Legislative Liaison

Department Information This posting will remain open until 5:00 PM Mountain Time on Friday, November 7, 2025 The position will have hybrid workplace options available however it is a requirement that the applicant selected for this position must report to the Denver office a minimum of three in-person days a week or additional as required by the supervisor and business need. This position is Non-Classified and therefore 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. The Department of Labor and Employment keeps Colorado strong and competitive. We connect workers with great jobs and assist those who have been injured on the job. We help people who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary wage replacement and we ensure fair labor practices. We provide an up-to-date and accurate picture of the economy that helps in decision making. And we protect the workplace – and Colorado communities – with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.This is a values-driven organization, committed to accountability, agility, collaboration, and respect.We believe in outstanding customer service, an inclusive culture, continued process improvement and in our role as a trusted and strategic partner. Recognizing that knowledgeable employees drive our success, we are seeking dedicated individuals who exhibit our shared values and our passion for quality and excellence in all we do.In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellent benefits : Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans Medical and dental health plans Employer supplemented Health Savings Account Paid life insurance Short- and long-term disability coverage 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave BenefitHub state employee discount program MotivateMe employee wellness program Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces RTD EcoPass Commuter Program Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs Our agency website: Colorado Department of Labor and EmploymentCDLE has implemented a pilot program on March 1st, 2022 which will award Disability Hiring Preference Points similar to the Veterans’ Preference Points program. During your application process you will be asked if you would like to be considered for either of these programs for additional points in the hiring process. To learn more about Disability Hiring Preference and what will be required to participate, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/disability-hiring-preference/homePLEASE NOTE: With the beginning of this program, CDLE will no longer accept attachments of any kind with applications. Please be as thorough as possible in documenting your education and work history in the application system. Attachments will not be accepted or considered during any phase of the hiring process including minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis, or interviews.Description Of JobThe salary range for this position is:HOURLY$42.49 - $69.71BIWEEKLY$3,399.23 - $5,576.92MONTHLY$7,365.00 - $12,083.33ANNUALLY$88,380.00 - $145,000.00This position is located in the Executive Director’s Office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). This role exists to coordinate between the CDLE, the Governor’s Office, partner agencies, and the Colorado legislature on all legislative matters at the state level. This position will coordinate department legislative priorities and ensure all deadlines are met to ensure successful advocacy. This position will work closely with the Office of Government Policy and Public Relations to foster and leverage stakeholder relationships as it relates to the legislative process.Key Duties And ResponsibilitiesLegislative Coordination & Advocacy (25%) Develops and Coordinates the Department’s legislative agenda in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Director’s Office. Coordinates the Department’s legislative strategies by assuring alignment with the initiatives of the Executive Director and Governor’s Office, partner agencies, and key stakeholders. Communicates verbally and in writing with representatives of other state agencies, political subdivisions, lobbyists, stakeholders and private parties to relate and seek consensus for the Department's position on legislative Issues. Proactively seeks and secures legislative sponsors for the Department’s legislative proposals. Advocates for successful passage of the Department’s legislative and budget agenda items. Effectively communicates the Department’s legislative and budget agenda to legislators, legislative staff, stakeholders, and lobbyists to achieve support and neutralize opposition. Tracks the implementation of changes necessary to adhere to new public policy directives and implementation of Department bills. Coordinate testimony when necessary on legislation and budget actions and must cogently and credibly respond to questions and concerns with limited ability to prepare in advance. Meets all deadlines set forth by the Governor's Office and legislative leadership. Monitor relevant committee hearings throughout the legislative session to ensure CDLE priorities are being considered and to identify impacts of other legislation as early as possible. Assist the Office of Government Policy and Public Relations on preparing for mandatory committee hearings, including but not limited to: Legislative Audit hearings JBC budget hearings CDLE SMART Act hearings Coordinate with requisite divisions and the Office of Government Policy and Public Relations to ensure the development of fact sheets for CDLE priorities, and distribute them to legislators. Coordinate for approval and submission all boards and commission appointment confirmation hearings. This position is the Liaison between Gov's Office of B&C and the Department's board administrators Research & Legislative Analysis (25%) Compiles and vets the Department’s proposed legislative agenda in the off session to determine if Department bill proposals are feasible and to develop a plan to successfully advocate for those bills. Facilitates analysis of all legislation that could impact the Department to determine if the legislation advances the Department’s policy agenda, has no impact on the policy agenda or is deleterious to the Department’s policy agenda. Prepares weekly written analyses of bills potentially affecting the Department. Determines and assures alignment with the policy goals of the administration and makes recommendations on whether the Department should support, oppose, seek to amend, and/or the Governor should sign bills into law or issue a veto Works with the budget director to determine any legislative needs that are driven by budget needs, and vice versa Stakeholder Engagement/Legislative Relationships (25%) Maintains positive relationships with stakeholders and the General Assembly and informs Department staff of positions and issues raised by legislators and stakeholders to resolve issues as they arise. Attends stakeholder engagement meetings across divisions within CDLE. Defends Department decisions and positions as necessary. Responds to questions, concerns and inquiries in a rapidly changing environment with changing or incomplete information. Works with the Office of Government Policy and Public Relations to determine who the appropriate stakeholders are to involve in research and analysis efforts on legislative priorities. Regular scheduling of stakeholder meetings and also one off meetings with key stakeholders and lobbyists Constituent Case Management (25%) Manage docket/tracking system to ensure timely follow up for elected officials and their constituents in addressing problems and issues that pertain to the work of all CDLE divisions, offices and programs. Minimum QualificationsMinimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights7 years of policy or legislative experience to include monitoring legislation, responding to inquiries from legislators, and advising senior/executive level staff on legislative issues. At least one year of which must include proven experience building relationships with stakeholder groups.A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) yearsPreferred Qualifications Experience in state government. In depth knowledge and experience with the Colorado legislative structure and process. Knowledge of the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment’s divisions and legislative priorities. Experience working with other executive branch agencies. Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree (JD), or a Masters of Public Administration (MPA), or similar graduate level education certification related to public policy and legislation. Conditions Of EmploymentWhile this posting will accept applications from non-residents of Colorado, it will be a requirement that the applicant selected become a Colorado resident by the time of starting the position. This position will be required to report for a minimum of three in-person days per week. This position will be required to occasionally travel for business purposes. You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process. Supplemental InformationFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact: chris.mcgill@state.co.usMinimum Qualification ScreeningA Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application, CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process.Supplemental QuestionsAnswer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on your writing ability (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing) as well as the content of your answer.THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE AND/OR FUTURE VACANCIESThe State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. 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.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 resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment 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. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Sean Montoya, at sean.montoya@state.co.us . Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For all other inquiries about this recruitment effort, please call 303-318-8200.While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.