Strategy & Special Projects Officer

What Success Looks Like In This Job

The Strategy and Special Projects Officer (SSPO) will lead the development and implementation of strategic planning and initiatives to advance the county’s goals, enhance public services, and support the operational success of the organization. This position will be responsible for helping formulate, facilitate and communicate organizational strategic initiatives, current and future goals by analyzing local trends and national best practices, identifying opportunities, and formulating actionable strategies to address key priorities and challenges. This role will design and implement efforts in partnership with the County Manager, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and other Directors, county elected offices, and community stakeholders. The SSPO will be instrumental in shaping the county’s long-term vision, fostering collaboration across departments, and maximizing the impact of public resources for the residents of Adams County.

Examples of Duties for Success

Strategy and Planning

• Works with County Manager, BoCC, ELT and leadership teams to develop and implement an integrated, efficient strategic planning process.
• Supports the execution of the Countywide Strategic Plan, vision, and core values by managing and coordinating projects, tracking progress, and ensuring alignment with planning frameworks and methodologies
• Researches, analyzes, and manages data to support the integration of strategic planning with key County functions, including budgeting, performance management, technology initiatives, project tracking, and process improvement. Supports data-driven decision-making by tracking performance measures, analytics, and KPIs.
• Supports periodic reviews and assessments of the strategic planning process and other special projects to maintain relevance and efficiency.

Special Initiatives/Projects

• Ensures strategic alignment among numerous programs, projects and initiatives to deliver a coordinated cross departmental strategy.
• Focus on new entrepreneurial or incubator projects not necessarily part of departmental historical responsibilities, rather, special initiatives of the County Manager, BOCC, pilot programs, bill implementation and special projects as assigned by the ELT.
• Planning, administering, and completing assigned projects, which may cross several functional areas while acting as the primary interface of the project; ensures all elements of strategic initiatives and special projects are consistently documented and aligned across platforms for accuracy and transparency.
• Develops varying levels of special project plans from start to finish. Develops, monitors, and manages project budgets to ensure alignment with fiscal priorities and responsible resource allocation, collaborating with appropriate stakeholders.
• Collaborates with senior leadership to coordinate strategies, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for major initiatives.
• In alignment with the county’s vision and mission, the SSPO is responsible for monitoring the progress of initiatives intended to achieve county goals and make recommendations for corrective measures, improved execution, timing, ROI, and executive accountability.
• Provides administrative oversight and project management support for strategic and special project implementation; evaluates outcomes; and prepares reports, recommendations, and presentations to inform decision-making and ensure effective progress tracking across multiple platforms.
• Ensures that all strategic initiatives and special projects are consistently documented and aligned across platforms to facilitate coordination, transparency, and accessibility.
• Prepares and assists in delivering reports, presentations, and strategic updates to stakeholders, including the BoCC, County leadership, and the public.
• Identifies potential risks and challenges to strategic project execution and special project management and assists in developing mitigation strategies.

Performance Framework/Management

• Provides direct oversight of the implementation of the countywide performance framework.
• Responsible for working with the leadership team to ensure the timely execution of the Goals of the county.
• Ensures countywide performance indicators are complete, accurate and provided on time.
• Provides oversight and management of the Strategic Initiatives Team (SIT) and Community Engagement functions and deliverables.
• Identifies and builds strategic capacity at key points in the organization.
• Leads and facilitates problem-solving activities and workshops with the project team and engages appropriate resources to reach solutions to ensure effective performance planning and high-quality deliverables.

Qualifications for Success

• Knowledge of public policy frameworks, governance models, and administrative processes at the local, regional, and state levels.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, fiscal management, and resource allocation principles.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and compliance requirements affecting local government operations and decision-making.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques, performance measurement methodologies, and outcome-based evaluation approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts and ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and work with stakeholders across departments and sectors.
• Ability to think analytically, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term strategies to address current and emerging challenges.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Effective leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, and drive results.
• Ability to negotiate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate ambiguity, respond to changing priorities and circumstances, and overcome obstacles to achieve strategic objectives.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively to develop solutions to complex challenges and enhance service delivery.

More Qualifications for Success

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Management, Organizational Development, Communications, Public Administration or directly related field

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years’ experience in Strategic Planning and/or Operational Performance or similar duties and responsibilities

License or Certificates:

Possession of one (1) or more of the following certifications is preferred:

• Lean 6 Sigma
• Business Process Management Professional (BPMP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Prosci Change Management Certification

Background Check:

• Must pass a criminal background check.

Other:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• This role may drive 15 % of the time and a valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable MVR is required.
• Our organization follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. This position will require at least two days per week in the office and the ability to travel between Adams County office locations.