Southwest Opioid Response District SWORD – Region 17 Project Coordinator

Company Description

Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, Inc. (Region 9 EDD) is a Colorado non-profit community economic development corporation that promotes and coordinates economic development efforts throughout Southwest Colorado. Our board of directors is comprised of 26 directors, 17 members from local government agencies throughout the region and nine members that represent the private sector in our five county area. Region 9 EDD serves the counties of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan, and the cities and towns within those regions, as well as the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Region 9 is an equal opportunity lender and employer.

In 2021 the Colorado Attorney General's Office (COAG) won settlements against opioid manufacturers and distributors. SWORD was formed as a regional partnership to receive and manage the funds allocated to Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan, and Dolores counties, and several municipalities therein. The Region 9 Economic Development District (Region 9) acts as the Facilitator for the SWORD Council. Under the Colorado MOU, SWORD’s role is to deploy opioid settlement funds in alignment with the Exhibit E list of approved uses.

Role Description

The Southwest Opioid Response District (SWORD) is seeking a full-time contractor to support the SWORD Council meetings and opioid settlement activities. Requires proven skills in the coordination of multiple projects, communication, grant oversight, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Passion and knowledge about the opioid crisis is just as important as work experience. Position includes telework flexibility with travel between communities required and mileage is reimbursed. Current residents of southwest Colorado counties preferred. Hourly compensation starts at $35-40/hr based on experience. Resume, references, and cover letter must be submitted to allyson@region9edd.org by 5 PM on Friday May 1, 2026.

Scope of Work

This contract position is responsible for the coordination and management of the SWORD Council and implementation of SWORD Council direction to further the following approved uses of the opioid abatement funds to benefit Southwest Colorado:

  • Treatment of opioid use and broader substance disorder and its effects,

  • Prevention of opioid use and broader substance disorder and its effects,

  • Other strategies including leadership, planning and coordination

  • All approved uses under Exhibit E per the national and Colorado opioid settlement the Colorado Opioid Settlement.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Administrative

1.      Work cooperatively with Region 9 EDD, consultants, SWORD Executive Committee and SWORD fiscal agent on annual work plans, calendar, and Council priorities per the approved purposes and approved Two Year Funding Plans.

2.      Ensure Council compliance with Colorado Opioid MOU and approved Two Year Funding Plan.

3.      Facilitate virtual and in-person meetings for the Southwest Opioid Response District (SWORD) Committees and SWORD Council as needed.

4.      Manage administrative tasks for SWORD activities per the bylaws, Colorado Opioid MOU, and project committees including but not limited to co-developing agendas taking and distributing minutes, letters of support, Council membership rosters and meeting materials.

5.      Prepare and provide orientations to onboard new committee members.

6.      Represent Region 17 and SWORD Council at trainings, events, and conferences as relevant and as budget allows.

7.      Work closely with SWORD’s fiscal agent to track spending, meet funding request deadlines, prepare Two Year funding plans, and report financials to SWORD quarterly.

8.      Assist with developing Service Orders, RFPs and contracts as needed.

9.      Mobilize committees as needed to effectively execute work directed by SWORD, ensuring all activities align with the approved two-year funding plans. This includes coordinating meeting schedules, minutes, tracking tasks and progress.

10.  Ensure all SWORD meetings, organizational documents, financials and other documents are saved in Region 9 file system.

11.  Work with SWORD fiscal agent tracking SWORD’s opioid settlement funds to ensure accurate distributions to projects per SWORD direction. Track project budgets in COST portal.

12.  Manage Community Grant process including application development, distribution, selection committee formation, evaluation criteria design, award announcement, compliance, reporting and tracking. Refine process as needed.

Communication

1.      Oversee all SWORD Council communications including monthly reports to SWORD Council, SWORD website information, publicity, community outreach and education.

2.      Serve as the primary point of contact for communication between SWORD Council, Committees and the general public.

3.      Hold regular meetings with Region 9 EDD and SWORD Chair and Officers.

4.      Provide project updates on a consistent basis to Region 9 EDD, regional stakeholders, Colorado Opioid Abatement Council and Colorado Department of Law.

5.      Provide educational opportunities, site visits, presentations and tours for SWORD Council.

6.      Attend COAC Committee and monthly meetings as required including ROAC facilitator forums and events.

7.      Include and invite subject matter experts to participate in all SWORD activities priority areas.

Resume, references, and cover letter must be submitted to allyson@region9edd.org by 5 PM on Friday May 8, 2026.