Deputy Director / Chief Operations Officer

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is seeking a highly experienced executive leader to serve as the Deputy Director / Chief Operations Officer (COO). Under the direction of the Chief Deputy Director, the COO provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Department’s administrative operations and enterprise services.

The COO plays a critical role in ensuring effective internal operations that support DIR’s mission to protect and improve the health, safety, and economic well-being of workers in California. This position serves as a key advisor to executive leadership and oversees major administrative programs including human resources, fiscal operations, information technology, research, risk management, and equity initiatives.

This position is located in Sacramento County and is eligible for hybrid telework.

Under the general direction of the Chief Deputy Director, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) provides executive leadership, policy direction, and operational oversight for administrative programs and services across the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

The COO oversees major administrative and operational units including:

• Office of Human Resources

• Office of Fiscal Services

• Office of Information Services

• Business Management Office

• Training, Policy, and Support Services

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office

• Occupational Injuries and Illness Statistics Unit

• Prevailing Wage Research Unit

• Office of Self Insurance Plans (OSIP)

• Office of the Director’s Research Division

• Office of Equity and Risk

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing executive leadership and strategic oversight for departmental administrative operations.

• Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, policies, and operational requirements.

• Directing administrative programs that support labor enforcement, workplace safety, and worker protection programs across California.

• Advising the Director and Executive Leadership Team on administrative, fiscal, and operational matters.

• Promoting collaboration across divisions to ensure efficient and effective departmental operations.

• Supporting the regulation of workers’ compensation self-insurance programs through the Office of Self Insurance Plans.

The COO serves as a member of the Department’s Executive Leadership Team and plays a key role in guiding the department’s strategic direction.

Pending CalHR approval.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform high-level administrative and policy leadership functions. Ideal candidates will possess knowledge and experience in:

• Organization and functions of California State Government

• Public administration and management principles

• Program development and evaluation

• Policy development and implementation

• Personnel and organizational leadership

• Administrative problem solving and strategic decision making

Candidates should have experience with executive-level responsibilities related to:

• Fiscal operations and budgeting

• Information technology programs

• Human resources management

• Procurement and contracting

• Audits and compliance

• Facilities and business services operations

Experience may be gained in state service, other government agencies, or private sector organizations.

Desirable Qualifications

The most competitive candidates will demonstrate:

• Executive or senior leadership experience managing complex organizations.

• Knowledge of state administrative functions including budgeting, procurement, HR, IT, and business services.

• Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments.

• Strong leadership that promotes collaboration, accountability, and staff development.

• Experience partnering with executive leadership to support organizational goals.

• Ability to work with senior officials across government, including the Legislature, Administration, and state control agencies.

Applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the State Application (STD 678).

The SOQ must:

• Be no more than three pages

• Single spaced

• 10-point Arial font

• Include page number, applicant name, and JC# on each page

Applicants must address the following topics in their SOQ:

1. Experience with California state administrative functions such as fiscal operations, IT, HR, procurement, audits, or facilities, including examples of executive-level recommendations.

2. Experience establishing collaborative relationships with departmental stakeholders and achieving organizational goals.

3. Experience leading cross-departmental policy or operational initiatives involving multiple government stakeholders.

4. Experience solving complex governmental issues involving control agencies such as Department of Finance, CalHR, Department of General Services, California Department of Technology, or the Legislature.

Applications without an SOQ will not be considered.

Final Filing Date: April 2, 2026

Salary

$13,472 – $15,297 per month

New to State service candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification.

Work Location

Sacramento County, California

Telework

Hybrid schedule available. Employees may telework up to three days per week, with at least two in-office days required.

Benefits

State of California employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Paid holidays and vacation leave

• Defined benefit retirement through CalPERS

• 401(k) and 457 retirement savings options

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional development and training opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

• California Department of Industrial Relations

• (916) 662-9200