Deputy Superintendent of Operations

Deputy Superintendent of Operations

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $110.00 - $130.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Elida Barrera | ebarrera@utah.gov |
Application Deadline – 10/22/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is seeking an exceptional executive leader to serve as Deputy Superintendent of Operations.

Appointed by and reporting directly to the Utah State Board of Education, the Deputy Superintendent of Operations provides executive leadership across Internal Accounting, School Finance, IT, Data, and the School Land Trust. This role partners closely with the Superintendent to manage statewide education resources and compliance. Additionally, the Deputy Superintendent serves as a liaison to the Utah Legislature, and federal partners, Internal Audit, driving operational policy development, guiding legislative strategy, and aligning agency operations with state and federal law.

Principal Duties

• SEA Operations Leadership: Direct core State Education Agency (SEA) administrative operations aligned with USBE's strategic plan, overseeing financial operations, IT infrastructure, School Land Trust, and HR functions in close collaboration with the designated DHRM Director.
• Fiscal & Budgetary Management: Manage and maintain effective control over the $7B+ state public education budget, driving compliance, strategic budget formulation, and robust internal accounting controls.
• IT Infrastructure & System Modernization: Oversee agency IT operations, leading major initiatives such as the modernization of the Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS).Lead the design and implementation of secure IT safeguards while modernizing legacy systems to preserve data integrity across public education.
• Governance & Agency Support: Provide technical assistance and system support to the Utah State Board of Education and the State Superintendent to advance agency-wide governance, strategic direction, and legislative alignment.
• Financial Governance & Compliance: Enforce adherence to the Budgetary Procedures and Money Management Acts; conduct ongoing sampling and reconciliations to eliminate internal control weaknesses; manage year-end close and fiscal year budget setups.
• Program & Contract Oversight: Administer third-party contract management for major statewide initiatives, including the Utah Fits All Scholarship and Course Choice Empowerment programs.
• Program Administration & Distribution: Direct the School Land Trust program, ensuring LEA compliance and proper fund distribution in accordance with state code and board rule.
• Charter School Collaboration: Serve as Secretary for the Utah Charter School Finance Authority (conduit bonding) and act as primary liaison to all charter school authorizers statewide.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Preferences

• Executive Leadership: 8 - 10+ years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience overseeing complex public sector operations, multi-division teams, or large-scale educational systems.
• Large-Scale Budget Management: Demonstrated expertise managing, allocating, and auditing multi-million (or multi-billion) dollar public budgets with stringent internal controls, as defined by the Utah State Finance Division.
• Legislative & Intergovernmental Relations: Proven track record working directly with state legislators, executive branch offices (e.g., Governor's office), state boards, and local educational agencies (LEAs).
• Cross-Functional Operations: Direct experience managing or providing executive oversight across key operational pillars: School Finance, IT/Data Infrastructure, and Human Resources.
• Educational System Experience: Prior experience working directly within public education or in a strategic role that required regular engagement with the public education system, including collaboration with parents, educators, administrators, and policymakers.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies

• Policy & Legal Expertise: Deep understanding of state public education code, federal regulations, school finance mechanics, and rulemaking processes.
• Strategic Modernization: Ability to lead major organizational transformations, such as data system modernizations (e.g., state-level student information systems) and cross-agency workflow updates.
• Board & Stakeholder Governance: Exceptional communication and consensus-building skills with elected/appointed boards, charter school authorizers, LEA superintendents or directors, and community partners.
• Crisis & Compliance Risk Management: Strong record in establishing internal controls, ensuring audit-readiness, and navigating legal or regulatory compliance challenges.
• Utah Values: The ideal candidate will exemplify Utah’s core values, including a strong sense of community, dedication to family and education, respect for diverse perspectives, and a commitment to fostering an environment where all students can succeed.

Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter, and at least two letters
of recommendation. We would also like the candidate to provide 2 – 3 references that we may contact.

About the Role

Location –
250 East 500 South
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AE - Employees of the State Board of Edu. This is a career service exempt at will position.

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• 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.

The Agency
For more information click here.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.