The Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer (COO ) serves as a senior member of the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (Office) executive team and is responsible for successfully managing the day-to-day operations of the Office; developing and implementing Utah Board of Higher Education (Board) strategies, policies, and programs that advance the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE ) mission; leading senior staff using outcome-centered accountability, solution-oriented creativity, and empathy; and representing the Commissioner, the System, and the Board when the Commissioner is unavailable.
The Deputy Commissioner works independently, must exercise considerable judgment, and exerts a direct and considerable influence on the success of the Office, the Board, and USHE institutions. The incumbent shall have outstanding professional qualifications, including significant experience in organizational transformation and management, state legislative and executive branch advocacy, leadership, building consensus among competing stakeholders, and a proven record of delivering results.
Responsibilities
Job Duties, Responsibilities, and Examples of Tasks:
• Serves as a key advisor to and partner with the Commissioner to achieve the Board’s statutory responsibilities and strategic objectives and
goals.
• Leads and manages the executive team, setting clear performance expectations and goals, in accomplishing Board and Office statutory responsibilities and strategic objectives.
• Serves as a driver of pragmatic Office and system-level decision-making and secures successful out
comes.
• Develops and operationalizes management frameworks, processes, and controls to advance transformational large-scale and local strategic initiatives.
• Oversees high-level community and government relations and develops legislative strategies to advance the system’s priorities.
• Accepts and coordinates inquiries from outside stakeholders or other levels of management and liaises with the appropriate personnel to ensure issues are addressed properly.
• May represent the Office in meetings and other forums involving key stakeholders, the Board, USHE institution presidents and other representatives, the state Legislature, the governor and executive branch, and Office employees.
• Serves on various workgroups, taskforces, and committees related to Office and Board administrative and operational priorities.
• Creates and supports an environment of excellence that fosters teamwork, collaboration, accountability, trust, vulnerability, and a positive organizational culture.
• Acts as a mentor and coach; evaluates and provides ongoing feedback on staff performance and addresses poor performance when needed.
• Develops and implements Office policies and procedures that are consistent with state code and department and university policies.
• Conducts administrative tasks such as managing contracts, approving employee records, reviewing budget proposals, and like-activities.
• Responsible for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Collaborates with the other Deputy Commissioner/Chief Financial Officer to review Office appropriations, revenue, expenditures, fiscal strategy, and recommendations for annual institution operating and capital budget requests.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• In-state and out-of-state travel is required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong knowledge of Utah’s political landscape, legislative and executive branch processes, and state government and higher education system operations.
• Remarkable skills in management, oral and written communication, analysis, evaluation, negotiation, decision-making, and leadership.
• Ability to quickly identify and solve operational, policy and analytical problems, anticipate organizational needs and proactively respond, and foster a productive and effective organizational
culture.
• Leadership that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, courage, vision, and strategic thinking.
Disclaimer
OCHE has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and primary duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and OCHE reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as OCHE may deem appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree or higher levels of educational attainment preferred.
• Significant experience in professional high-level decision-making roles, leadership positions, and a demonstrated record of extraordinary planning and accountability, and corresponding contribution to organizational transformation and success.
Preferences
Master’s Degree or higher levels of educational attainment preferred
Special Instructions
Requisition
Number: PRN38733B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm
Department: 01379 - USHE Comissioner
Location: Office of the Commissioner - Downtown SLC