About this role
Status: Full Time Salary
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Annual Salary: $75,000-88,550
Summary of the Position: The Colorado State Director provides strategic and operational leadership for programming in Denver and El Paso while supporting the continued growth and development of services throughout the surrounding areas in Colorado. This role is ideal for an experienced leader who values hands-on program management combined with broader system-level impact.
The State Director will oversee program operations, strengthen team performance, ensure contract and service expectations are met, build strong stakeholder relationships, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth across the state.
Key Qualifications
• Strong leadership and management experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and/or community-based services
• Demonstrated experience managing contracts, budgets, program operations, and staff performance
• Proven ability to drive quality, accountability, performance, and operational effectiveness
• Strong relationship-building skills with county, state, community, and referral partners
• Experience supporting program development, strategic growth, and service expansion
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado
Lead. Strengthen. Grow.
We are seeking an experienced leader to serve as Colorado State Director, providing strategic and operational leadership for programs in Denver and El Paso while helping shape the continued growth of services throughout Colorado.
The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, or community-based services, with demonstrated success managing contracts, budgets, teams, and program operations. This position requires a results-driven leader who can strengthen program performance, build trusted partnerships with county and state stakeholders, develop high-performing teams, and advance sustainable growth across Colorado.
Qualifications/ Requirements:
• Master's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Counseling, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Bachelor's degree with significant relevant leadership experience may be considered.
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human services, child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, community-based programming, or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience overseeing programs, staff, and operations.
• Experience managing government-funded contracts and/or grant-funded programs, including budgets, program performance, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to drive quality, accountability, performance outcomes, and operational effectiveness.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership skills with county, state, community, and referral stakeholders.
• Experience supporting program development, strategic growth, service expansion, and organizational sustainability.
• Experience working with youth and families involved in child welfare, juvenile justice, family preservation, reunification, and related systems.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current automobile insurance coverage required.
• Bilingual/Spanish Speaking is a plus.
• Flexibility in hours and non-traditional work hours, may work some evenings or weekends
• Must be able to travel throughout the service area to homes, schools, and in community.
Benefits Available:
• Medical/Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Short Term Disability
• UNUM Supplemental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Weekly Pay
• Direct Deposit
Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, military or veteran status, or disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics
Posting Closes: November 15, 2026