Division Director, Consumer Protection

About the job

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:

As the Division Director over the Division of Consumer Protection, you will oversee a technically complex division within the Department, exercising executive-level discretion and judgment to ensure the integrity and transparency of Utah's consumer marketplace. You will serve as a consumer protection expert, providing strategic direction and guidance to your team and representing the Division's interests before the legislature, courts, media, stakeholders, and among consumer protection agencies nationally. Roles and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to address emerging trends and challenges facing Utah’s consumers.

• Provide vision and direction for the Division of Consumer Protection, ensuring alignment with the Department's overall mission.

• Forecast the impact of proposed legislation and emerging business practices on Utahns.

• Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations, while coordinating with federal and state partners.

• Direct investigations and case strategies related to violations of 38 disparate statutes.

• Interpret and apply complex laws and regulations.

• Provide approval for administrative, civil, and/or criminal enforcement.

• Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Draft and propose legislation to advance consumer protection priorities.

• Represent the Division before the legislature to secure operational funding and advance policy objectives.

• Oversee critical education initiatives to inform Utahns how to avoid common scams and deceptive business practices.

• Review and approve legislative fiscal notes.

• Liaise with consumer protection officials in other states and the Federal Trade Commission.

• Act as a public advocate for administration consumer protection efforts.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry leaders, regulatory agencies, and public interest groups.

• Provide public information and education on consumer protection matters.

• Respond to and resolve complex complaints from consumers, other agencies, and stakeholders.

• Participate in planning sessions, conferences, task forces, and negotiating sessions.

• Team Management:

• Supervise and mentor a team of over 30 professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Manage workload, delegate assignments, and conduct performance evaluations.

• Recruit, train, and develop staff.

• Initiate corrective or disciplinary actions including terminations.

• Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the Division's budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

• Prepare and defend budget recommendations, requests, reports, proposals and/or projections.

• Operational Management:

• Develop, direct, and evaluate programs.

• Manage division-wide programs.

• Ensure publications and information released to the media/public are accurate and consistent with agency objectives.