service (SES) position

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.

Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.

Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.

Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans. We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace.

Careers With a Purpose

If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS. Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.

Salary

Anticipated Hiring Range: $13,000-$13,935/month; $156,000-$167,220 annually

Benefits

We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.

Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
Eligible employees receive Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.
The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee’s health and wellness goals. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.
Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) .
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.
We provide generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
We offer Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits .

Description Of Job

About the Work Unit

The mission of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property, resources, environment, and quality of life in Colorado. DFPC’s vision is to be the Nation's premier state fire organization by acting with foresight, providing bold leadership, enhancing our partnerships, and exemplifying the highest level of professionalism in fire prevention and protection, while building a safe and supportive work environment for our employees.

The Division achieves this mission and vision through its four (4) Sections: Center of Excellence, Fire and Life Safety, Professional Qualifications and Training, and Wildland Fire Management. Each of the four sections serve Colorado’s fire community in a different capacity - from training firefighters to technological advancements in public safety, responding to and managing wildfires, to building code enforcement, DFPC is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the people of Colorado while protecting property, resources, environment and quality of life.

This mission is accomplished through the development and maintenance of relationships and cooperative delivery of various statewide fire prevention, protection, and suppression programs that support local governments as well as state and federal agencies for delivery of services to the citizens of Colorado.

Work Environment

Hybrid (two days in the office minimum)
Work unit core business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Must be willing to travel approximately 10% of the time in-state and out-of-state to participate in committees, associations, organizations, coordinating groups, fire incidents etc. and attend conferences, training, meetings, etc.
This position may be assigned to an on-call rotation on a written schedule. If applicable, this will be in accordance with current CDPS and DFPC guidelines pertaining to on-call for FLSA Exempt employees.
This position will be expected to be available outside of standard work hours to coordinate statewide fire response, and provide expertise and technical assistance to interagency Dispatch Center staff and DFPC leadership when incidents occur.

About The Job

Under the strategic direction of the Division Director, this Senior Executive Service (SES) position provides high-level executive leadership, policy integration, and comprehensive administrative oversight for the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). The Deputy Director drives agency-wide accountability, strategy, and operational efficiency by directly overseeing the division's human, fiscal, operating, and capital resources.

This position supports and implements the philosophies and directives of the DFPC Director. This position implements the agency’s mission, vision, strategic direction, objectives and goals ensuring accountability to our constituents. Additionally, the Deputy Director drives policy and strategy by guiding public policy development, Division-wide programs, and high-priority agency projects tailored to the Division's needs.

The position also coordinates with other CDPS Divisions, the CDPS Executive Director’s Office, and other State agencies. This high profile role requires a considerable amount of interaction and transparent communication with the DFPC Director. The Deputy Director position must always operate with a high degree of professionalism and diplomacy, communicating effectively both internally and external to the agency.

This position directly supervises administrative and support programs within the Deputy Director’s Office, assists in overseeing activities throughout the Division, and provides coordination and assistance to Section Chiefs and the CoE Director with agency programs and operations. This position manages and oversees a range of administrative and programmatic positions, including: Public Information, Board and Commission Administrators, Policy Analyst, Grant Management, and Data and Analytics positions.

Key Responsibilities

Executive and Strategic Leadership

Provides executive-level leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction to ensure consistent statewide administration of DFPC fire programs, budgets, policies, and resource allocations.
Collaborates directly with the three DFPC Section Chiefs and the Center of Excellence (CoE) Director to integrate technology, align section-level programs, and execute the agency’s multi-year Strategic Plan.
Coordinates with other CDPS Divisions and the Executive Director’s Office (EDO) to represent DFPC interests and ensure policy alignment across the department.
Anticipates organizational change, manages leadership succession planning, and prioritizes major programs or projects based on statutory mandates, funding availability, and political implications.
Manages and supervises Work Units in their span of control who perform administrative, fiscal, support, and programmatic functions.
Provides administrative and policy coordination and assistance to DFPC Section Chiefs, the CoE Director and their programs and associated staff.

Provides direction, oversight, and support to assigned staff and subordinate managers empowering them to deliver fire programs and services to local, County, State, and federal agencies across Colorado.
Based on general guidance from the DFPC Director, develops and implements work plans, professional development plans, performance management plans, and oversees implementation of goals and activities for the DFPC Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to support all DFPC programs and fire response.

Serves as the primary agency representative and exercises full delegated administrative and policy authority in the absence of the Division Director, ensuring seamless business continuity.

Communication, Collaboration and Employee Engagement

Serves as a primary executive liaison and spokesperson for DFPC, articulating agency policies, legislative positions, and strategic initiatives to CDPS, the General Assembly, the Governor's Office, local and federal partners, and community stakeholders.
Oversees the legal, fiscal, and operational review of proposed state legislation impacting the Colorado fire service, coordinating unified organizational messaging and delivering technical testimony before legislative committees.
Directs internal employee engagement, workforce culture, and retention initiatives by designing targeted development programs, analyzing staff feedback, and executing strategic recruitment and succession planning frameworks.
Establishes cross-sectional communication protocols to unify DFPC Sections, ensure statewide compliance with administrative directives, and foster an inclusive, high-performing organizational culture.
Facilitates complex conflict resolution and organizational mediation internally and among inter-agency public safety partners to maintain operational continuity and mutual trust.

Division Administration, Human Resources and Budget Management

Provides executive-level leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all administrative, human resources, and budgetary programs within the Division to ensure organizational stability and compliance with state mandates.
Formulates, approves, and administers the Division’s annual budget, capital asset acquisitions, and discretionary expenditures, collaborating closely with DFPC Section Chiefs, CoE Director and the CDPS Executive Director’s Office (EDO).
Reviews, coordinates, and approves Division-level Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs), interim directives, decision memoranda, and regulatory rulemaking documentation impacting statewide fire suppression, certifications, and health facility inspections.
Fosters an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace environment focused on professional development, strategic personnel retention, and long-term organizational succession planning.
Establishes and maintains systems and processes required to oversee the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) program for the Division. Position coordinates directly across all DFPC Sections to gather relevant information, formally respond to requesters, and document and track all completed agency disclosures.

Special Projects And Other Duties As Assigned

Develops a cohesive team where all DFPC members support the mission, vision, and values of the agency.
Directs, executes, and oversees high-priority special projects and strategic initiatives essential to the missions of DFPC and CDPS, frequently requiring complex cross-divisional and/or cross-departmental collaboration.
Provides rapid executive-level responsiveness and adaptive leadership to address critical, unanticipated program needs or high complexity legal, policy, and political situations as they evolve.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.

Minimum Required Qualifications And Experience

Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with an appropriate bachelor’s degree; AND
A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in leadership position(s) of complex organization(s) with progressive authority and proven examples of substantial management experience that includes all of the following:

Five (5) years of organizational leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience working in a complex political environment.
Demonstrated professional experience in policy and budget setting.
Demonstrated professional experience coordinating and working with legislative processes.

Additional appropriate experience can substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Required Competencies

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position to be considered. These include, but are not limited to:

Ability to develop a comprehensive strategy for an organization addressing various issues and intended outcomes.
Ability to set and manage short- and long-term planning goals in a complex environment.
Ability to interpret and apply department policy and state and federal laws, rules, regulations
Advanced leadership abilities including demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong and effective work teams
Ability to work collaboratively with others
Excellent oral and written communication skills, using proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and tone in accordance with acceptable professional standards
Ability to multi-task and respond to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced, action-oriented environment
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Ability to analyze information and develop a coherent strategy
Experience overseeing large complex budgets and all financial aspects of budgeting, accounting, contracting, and procurement.
Mission-driven

Preferred Qualifications And Experience

Documented experience leading senior/mid-level positions, managing programs, and/or working in a complex political environment.
Demonstrated experience working with personnel systems. Experience working with the Colorado state personnel system.

Exceptional candidates will have three (5) or more years experience as an Appointing Authority in the State of Colorado personnel system..

Intricate, working knowledge of Colorado State government systems and processes.
Master’s Degree or higher in a related field including business administration, policy, law, management, fire science, or fire service management/administration.
Substantial knowledge and experience managing structural firefighting, fire prevention, wildfire and aerial firefighting, fire training and certification, and/or public safety technology programs.
Exceptional candidates will have experience working in State-level fire programs, with a preference for experience working in an Executive level management position.
Professional experience overseeing and implementing process improvement.
Professional experience leading and implementing strategic planning efforts.
Exceptional candidates will have experience working in legislative processes, including development and review of legislation and associated fiscal analysis.
Experience with creating, implementing, and improving policies and procedures.
Documented experience with being a solution oriented leader, with an ability to take initiative.
Documented experience developing new programs, and/or managing complex multi-agency programs.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement.

Conditions of Employment

Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history and drug screen .
Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 30 days of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb . A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

Supplemental Information

Disability Accommodation

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure equitable opportunity applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at: [email protected] .

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.

Colorado Department of Public Safety 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.

Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices

Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
Closing Date: 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 may 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.
Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
Application Tips : For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video .
Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
Notifications: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from " state.co.us " and " ***email_hidden*** " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
e-Verify: CDPS 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.
Comparative Analysis Steps may include (dates are tentative and subject to change):

Structured application review by a panel of SMEs - June 18-30
In-person Panel Interviews - July 6, 2026 - CANDIDATES, PLEASE SAVE THE DATE. THIS DATE CANNOT BE ADJUSTED UNLESS THERE IS A MAJOR FIRE INCIDENT.