Senior Consultant - Expedite Technology Solutions

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is seeking an experienced Senior Solutions Consultant to provide strategic guidance on technology-related initiatives. This role will be responsible for advising on various aspects of our technology infrastructure, including solution design, vendor selection, integrations, security, compliance, and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consulting, with expertise in government systems and regulatory compliance, and the ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Solution Design and Vendor Selection:
Advise on the design of technology solutions that align with CDLE's strategic goals and objectives
Develop high-level solution concepts, including system components, interfaces, and data flows
Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements, ensuring solutions meet business needs
Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies and vendors for new initiatives
Assist in the vendor selection process, including RFP development and proposal evaluation
System Integration Strategy:
Advise on integration strategies between various internal and external systems
Develop high-level integration plans that ensure seamless data exchange and process flow across different platforms
Coordinate with vendors and partner agencies to facilitate smooth integrations
Information Security Guidance:
Advise on comprehensive security strategies to protect CDLE's data and systems
Recommend security assessments and risk analyses
Provide guidance on security controls, including access management, encryption, and threat detection systems
Ensure alignment with state and federal cybersecurity regulations and standards
Legislative and Regulatory Compliance:
Stay current with relevant state and federal laws and regulations affecting CDLE's technology operations
Develop strategies to ensure all systems and processes comply with applicable regulations
Collaborate with legal and policy teams to interpret and apply new legislative requirements to technology systems
Advise on documentation needs for demonstrating compliance during audits and reviews
Technology Governance:
Recommend technology governance frameworks and policies
Advise on technology standards, best practices, and procedures across the department
Participate in steering committees and governance boards
Provide guidance on project portfolio management to ensure alignment with departmental goals
Technology Roadmap:
Develop and maintain a comprehensive technology roadmap that aligns with CDLE's long-term strategic plan
Identify emerging technologies and trends that could benefit the department
Collaborate with executive leadership to prioritize technology initiatives and investments
Regularly review and update the roadmap to reflect changing needs and technological advancements
Project Oversight:
Provide guidance and oversight for major technology projects and initiatives
Advise on project charters, timelines, and resource plans
Monitor project progress, risks, and issues, recommending mitigation strategies as needed
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards
Stakeholder Management and Communication:
Serve as a liaison between technology vendors, implementation teams, and other departments within CDLE
Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively
Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and recommendations to leadership
Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and other government agencies
Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer:
Advise on training programs to enhance the technological understanding of CDLE staff
Recommend documentation and knowledge management strategies to capture and share best practices
Qualifications:
Minimum of 15 years of experience in technology consulting or advisory roles, with at least 10 years in a senior position
Strong understanding of solution architecture, system integration, and IT security concepts
Minimum of 5 years of unemployment insurance experience working with a state s department of labor.
In-depth knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations affecting government technology systems
Familiarity with technology governance frameworks and project management methodologies
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong leadership and advisory abilities
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
Experience working with government agencies or non-technical organizations is highly desirable
This position offers a unique opportunity to guide the technological future of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, ensuring that our systems and processes effectively support the department's mission to promote and support a thriving employment environment for the people of Colorado.