Senior Consultant

Description

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is seeking an experienced Senior Solutions Consultant to provide strategic guidance for the agency on business technology-related initiatives. This role will be responsible for advising on various aspects of our technology infrastructure, including solution design, vendor selection, integrations, security, compliance, and strategic planning to address business problems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consulting, with expertise in government systems and regulatory compliance, and the ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Solution Design and Vendor Selection Support:

Advise on the design of technology solutions that align with CDLE's strategic goals and objectives

Develop high-level solution concepts, including products, system components, interfaces, and data flows

Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements, ensuring solutions meet business needs

Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies and vendors for new initiatives

Assist in the vendor selection process, including RFP development and proposal evaluation

System Integration Strategy:

Advise on integration strategies between various internal and external systems to support business needs

Develop high-level integration plans that ensure seamless data exchange and process flow across different platforms throughout the business

Coordinate with vendors and partner agencies to facilitate smooth integrations

Information Security Guidance:

Advise on comprehensive security strategies to protect CDLE's data and systems

Recommend security assessments and risk analyses in collaboration with the Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT).

Provide guidance on security controls, including access management, encryption, and threat detection systems to ensure OIT and other regulatory standards are met

Ensure alignment with state and federal cybersecurity regulations and standards

Legislative and Regulatory Compliance:

Stay current with relevant state and federal laws and regulations affecting CDLE's technology operations

Develop strategies to ensure all systems and processes comply with applicable regulations

Collaborate with business legal and policy teams to interpret and apply new legislative requirements to technology systems

Advise on business documentation needs for demonstrating compliance during audits and reviews

Technology Governance:

Recommend technology governance frameworks and policies

Advise on technology standards, best practices, and procedures across the department

Participate in steering committees and governance boards

Provide guidance on project portfolio management to ensure alignment with departmental goals and OIT policies.

Technology Roadmap:

Develop and maintain a comprehensive technology roadmap that aligns with CDLE's long-term strategic plan

Identify emerging technologies and trends that could benefit the department

Collaborate with executive leadership to prioritize technology initiatives and investments

Regularly review and update the roadmap to reflect changing needs and technological advancements

Project Steering:

Provide guidance and steering for major technology projects and initiatives

Advise on project charters, timelines, and resource plans

Monitor project progress, risks, and issues, recommending mitigation strategies as needed

Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards

Stakeholder Management and Communication:

Serve as a liaison between technology vendors, implementation teams, and other departments within CDLE

Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively

Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and recommendations to leadership

Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and other government agencies

Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer:

Advise on training programs to enhance the technological understanding of CDLE staff

Recommend documentation and knowledge management strategies to capture and share best practices

Qualifications:

Minimum of 15 years of experience in technology consulting or advisory roles, with at least 10 years in a senior position

Strong understanding of solution architecture, system integration, and IT security concepts

Minimum of 5 years of unemployment insurance experience working with a state's department of labor.

In-depth knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations affecting government technology systems

Familiarity with technology governance frameworks and project management methodologies

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong leadership and advisory abilities

Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Experience working with government agencies or non-technical organizations is highly desirable

This position offers a unique opportunity to guide the technological future of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, ensuring that our systems and processes effectively support the department's mission to promote and support a thriving employment environment for the people of Colorado.