Division Director, Consumer Protection

Division Director, Consumer Protection

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $67 - $72 Hourly Wage**

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Tehra Gorski | tgorski@utah.gov | 801-530-6030

Application Deadline – 10/27/2026*

*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.

**Salary may be negotiated above the posted range for candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience.

The Department of Commerce is hiring an experienced leader to lead and oversee its Division of Consumer Protection.

The division is responsible for a wide range of enforcement and regulatory matters, and works to keep Utahns safe from deceptive business practices. Consumer Protection is responsible for emerging areas of concern such as artificial intelligence enforcement, high profile litigation in social media and insulin industries, and registration and compliance among telemarketers, gyms, and pawn shops, among others.

If you have an established track record of success in policy, management, and law, excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills, and a passion for good public policy, apply now for this unique role and join our senior leadership team.

This position is an in-person role in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Key Responsibilities

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.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling them to clearly and persuasively present complex information to diverse audiences. They will be a highly analytical and strategic thinker, capable of effectively solving problems and interpreting intricate regulations. This individual will demonstrate proven leadership experience, with a track record of successfully managing and developing teams. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated proficiency in budget management, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources.

Qualifications

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:

• Strong preference for experience as an attorney in a law firm, in-house, or government setting, with additional preference given for litigation or regulatory experience.
• 3 or more years of supervisory or managerial experience, demonstrating the ability to lead and develop teams.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant laws.
• Knowledge of the legislative process in Utah.
• 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).

About the Role

Location –

160 East 300 South

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111

United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – AD - Employees Reporting to Dept. Head, Commissioners, or Dept. Director

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 Director of Consumer Protection will work directly with a member of the Governor’s Cabinet in a senior leadership role within the Department of Commerce. This position will provide unique opportunities to shape policy through management of the Division and input on potential legislation.

The Agency

The Department of Commerce is the licensing and registration agency for Utah's professional and business community. We provide oversight of business registrations, trademarks, Uniform Commercial Code filings, professional licensing, consumer protection, public utilities, securities, real estate and residential mortgage lending. You can learn more about the agency by visiting our website.

Supplemental Information

• State of Utah Job: Division Director II, Commerce (#83069).
• Effective July 1, 2021, in-state work rules require all work to be performed while physically within the state’s borders.
• We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
• Valid driver's license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per Utah Code § 53-3- 202(1)(a).

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.