Deputy Director of Operations (Business Operations Administrator 2)

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

12d•$10,569 - $16,363•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Operations is a key member of the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care’s executive leadership and director’s office teams. The role provides strategic direction and oversight for agency operations, working closely with the Director and executive leadership to advance agency priorities, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and ensure the systems, resources, and teams needed to deliver the agency’s mission are in place. The position manages the Operations Division, overseeing operational functions, data, information technology, and budget planning. It advises agency leadership, represents the agency in high-level meetings as needed, monitors progress toward strategic goals, guides operational improvements, and leads operational staff. The role also partners with agency leadership to advance equity and support inclusive organizational practices, community engagement, and communication. The position follows a hybrid schedule, working both in the Salem office and at an alternate location such as home. Office work and/or travel is anticipated at least quarterly, with more frequent travel during legislative sessions. Travel to field offices and meetings is required. This is an Executive Service position appointed by and serving at the will of the Director.

Requirements

Seven years of management experience; or four years of management experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
A valid driver license and acceptable driving record, unless the successful applicant can provide a satisfactory alternate mode of transportation.
Successful completion and approval of Child Protective Services and Criminal Justice Information Systems checks, including FBI fingerprinting, and enrollment in the Central Background Registry before starting.
Authorization to work in the United States; the agency does not offer visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Ability to clearly communicate complex operational, fiscal, and policy information to executive leadership, legislators, community partners, and other audiences.
Decisive, adaptive systems-level leadership, including sound decisions under pressure and the ability to adjust to evolving priorities and conditions.
Expertise in governmental management, budgetary procedures, personnel management, supervisory practices, and governmental structures.
Ability to improve organizational efficiency, transparent resource allocation, fiscal integrity, and data-driven continuous improvement.
Experience leading multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams, including research, data, IT, fiscal, grant, and contract staff.
Ethical and transparent stewardship of public resources, with attention to audit readiness, reporting, and compliance with state requirements.
Forward-looking organizational leadership, including anticipating operational needs, identifying system gaps, and driving innovation.
Ability to develop staff and foster a safe, respectful, inclusive, and diverse work environment.
Ability to build relationships across Oregon’s diverse communities and promote equitable access to services.
Ability to collaborate across federal, state, local, and tribal governments and multijurisdictional partnerships.
Experience leading organizational change and modernization while maintaining employee support, transparency, and operational stability.

Responsibilities

Advise the Director and executive leadership team on agency priorities, policy, operations, and strategic planning.
Represent the agency in high-level meetings with state and federal partners, legislators, and other leaders as needed.
Manage the Operations Division, overseeing operational functions, data, information technology, and budget planning.
Monitor progress toward strategic goals, evaluate operational effectiveness, identify risks and barriers, and guide solutions to improve agency performance and outcomes.
Supervise and support operational leaders, foster accountability and continuous improvement, and align employee goals with agency priorities, performance measures, and strategic initiatives.
Partner with agency leadership to advance equity, strengthen inclusive organizational practices, and support community engagement and communication efforts.
Travel to field offices and meetings as required.