Innovation Fellow (Grants and Partnerships) - Limited

About the Innovation Fellowship Program:

The Jefferson County Innovation Fellowship is a 1–2-year program that equips aspiring innovators with the skills to transform government services through new technologies and solutions. It is a full-time role with a salary and limited medical benefits that can act as a launch pad for a career in civic innovation and technology. In addition to the work you’ll do, you’ll get to know other fellows through a variety of projects, networking, and social events. Learn more at http://www.jeffco.us/innovation.

About the Position:

We’re seeking an Innovation Fellow (Grants and Partnerships) to advance innovation projects that are externally funded through grants or partnerships. This role spans the full lifecycle of innovation work, bringing grant-funded projects to life by collaborating across departments and with external partners to identify and shape new ideas, pursue funding opportunities, coordinate applications and awards, and ensure projects launch successfully.

Reporting to the Innovation Program Manager and working closely with the Special Projects and Partnerships Analyst, the Fellow will gain hands-on experience in grants development and management, project coordination, and cross-sector collaboration with organizations such as the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance.

A successful candidate will be highly collaborative, adaptable, and resourceful, with strong writing, research, and organizational skills. They are motivated to turn ideas into action, even where processes or precedents don’t yet exist, and can navigate complex systems with persistence and good judgment to keep projects moving forward.

SCHEDULE:

This position operates on our four-day work week (Monday-Thursday), however, with approval from supervisor, employees are allowed to work a 5-day work week if preferred. This limited position is hybrid, with remote work and in-office work as determined by business need.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range: $29.00 - $33.00 USD Hourly

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills.

BENEFITS:

The employment status is Limited (Fixed-Term) with an anticipated assignment end date of December 2026 and is eligible for personal medical coverage following the month of hire. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Identify, research, and pursue funding opportunities from federal, state, corporate, and philanthropic sources. 

• Collaborate across departments to develop proposals and present funding opportunities to internal stakeholders. 

• Draft and submit proposals, reports, and supporting materials to funding partners. 

• Track active grants, coordinate reporting, and ensure compliance with grantmaker requirements. 

• Cultivate partnerships with industry, academic, community, and government organizations to support innovation initiatives. 

• Represent the department at events and meetings to promote programs and foster collaboration. 

• Support communication and coordination across Jefferson County departments throughout project life cycles. 

Professional Development

The Jefferson County Innovation Fellowship program is designed to provide talented individuals with an opportunity to gain practical and diverse real-world experience in government innovation. Fellows learn about the inner workings of county government and make a difference in the community through meaningful projects. Fellows will interact with senior leaders, attend high level meetings, and will be exposed to the responsibilities and challenges of multiple departments.

Additionally, Fellows can expect:

• a stipend for job-related trainings, conferences, or certifications
• support from the County if pursuing academic credit
• mentorship and coaching
• expert led educational discussions
• training on process and technology improvement tools and techniques

About Us

The Innovation Team is housed within the Business Innovation & Technology department. We work to build a culture of innovation by championing new and inventive ways of serving internal and external customers, rewarding employee led discovery and inventive actions, and encouraging thoughtful risk-taking. Our goal is to transform the way the government operates by supporting and leading business process and technology improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other 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 go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Note an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Experience researching, preparing, and submitting grant applications
• Experience supporting post-award grant activities, including coordinating contracts, tracking deliverables, and preparing reports
• Experience contributing to the development or implementation of new projects or initiatives
• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to learn quickly, adjust to new information, and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams and partners

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact careertalent@jeffco.us. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates. 

• Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required for every position. 
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer. 
• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday.
• In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities

A resume and cover letter submitted with your application is encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal.   

For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us