ARIZONA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

1700 West Washington Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $125,000 - $145,000 

This position will remain open until business needs are met

The Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) is seeking an experienced organizational strategist with experience leading complex government reforms and matrixed teams to serve as the Deputy Director for the AZ Capacity & Efficiency Initiative.

The Arizona Capacity and Efficiency (ACE) Initiative is a new effort that will examine the operations of the state to build a more modern government for the people of Arizona, while maximizing the value of every taxpayer dollar. The Initiative includes targeted efficiency goals that are projected to save more than $100 million through reduced duplication, refined procurement, modern technology adoption, improved data use, and workforce-centered innovation. To further build capacity across the state, ACE will also create an Innovation hub that will build a pipeline of high-value technology use cases, ensuring that every state investment in innovation provides a clear and measurable return for the taxpayer.

Reporting to the ACE Director, the Deputy Director provides critical management and operational support to ensure the effective execution of the Initiative’s efficiency and capacity-building goals. This position functions as a principal advisor and operational partner to the Director, managing internal staff and coordinating high-priority efficiency and technology initiatives across state agencies. The Deputy Director must have a sophisticated understanding of public administration, change management, and public interest technology, ensuring that the strategic objectives are translated into measurable results through rigorous project management and inter-agency coordination.

The primary worksite is the State Capitol Executive Tower (1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007). Applicants must reside within commuting distance to Phoenix. The position offers the potential for remote work up to two days per week at the discretion of the Director, and to the extent it does not interfere with fulfilling responsibilities of the position.

• Strategic Support: Assist the development of ACE goals, objectives, and executive communications; manage complex administrative priorities.
• Operational Oversight: Serve as the primary internal coordinator for ACE monitoring project timelines and ensuring that staff deliverables align with the Governor’s efficiency benchmarks.

• Technical Agency Consultation: Work in close coordination with state agency leadership to support innovation teams and identify problem-solving solutions to advance innovation goals. Experience with technology modernizations, data management, and automation is valuable.

• Advance Best Practices: Have an understanding of best practices for public interest technology and innovation; prepare technical memoranda and evaluative research reports to support the ACE goals and decision-making process.

• Workflow Management: Direct the daily internal operations of ACE teams, prioritizing staff assignments and maintaining the continuity of operations during the Director's absence or engagement in high-level executive briefings.

• Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business, Economics, Accounting, Finance, or related field; or, a Bachelor’s Degree in similar fields with 5-7 years’ experience in governmental budgeting, public administration, or a related area.

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

• Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by the State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ariel Gonzalez at agonzalez@az.gov for assistance