Director of Development and Operations (CEEMI)
Trailhead, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Overview
The Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (CEEMI) is a nonprofit focused on scaling effective workforce and postsecondary programs, so every Coloradan can access training that leads to a good-paying job. We unlock public dollars and public data to grow the list of demonstrably effective workforce development and postsecondary programs that move Colorado learners into good jobs with good wages, supported by data. Founded in 2021, CEEMI works with policymakers, providers, and funders to direct limited public and philanthropic dollars toward programs backed by strong evidence, and to help Colorado policymakers better understand evidence-based policymaking and budgeting. CEEMI is also exploring applying its evidence-based advocacy in the housing and homelessness policy spaces in Colorado in 2026. About Trailhead CEEMI is fiscally sponsored by the Trailhead Institute, a larger nonprofit founded in 1993, and a public health institute. Trailhead provides administrative oversight for CEEMI staff. CEEMI and Trailhead team members help build a regenerative organization that treats employees as people vs. cogs in a machine. Our Mission:
Trailhead Institute advances innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health. Our Vision:
Everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and live in a healthy environment. Our Drivers and Values:
Collaboration, Justice, Capacity, Curiosity, Inclusion, Innovation, Reflection. Trailhead's Theory of Change outlines our unique role in Colorado's public health system and identifies strategies, activities, and impact that advance our vision. To learn more, check out Trailhead's one pager. Position Summary
The Director of Development and Operations (DDO) strengthens CEEMI's operational backbone and development capacity, ensuring the organization can sustainably grow, deliver high-quality projects, and meet ambitious annual goals. The DDO works closely with the CEO and the Director of Strategy and Partnerships to ensure the organization is well managed, meets deadlines, and produces high quality work products. This role manages grants and contracts; oversees CEEMI's financial and administrative systems; supports fundraising and funder stewardship; and leads operational planning across key initiatives. These include: Our Evidence Builders convening for policymakers; Our outreach planning and meetings with elected officials and funders; Our efforts to release longitudinal earnings data broken out by training providers in order to increase the transparency of the workforce ecosystem; Our partnership to provide technical assistance and support to the Prosperity Denver Fund's management of Denver sales tax dollars in support of effective short term credential programs; our statewide replication and scaling efforts; And other CEEMI efforts. The DDO reports to the CEO and works closely with Trailhead and CEEMI partners. The DDO will lead operations and development work for CEEMI, function in some ways as a chief of staff to the organization, and pitch in on other projects as needed based on bandwidth and capacity. Applicants must be based in Colorado.
While much of the day-to-day work will be remote, there are regular in person interactions and meetings. Responsibilities
Development & Fundraising Lead grant writing, renewals, reporting, tracking deadlines, and stewarding funder relationships. Build systems to showcase CEEMI's wins; develop a content calendar in partnership with internal and external communications support. Support major multi-year initiatives, including CEEMI's work to grow and scale evidence-based workforce programs in Colorado, by identifying and securing funding needed for large-scale replication. Operations & Contracting Manage CEEMI's financial processes, budgeting, invoicing, reconciliation, and compliance in partnership with Trailhead, our fiscal sponsor. Lead contracting, scopes of work, invoicing, and deliverable tracking across Evidence Builders, Prosperity Denver Fund, our initiatives to unlock administrative earnings outcomes for learners and training providers, and other CEEMI projects. Maintain a master organizational work plan that integrates requirements across all funders. Support exploration of CEEMI's long-term structural home (independent 501(c)(3) or alternative fiscal sponsorship). Manage and oversee CEEMI email list and social media, or ensure this is properly outsourced. Project & Stakeholder Management Coordinate across CEEMI partners to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables for funders. Provide operational leadership for 2026–2027 statewide convenings and learning initiatives. Strengthen internal systems that support CEEMI's mission, growth, and collaboration. Work with the CEO to coordinate team meetings and track action items (chief-of-staff type functions). Lead additional projects or workstreams as needed, depending on capacity. Desired Experience & Skills
7+ years in operations, development, grant proposals, grant management, or nonprofit/project management roles. Strong writing, organization, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines. Experience with financial processes, grant reporting, and contracting preferred. Demonstrated commitment to and experience with equity, inclusion, and advancing economic mobility. A strong orientation toward collaboration, kindness, some humility, a sense of humor, a strong work ethic, and a demonstrated ability to be a supportive team member. Salary & Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary range:
$100,000–$110,000 . Trailhead Institute offers generous benefits including paid vacation and sick time, health/dental/vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and a 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 3%. Funding is limited-term and future employment is not guaranteed. Applicants must reside in Colorado. License & Insurance Requirement
If using a personal vehicle for Trailhead business, a valid driver's license and proof of insurance must be provided. Access to reliable transportation is required; a personal vehicle is not. Q&A
If there are questions about the role, please view this document CEEMI Director of Development & Operations Q&A. If you have any further questions, you can submit your questions to hiring@trailhead.institute and the Hiring Team will add your questions with answers to the document. To Apply
Apply online at
https://trailheadinstitute.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ . Please note, we are reviewing applicants on a rolling basis. Upload your résumé and references, and either submit a cover letter or answer the application questions. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A background check is required for this role; results will not automatically disqualify candidates. Trailhead Institute and CEEMI are equal-opportunity employers and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences. This position includes work with youth and/or vulnerable populations and fiscal management; therefore, we will be conducting a background check as a condition of employment. Please note that results from this background check will not immediately disqualify your application without a conversation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (CEEMI) is a nonprofit focused on scaling effective workforce and postsecondary programs, so every Coloradan can access training that leads to a good-paying job. We unlock public dollars and public data to grow the list of demonstrably effective workforce development and postsecondary programs that move Colorado learners into good jobs with good wages, supported by data. Founded in 2021, CEEMI works with policymakers, providers, and funders to direct limited public and philanthropic dollars toward programs backed by strong evidence, and to help Colorado policymakers better understand evidence-based policymaking and budgeting. CEEMI is also exploring applying its evidence-based advocacy in the housing and homelessness policy spaces in Colorado in 2026. About Trailhead CEEMI is fiscally sponsored by the Trailhead Institute, a larger nonprofit founded in 1993, and a public health institute. Trailhead provides administrative oversight for CEEMI staff. CEEMI and Trailhead team members help build a regenerative organization that treats employees as people vs. cogs in a machine. Our Mission:
Trailhead Institute advances innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health. Our Vision:
Everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and live in a healthy environment. Our Drivers and Values:
Collaboration, Justice, Capacity, Curiosity, Inclusion, Innovation, Reflection. Trailhead's Theory of Change outlines our unique role in Colorado's public health system and identifies strategies, activities, and impact that advance our vision. To learn more, check out Trailhead's one pager. Position Summary
The Director of Development and Operations (DDO) strengthens CEEMI's operational backbone and development capacity, ensuring the organization can sustainably grow, deliver high-quality projects, and meet ambitious annual goals. The DDO works closely with the CEO and the Director of Strategy and Partnerships to ensure the organization is well managed, meets deadlines, and produces high quality work products. This role manages grants and contracts; oversees CEEMI's financial and administrative systems; supports fundraising and funder stewardship; and leads operational planning across key initiatives. These include: Our Evidence Builders convening for policymakers; Our outreach planning and meetings with elected officials and funders; Our efforts to release longitudinal earnings data broken out by training providers in order to increase the transparency of the workforce ecosystem; Our partnership to provide technical assistance and support to the Prosperity Denver Fund's management of Denver sales tax dollars in support of effective short term credential programs; our statewide replication and scaling efforts; And other CEEMI efforts. The DDO reports to the CEO and works closely with Trailhead and CEEMI partners. The DDO will lead operations and development work for CEEMI, function in some ways as a chief of staff to the organization, and pitch in on other projects as needed based on bandwidth and capacity. Applicants must be based in Colorado.
While much of the day-to-day work will be remote, there are regular in person interactions and meetings. Responsibilities
Development & Fundraising Lead grant writing, renewals, reporting, tracking deadlines, and stewarding funder relationships. Build systems to showcase CEEMI's wins; develop a content calendar in partnership with internal and external communications support. Support major multi-year initiatives, including CEEMI's work to grow and scale evidence-based workforce programs in Colorado, by identifying and securing funding needed for large-scale replication. Operations & Contracting Manage CEEMI's financial processes, budgeting, invoicing, reconciliation, and compliance in partnership with Trailhead, our fiscal sponsor. Lead contracting, scopes of work, invoicing, and deliverable tracking across Evidence Builders, Prosperity Denver Fund, our initiatives to unlock administrative earnings outcomes for learners and training providers, and other CEEMI projects. Maintain a master organizational work plan that integrates requirements across all funders. Support exploration of CEEMI's long-term structural home (independent 501(c)(3) or alternative fiscal sponsorship). Manage and oversee CEEMI email list and social media, or ensure this is properly outsourced. Project & Stakeholder Management Coordinate across CEEMI partners to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables for funders. Provide operational leadership for 2026–2027 statewide convenings and learning initiatives. Strengthen internal systems that support CEEMI's mission, growth, and collaboration. Work with the CEO to coordinate team meetings and track action items (chief-of-staff type functions). Lead additional projects or workstreams as needed, depending on capacity. Desired Experience & Skills
7+ years in operations, development, grant proposals, grant management, or nonprofit/project management roles. Strong writing, organization, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines. Experience with financial processes, grant reporting, and contracting preferred. Demonstrated commitment to and experience with equity, inclusion, and advancing economic mobility. A strong orientation toward collaboration, kindness, some humility, a sense of humor, a strong work ethic, and a demonstrated ability to be a supportive team member. Salary & Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary range:
$100,000–$110,000 . Trailhead Institute offers generous benefits including paid vacation and sick time, health/dental/vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and a 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 3%. Funding is limited-term and future employment is not guaranteed. Applicants must reside in Colorado. License & Insurance Requirement
If using a personal vehicle for Trailhead business, a valid driver's license and proof of insurance must be provided. Access to reliable transportation is required; a personal vehicle is not. Q&A
If there are questions about the role, please view this document CEEMI Director of Development & Operations Q&A. If you have any further questions, you can submit your questions to hiring@trailhead.institute and the Hiring Team will add your questions with answers to the document. To Apply
Apply online at
https://trailheadinstitute.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ . Please note, we are reviewing applicants on a rolling basis. Upload your résumé and references, and either submit a cover letter or answer the application questions. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A background check is required for this role; results will not automatically disqualify candidates. Trailhead Institute and CEEMI are equal-opportunity employers and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences. This position includes work with youth and/or vulnerable populations and fiscal management; therefore, we will be conducting a background check as a condition of employment. Please note that results from this background check will not immediately disqualify your application without a conversation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr