Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer (COO)

State of Utah•Salt Lake City, UT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a senior operating leader for GOED, responsible for translating the Commissioner’s priorities into measurable results and ensuring the agency operates effectively. Reporting directly to the Commissioner, the COO drives internal execution, budget and resource management, operational performance, and accountability. The role also supports the Commissioner in leading the agency and helps provide leadership continuity when needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
8+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations, management, finance, business, government, economic development, consulting, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, teams, operations, and complex organizational priorities.
Proven ability to translate strategy into execution and deliver measurable results.
Strong financial, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of professional experience with significant senior leadership responsibility.
Graduate degree in business, public administration, finance, economics, law, or a related field.
Experience overseeing significant budgets, operations, grants, compliance, contracts, or organizational performance.
Experience improving organizational systems, processes, and accountability.
Familiarity with public-sector budgeting, procurement, contracting, grants, compliance, or state government operations.

Responsibilities

Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, owners, budgets, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
Lead agency-wide operating and performance reviews and track progress against key priorities.
Provide executive oversight of GOED’s budget, financial planning, operations, and resource allocation.
Be directly responsible for the integrity, administration, and oversight of GOED’s grant and compliance programs and contract management.
Align spending, staffing, and resources with agency priorities and performance.
Establish clear internal accountability and ensure teams deliver against commitments.
Identify operational barriers, resolve issues, and keep priorities moving.
Improve internal processes, coordination, systems, and organizational effectiveness.
Use data, KPIs, and performance measures to inform decisions and drive results.
Support the Commissioner in leading and managing the agency, including providing leadership continuity when the Commissioner is traveling or unavailable.
Help build a culture of accountability, collaboration, fiscal discipline, and results.