What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Program Specialist (Low-Income & Disadvantaged Communities)(Building Decarbonization) position at Denver Regional Council of Governments?
The hiring salary range for this position is $3,195.66 - $3,992.23/semi-monthly or $6,391.32 - $7,984.46/month or depending on qualifications.
Research shows people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to apply.
At DRCOG, we’re not just planning for the future. We’re building it. With a $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the EPA, the Denver Regional Council of Governments is launching Decarbonize DRCOG, a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the built environment of the 58 cities and counties that make up the Denver metro area. This effort will cut climate pollution from Denver’s built environment by 70% by 2050, boost public health, spark local innovation, and supercharge the economy. Our approach is community-centered and equity-driven, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods to ensure that everyone benefits from clean technology.
Decarbonize DRCOG will:
The Decarbonize DRCOG Senior Program Specialist (Low-Income & Disadvantaged Communities) will lead efforts to expand equitable access to building decarbonization programs for vulnerable populations across the Denver region by facilitating free building upgrades for our region’s most vulnerable residents. This role focuses on managing vendor relationships, contracts, and grants, ensuring compliance and success through planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. First-year priorities include developing contracts, engaging with community-based organizations, establishing program metrics, and supporting federal grant requirements. Subsequent years will emphasize program growth, process improvements, and deepening partnerships with local, state, and federal stakeholders to ensure impactful, community-driven outcomes.
Decarbonize DRCOG is more than just a program—it’s a movement. We need your experience and entrepreneurial spirit to make this vision a reality. Apply to join us in creating a better, brighter, more sustainable future!
The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do. Employees are rewarded with competitive compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
•Manages and plans the work of vendors, contractors, consultants and other staff. Responsible for organizing, planning, budgeting, administering and monitoring multiple projects within the program, in coordination with the DRCOG Business Operations team.
•Leads on design, organization, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure success of program outcomes.
•Monitors and reviews program KPI’s.
•Coordinates across offices, teams, and organizations to gather data and information from multiple sources and maintains databases. Synthesizes and summarizes findings to include in reporting and recommendations to program teams.
•Identifies program strengths and weaknesses and problem areas of non-compliance, recommends corrective action, and instructs individuals and groups on proper methods and procedures for compliance with program regulations.
•In coordination with Business Operations staff, manages Federal grant requirements and directs contract and sub-award administration.
•Prepares documents required for submission to Federal agencies to receive funds.
•Creates and maintains reporting documentation including reports, budgets, presentations, and other templates.
•Works to maintain and improve relationships with officials, other agencies, community groups, and state and federal departments to improve decision making capability and better implement services as part of grant funding and related programs.
•Prepares and delivers orientation, training demonstrations, and presentations for individuals, groups, community organization and key partners.
•Leads and serves as a DRCOG LIDAC liaison and representative to committees, advisory groups, federal/state/local agencies and other stakeholders.
•Coordinates and conducts workshops, webinars, and other public involvement activities to further the objectives of the LIDAC electrification.
•In support of Program Management staff, responds to inquiries and requests from internal and external stakeholders; prepares materials for presentations, print and web distribution to communicate programmatic and policy recommendations to diverse audiences, including the DRCOG Board and committees.
•Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned
•Program and project management of DRCOG LIDAC Program Vendor(s).
•Organizes and manages a LIDAC program working group
•Interacts with program participants and community based organizations and other stakeholders to solicit and organize feedback on the program and new opportunities
•Liaising with staff from state, local, and federal partners;
•Representing DRCOG on committees, councils, studies and workgroups;
•Other duties as assigned.
•Climate and Environmental Justice, Human Centered Design and Community Driven Design Principles;
•Principles and practices of project and program administration and management;
•Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences;
•Principles and practices of group facilitation and building consensus;
•Data management best practices, GHG emissions reductions calculations, impact reporting, etc.
•Familiarity with building electrification and/or building energy systems, energy assistance or weatherization programs is preferred
•Familiarity with affordable housing development and management is a plus
•Experience identifying and supporting applications and executing grants and awards for federal, foundational, philanthropic and other donors is a plus
•Managing a project or program;
•Scheduling and carrying out work assignments with limited supervision;
•Providing consultation and serving as a program liaison and subject matter expert;
•Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial and project-related data and information;
•Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations;
•Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations;
•Understanding and defining project needs and creating project work programs involving other staff
•Facilitating group discussions and building consensus;
•Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy;
•Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
•Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information;
•Working in a team environment and maintaining effective working relationships with other team members and planning partners.
•Impact-, outcome-, and process-focus with bias towards action
•Motivation to work on complex and very challenging problems with high-impact
•Demonstrated focus on community and equity
•Experience with successful grant applications, processes and reporting
•Ability to work well independently and bring thoughtful solutions to the table while prioritizing success of the team; positive attitude and motivation to help others with a collaborative approach
•Bi-lingual competency is preferred•Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Management, Sociology, Environmental Science, Building Science or a related field.
•Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of full performance professional level experience developing, implementing, and administering programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
•Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement
•One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post high-school education.
Preferred Experience:
•Experience working directly with or leading programs which serve vulnerable populations
•Bi-lingual candidates are preferred.
LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:
•Valid driver’s license
STATUS:
•Full-time, Exempt
Research shows people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to apply.
At DRCOG, we’re not just planning for the future. We’re building it. With a $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the EPA, the Denver Regional Council of Governments is launching Decarbonize DRCOG, a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the built environment of the 58 cities and counties that make up the Denver metro area. This effort will cut climate pollution from Denver’s built environment by 70% by 2050, boost public health, spark local innovation, and supercharge the economy. Our approach is community-centered and equity-driven, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods to ensure that everyone benefits from clean technology.
Decarbonize DRCOG will:
- Perform whole home retrofits in low-income communities,
- Provide energy advising services and electrification-oriented rebates and incentives to home and business owners,
- Support workforce and industry development,
- Execute a mass market marketing and community engagement campaign, and
- Work with local governments to accelerate adoption of ambitious policies.
The Decarbonize DRCOG Senior Program Specialist (Low-Income & Disadvantaged Communities) will lead efforts to expand equitable access to building decarbonization programs for vulnerable populations across the Denver region by facilitating free building upgrades for our region’s most vulnerable residents. This role focuses on managing vendor relationships, contracts, and grants, ensuring compliance and success through planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. First-year priorities include developing contracts, engaging with community-based organizations, establishing program metrics, and supporting federal grant requirements. Subsequent years will emphasize program growth, process improvements, and deepening partnerships with local, state, and federal stakeholders to ensure impactful, community-driven outcomes.
Decarbonize DRCOG is more than just a program—it’s a movement. We need your experience and entrepreneurial spirit to make this vision a reality. Apply to join us in creating a better, brighter, more sustainable future!
The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do. Employees are rewarded with competitive compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
•Manages and plans the work of vendors, contractors, consultants and other staff. Responsible for organizing, planning, budgeting, administering and monitoring multiple projects within the program, in coordination with the DRCOG Business Operations team.
•Leads on design, organization, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure success of program outcomes.
•Monitors and reviews program KPI’s.
•Coordinates across offices, teams, and organizations to gather data and information from multiple sources and maintains databases. Synthesizes and summarizes findings to include in reporting and recommendations to program teams.
•Identifies program strengths and weaknesses and problem areas of non-compliance, recommends corrective action, and instructs individuals and groups on proper methods and procedures for compliance with program regulations.
•In coordination with Business Operations staff, manages Federal grant requirements and directs contract and sub-award administration.
•Prepares documents required for submission to Federal agencies to receive funds.
•Creates and maintains reporting documentation including reports, budgets, presentations, and other templates.
•Works to maintain and improve relationships with officials, other agencies, community groups, and state and federal departments to improve decision making capability and better implement services as part of grant funding and related programs.
•Prepares and delivers orientation, training demonstrations, and presentations for individuals, groups, community organization and key partners.
•Leads and serves as a DRCOG LIDAC liaison and representative to committees, advisory groups, federal/state/local agencies and other stakeholders.
•Coordinates and conducts workshops, webinars, and other public involvement activities to further the objectives of the LIDAC electrification.
•In support of Program Management staff, responds to inquiries and requests from internal and external stakeholders; prepares materials for presentations, print and web distribution to communicate programmatic and policy recommendations to diverse audiences, including the DRCOG Board and committees.
•Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned
•Program and project management of DRCOG LIDAC Program Vendor(s).
•Organizes and manages a LIDAC program working group
•Interacts with program participants and community based organizations and other stakeholders to solicit and organize feedback on the program and new opportunities
•Liaising with staff from state, local, and federal partners;
•Representing DRCOG on committees, councils, studies and workgroups;
•Other duties as assigned.
•Climate and Environmental Justice, Human Centered Design and Community Driven Design Principles;
•Principles and practices of project and program administration and management;
- Practices and methods of coaching and directing a contractor / sub-awardee
- Techniques and methods for organizing, prioritizing, assigning and monitoring work;
•Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences;
•Principles and practices of group facilitation and building consensus;
•Data management best practices, GHG emissions reductions calculations, impact reporting, etc.
•Familiarity with building electrification and/or building energy systems, energy assistance or weatherization programs is preferred
•Familiarity with affordable housing development and management is a plus
•Experience identifying and supporting applications and executing grants and awards for federal, foundational, philanthropic and other donors is a plus
•Managing a project or program;
•Scheduling and carrying out work assignments with limited supervision;
•Providing consultation and serving as a program liaison and subject matter expert;
•Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial and project-related data and information;
•Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations;
•Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations;
•Understanding and defining project needs and creating project work programs involving other staff
•Facilitating group discussions and building consensus;
•Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy;
•Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
•Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information;
•Working in a team environment and maintaining effective working relationships with other team members and planning partners.
•Impact-, outcome-, and process-focus with bias towards action
•Motivation to work on complex and very challenging problems with high-impact
•Demonstrated focus on community and equity
- Direct experience working with Community Based Organizations especially those supporting Justice 40 communities, Disproportionately Impacted Communities and vulnerable populations.
•Experience with successful grant applications, processes and reporting
•Ability to work well independently and bring thoughtful solutions to the table while prioritizing success of the team; positive attitude and motivation to help others with a collaborative approach
•Bi-lingual competency is preferred•Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Management, Sociology, Environmental Science, Building Science or a related field.
•Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of full performance professional level experience developing, implementing, and administering programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
•Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement
•One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post high-school education.
Preferred Experience:
•Experience working directly with or leading programs which serve vulnerable populations
•Bi-lingual candidates are preferred.
LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:
•Valid driver’s license
STATUS:
•Full-time, Exempt
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Salary : $6,391 - $7,984
