Division Director, Consumer Protection

State of Utah • Salt Lake City, UT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Department of Commerce is hiring a Division Director to lead and oversee its Division of Consumer Protection, which handles a broad range of enforcement and regulatory matters to protect Utahns from deceptive business practices. The Division addresses emerging concerns, including artificial intelligence enforcement, high-profile litigation in social media and insulin industries, and registration and compliance for telemarketers, gyms, pawn shops, and other businesses.

The Director provides executive-level leadership and judgment to ensure the integrity and transparency of Utah’s consumer marketplace. The role provides strategic direction to the Division, interprets and applies complex laws and regulations, and represents the Division before the legislature, courts, media, stakeholders, and consumer protection agencies nationally. The Director works directly with a member of the Governor’s Cabinet in a senior leadership role and has opportunities to shape policy through Division management and input on potential legislation.

This is an in-person position at 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. The position requires successfully passing a criminal history check and having a valid driver’s license to drive on Utah highways. No drug test is required. The State of Utah requires work to be performed physically within Utah, and it cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Requirements

• Three or more years of supervisory or managerial experience, demonstrating the ability to lead and develop teams.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant laws.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and skill interpreting complex regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Demonstrated proficiency in budget management and efficient resource allocation.
• Successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Valid driver’s license required to drive a motor vehicle on a Utah highway.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
• All work must be performed physically within Utah.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as an attorney in a law firm, in-house, or government setting; litigation or regulatory experience is additionally preferred.
• 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).
• Knowledge of the legislative process in Utah.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans addressing emerging trends and challenges affecting Utah consumers, and ensure Division priorities align with the Department’s mission.
• Forecast the impact 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 concerning 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, and advocate for operational funding and policy objectives.
• 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; and respond to and resolve complex complaints.
• Participate in planning sessions, conferences, task forces, and negotiating sessions.
• Supervise and mentor a team of more than 30 professionals; manage workloads and assignments; conduct performance evaluations; recruit, train, and develop staff; and initiate corrective or disciplinary actions, including terminations.
• Develop and manage the Division’s budget; allocate resources efficiently; and prepare and defend budget recommendations, requests, reports, proposals, and projections.
• Develop, direct, and evaluate programs, manage Division-wide programs, and ensure information released to the media and public is accurate and consistent with agency objectives.

Benefits

• Full benefits package eligibility.
• Job stability within 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 emphasizing cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
• Work/life balance is described as an important element of the organization’s culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed