Director, Military Development & Strategic Partnerships

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Draper, UT

4d • $46 - $79 • Hybrid

About The Position

This executive-level position serves as the primary strategic liaison between the Utah National Guard (UTNG) and the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), with responsibility for advancing state-level initiatives within the Utah National Guard Project Area. The Director leads the planning, development, and execution of projects that integrate military readiness, state infrastructure modernization, and regional economic development.
Reporting to senior leadership within Utah National Guard State Operations, this role has a direct and substantial impact on statewide military infrastructure, intergovernmental coordination, and public-private partnership development across Utah. The Director develops state policy, negotiates complex real estate agreements, aligns state and federal funding strategies, and ensures that all initiatives optimally support both National Guard mission requirements and MIDA’s statutory development authority.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, urban planning, military science, real estate or a closely related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government, military, infrastructure development, or large-scale program and project management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, particularly those involving coordination across public sector entities.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Real Estate Development, Public Administration, or Urban Planning is highly preferred.
• Extensive experience in commercial real estate development, state land use planning, infrastructure development, or public-private partnership (P3) environments.
• Deep knowledge of the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), its statutory authority under Utah law, governance structure, and unique development tools.
• Intimate familiarity with Utah state government processes, including the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM), Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (GOPB), and the legislative appropriations process.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee the activities of UTNG, MIDA, and state infrastructure projects with responsibility for the development of major aspects of key State of Utah and National Guard programs considered of national significance and essential operating programs.
• Develop goals and objectives that seamlessly integrate organizational priorities with the specific objectives of the UTNG/MIDA Project Area.
• Direct and coordinate the collective efforts of a multi-disciplined staff of military, civilian, and/or contractors assigned to a major program segment characterized by unusual managerial complexities, high demands, substantial uncertainties, and risks.
• Take responsibility for planning, directing, integrating, and executing all aspects of assigned program segments within strict cost, schedule, performance, and system supportability requirements.
• Coordinate plans and schedules with other state organization managers, local governments, and project stakeholders to ensure continuous progress.
• Identify the need for changes in priorities based on state or federal shifts and take decisive action to implement such changes.
• Establish, revise, or review policies, procedures, mission objectives, and organization design for the staff as necessary to eliminate work problems, overcome barriers to mission accomplishment, promote team building, and implement quality improvements.
• Plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and adjust short- and long-term priorities, prepare schedules, and ensure a smooth flow and even distribution of work.
• Assign work to team members based on organization priorities, considering the difficulty and requirements of assignments so that the experience, training, and abilities of the staff are effectively utilized.
• Balance workload and provide advice, guidance, and direction on a wide range of real estate development, infrastructure management, and administrative issues.
• Structure assignments to create effective and economical positions by regularly reviewing the organization's mission, functions, and manning.
• Identify requirements and initiate requests for additional resources (personnel, equipment, supplies, space) to ensure success in meeting state goals and objectives.
• Establish metrics and analysis systems to ensure actions are timely and reviewed at critical points; accept, amend, or reject work presented by subordinates.
• Perform self-inspections, present detailed and comprehensive reports with any corrective actions to senior leadership, and follow up to ensure complete and quality resolution of discrepancies.
• Assess and revise policies and procedures to improve the quality, timeliness, and efficiency of work, while conducting or ensuring applicable training is given to all staff.
• Serve as the primary liaison between UTNG, MIDA, key state agencies (e.g., DFCM, GOPB, LFA), federal partners, local municipalities, and private sector developers.
• Coordinate complex, multi-jurisdictional efforts to align military mission requirements with state and local development objectives.
• Develop, draft, and implement governance frameworks supporting the designated project area while ensuring compliance with state regulations and military compatibility requirements.
• Develop and manage capital budgets, funding strategies, and financial plans supporting state project initiatives.
• Align and leverage state appropriations, federal funding, and private capital sources.
• Analyze Utah legislation and state policy proposals impacting military infrastructure, providing strategic advice to supervisors on significant issues and problems related to work accomplishment.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive