Division Director, Consumer Protection
About The Position
The Department of Commerce is seeking an experienced leader to direct its Division of Consumer Protection. The Division handles a broad range of enforcement and regulatory matters intended to protect Utahns from deceptive business practices, including emerging issues such as artificial intelligence enforcement, high-profile litigation involving social media and insulin industries, and registration and compliance for telemarketers, gyms, pawn shops, and other businesses. This is an executive-level role requiring discretion and judgment to ensure the integrity and transparency of Utah’s consumer marketplace. The Director provides strategic direction to the Division, oversees its programs and staff, and represents its interests before the legislature, courts, media, stakeholders, and consumer protection agencies nationally. The position is in person in Salt Lake City, Utah, and works directly with a member of the Governor’s Cabinet as part of the Department of Commerce senior leadership team.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience demonstrating the ability to lead and develop teams.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant laws.
- Valid driver’s license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in Utah.
- Successfully pass a criminal history check.
- Eligible to work in the United States; the employer cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Nice To Haves
- Attorney experience in a law firm, in-house, or government setting; litigation or regulatory experience is additionally preferred.
- Knowledge of the Utah legislative process.
- Experience conducting and/or managing investigations.
- Experience working for a government agency.
- Experience managing in a government agency.
- Experience with the Government Records Access Management Act (GRAMA).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical, strategic-thinking, problem-solving, and regulatory interpretation abilities.
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams.
- Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic plans addressing emerging trends and challenges affecting Utah consumers, and align the Division’s direction with the Department’s mission.
- Forecast the effects of proposed legislation and emerging business practices on Utahns.
- Ensure compliance with applicable state laws and regulations and coordinate with federal and state partners.
- Direct investigations and case strategies involving violations of 38 statutes; interpret and apply complex laws and regulations; and approve administrative, civil, and/or criminal enforcement.
- Draft and propose legislation, represent the Division before the legislature, advance policy objectives, and seek operational funding.
- Oversee consumer education initiatives, review and approve legislative fiscal notes, liaise with consumer protection officials in other states and the Federal Trade Commission, and advocate publicly for consumer protection efforts.
- Build and maintain relationships with industry leaders, regulatory agencies, and public interest groups.
- Provide public information and education, respond to and resolve complex complaints, and participate in planning sessions, conferences, task forces, and negotiating sessions.
- Supervise and mentor a team of more than 30 professionals; manage workloads, delegate assignments, conduct performance evaluations, recruit, train, and develop staff, and initiate corrective or disciplinary actions, including terminations.
- Develop and manage the Division’s budget and prepare and defend budget recommendations, requests, reports, proposals, and projections.
- Develop, direct, and evaluate programs; manage division-wide programs; and ensure public and media publications and information are accurate and consistent with agency objectives.
Benefits
- Full benefits package eligibility.
- Job stability through employment with a well-established organization.
- Career growth and opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful work benefiting the community and supporting organizational goals.
- Supportive work environment valuing cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
- Work/life balance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
