Director of Public-Private Partnerships

Utah's Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) is seeking a Director of Public-Private Partnerships to build and lead the state's P3 practice.

About the role

The Director leads the state's P3 development effort and provides advisory support to the Commissioner on investor engagement, moving qualified opportunities from concept to close. The first priority is public-private partnerships. Utah has significant infrastructure, energy, water, housing, and facilities needs that can be delivered faster and at better value through well-structured P3s. The Director builds the state's capacity to identify, screen, structure, and advance these projects, and connects them to qualified capital. Utah's aligned state government and cooperative public institutions mean P3 projects here can move at a pace few states can match, accelerating projects that improve economic competitiveness and quality of life.

This position reports directly to the GOED Commissioner. The Director serves as the state's lead advisor on public-private partnerships and will coordinate with external advisors, transaction teams, and project-specific working groups.

Responsibilities

• Public-Private Partnerships
  • Build and maintain a statewide pipeline of candidate P3 projects across state agencies, higher education, local governments, and special districts, with screening criteria and feasibility analysis to determine which projects are genuinely suited to P3 delivery
  • Advise sponsoring entities on delivery models, risk allocation, and procurement, and coordinate outside financial, legal, and technical advisors through to close
  • Serve as Utah's lead authority on public-private partnership delivery, developing standardized tools and guidance, building P3 literacy across state and local government, and recommending improvements where current frameworks limit viable projects
  • Establish a clear, defensible process for receiving and evaluating unsolicited P3 proposals that protects the state's interests while keeping the door open to private-sector ideas
• Investment Support
  • Provide advisory support to the Commissioner on engagement with global capital sources, in coordination with the Nucleus Institute, which operates under the Utah System of Higher Education, including participation in investment forums and trade missions as directed
  • Assist in qualifying inbound investor interest and connecting investors to opportunities in the P3 pipeline
• Government and Stakeholder Coordination
  • Navigate applicable statutory requirements and P3 authorization frameworks, coordinate with state agencies, legislative stakeholders, local governments, and university partners, and prepare recommendations for the Commissioner and, as directed, the Governor's Office

Success Priorities

• Establish a statewide P3 pipeline and screening framework
• Advance priority projects from concept through procurement and, where appropriate, financial close
• Support the Commissioner in developing strategic investor relationships
• Build statewide capacity and guidance for P3 delivery

Qualifications

• Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, public policy, engineering, law, or related field. Master's degree or advanced professional degree preferred.
• 8+ years in infrastructure finance, project finance, P3 advisory, investment banking, or public sector transaction management
• Direct experience on at least one P3 or project finance transaction through structuring, procurement, or financial close
• Working knowledge of P3 delivery models, risk allocation, and value-for-money analysis
• Strong understanding of public sector processes and governance, with exceptional relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Preferred: experience on both the public and private side of P3 transactions, an existing investor network, international capital experience, and familiarity with Utah's economic landscape
• Preferred credentials: CFA, CPA, JD, PMP, or Certified PPP Professional (CP3P)

Attributes

• Entrepreneurial and self-directed, comfortable building a function from the ground up
• Fluent in both government and private capital environments, able to translate between them
• High integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive matters

Why join us

GOED is a fast-paced, dynamic office staffed with a hard-working, passionate team with diverse experiences and expertise. We strive to match your interests and strengths with our office needs. Working in this office will give you direct, hands-on experience. This job will grow your professional skills and capabilities.

About GOED

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) champions Gov. Cox’s commitment to providing economic opportunity for all Utahns. The office supports Utah entrepreneurs and businesses. We work to retain and recruit companies and bring more high-paying jobs to Utah. In addition, we work with industries, Utah regions, communities, and nonprofits to implement strategic economic development plans and reinforce Utah's already diverse, prosperous economy. We utilize federal and state resources and private sector contracts to cultivate economic prosperity for all Utahns.

Pay

$64.90 - $69.71/hour

Schedule

Hybrid (60 E South Temple, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT)

Background check required. You must successfully pass a criminal history check.