Project Director of Innovate Pikes Peak

Position: Project Director of Innovate Pikes Peak

Reports to: Employee of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. Dual reporting to the CEOs of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and Peak Education

Status: Exempt

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 per year, depending on education and experience

Position Scope

The next phase of Innovate Pikes Peak will work with a technical assistance partner as well as leadership-level stakeholders and community members to design and work towards regional career pathways. The Project Director is responsible for the project management, design and implementation. This person will play a key role in advancing the work of Innovate Pikes Peak with a sense of urgency. Key aspects of this position include:

· Overseeing ongoing project design efforts

· Managing, directing, and leveraging the relationships, best practices and expertise of the Technical Assistance Partner (TA).

· Driving project timeline and ensuring that TA partner and organizing committee maintain timelines and deadlines for project goals

· Coordinate planning efforts between Technical Assistance Partners and key local stakeholders (Business/Industry, Education, Civic, Parents/Families, Students, etc.)

· Ensure stakeholders have an ongoing understanding of progress, impact, and buy-in of the direction and vision

· Oversee efforts to design, execute and evaluate pilot programs and innovation mechanisms

About Innovate Pikes Peak

Under the collective banner of Innovate Pikes Peak, The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and Peak Education are leading an initiative to foster a robust regional ecosystem in Colorado Springs that aligns education with diverse career pathway opportunities that is lead and supported by the business/industry community. This position directs the joint effort of both organizations to begin their work as Innovate Pikes Peak is incubated.

About the Role of Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC

The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC (CSCEDC) aims to attract, expand, and retain businesses in the Pikes Peak region by improving educational outcomes and career paths in K-12 schools. They are co-leading the development of the Innovate Pikes Peak Campus and the scaling of successful career-to-industry programs. Supported by a strong network of business and government officials, the CSCEDC ensures that the initiative meets industry needs, fostering authentic student experiences aligned with workforce demands. This collaboration will create economic growth and sustainability, ensuring that leaders from business and industry play a key role in shaping the future workforce.

About the Role of Peak Education

Peak Education, with 25 years of experience in advancing educational opportunities for underrepresented students, has established strong partnerships with K-12 schools, higher education, businesses, and civic organizations. These relationships are vital to the Innovate Pikes Peak initiative, where Peak Education acts as a co-steward. Their role bridges the gap between education and industry, leveraging community trust earned through long-term commitments to student success, scholarships, and parent engagement. Their deep connections with local leaders provide valuable insights into regional needs and opportunities, positioning them as a key player in fostering educational and community collaboration.

Position Responsibilities

· Develop and implement partnerships between various constituents related to the project

· Develop and drive clarity around Innovate Pikes Peak’s value proposition; develop and implement partnerships to enable scalability of recommended practices, pathways, and overall regional career and/or college readiness ecosystem

· Develop and recommend programmatic structures and operational efficiencies to ensure the project is best positioned to achieve impact

· Serve as the day-to-day project manager for the TA ensuring that project timelines and milestones are maintained or exceeded

· Design and execute project roadmap leading to long-term programming and evaluation of collaborative and non-duplicative career and technical education in Pikes Peak region. Provide an accurate understanding of progress, impact, and alignment with the goal of increasing efficiencies in regional education to career pathways

· Oversee efforts to design, execute, and evaluate plans for Innovate Pikes Peak regional pathways and/or the creation of a centralized campus or campuses

· Synthesize information and data collected by the TA to develop the plan and communicate strategic direction to various Innovate Pikes Peak constituencies

· Develop and manage the program development budget while working toward sustainability and scalability

· Assist with the development of years 2 and 3 of the Launch Plan and the creation of an overall strategic plan as the program shifts from planning to implementation

· Assist with grant application development and reporting

· Ability to sell the vision to gain supporters

· Support fundraising efforts with individuals, foundations, and businesses by communicating about the progress, sharing the vision of Innovate Pikes Peak and engaging in stewardship and relationship-building activities

Position Qualifications

· Passion for the vision and mission of Innovate Pikes Peak

· Bachelor’s degree in business, education, or related discipline

· 5+ years of experience of professional experience in project or program management

· Demonstrated Programmatic excellence and experience

· Ability to manage complex projects

· Experience leading new/entrepreneurial projects or start-up programs

· Previous budget management experience

· Experience building strong partnerships with a variety of constituents and groups

· Excellent relationship-building skills

· Ability to work cross-functionally and productively across all levels of an organization

· Ability to listen to understand

· Strong written and verbal skills

· Experience working with senior-leadership individuals (in education or executives of business)

· Project management certification or certificate

· Previous fundraising experience

· Knowledge of educational constructs in Colorado

· Previous public speaking experience

· Previous experience in developing college/career pathways aligned with business and industry

· Fluent in two or more languages (Spanish preferred)

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Typical office environment for daily operations, and typical physical demands required in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Participation or attendance may be requested occasionally at events during evenings and on weekends.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• PMP (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Colorado Springs, CO 80903: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person