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University of Utah

OCHE Assistant Commissioner

🇺🇸 Salt Lake City, UT

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $90K - $140K

💻 Other

🗓️ July 21st, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

The University of Utah is hiring an OCHE Assistant Commissioner, also known as the Assistant Commissioner of Technical Education. This role leads the planning, development, implementation, and quality assurance of technical education programs within the Utah System of Higher Education, ensuring improved institutional and program quality, performance, and student outcomes. The Assistant Commissioner oversees program approvals, supports strategic initiatives, guides apprenticeship and continuing education development, and collaborates with various stakeholders to strengthen technical education.

Highlights
  • Lead planning, development, and quality assurance of technical education programs.
  • Oversee institutional program approvals and ensure compliance with agency regulations.
  • Support initiatives to improve program quality, access, affordability, and alignment with workforce needs.
  • Guide development of apprenticeship programs and industry-responsive continuing education.
  • Coordinate efforts for credit transfer and awarding technical education credits to secondary students.
  • Develop policies and benchmarks for credit for prior learning, work-based learning, and credentials.
  • Provide leadership in faculty and staff professional development across institutions.
  • Collaborate on grant development and ensure accuracy of technical education data in systems like Utah Majors Guide.
  • Master’s degree required with 8 years of related experience, preferably in technical education leadership.
  • Compensation range: $90,000–$140,000 annually.

OCHE Assistant Commissioner Full Description

OCHE Assistant Commissioner

Open Date  | 07/19/2025
Requisition Number  | PRN42580B
Job Title  | OCHE Assistant Commissioner
Working Title  | Assistant Commissioner of Technical Education
Job Grade  | H
FLSA Code  | Executive
Patient Sensitive Job Code?  | No
Standard Hours per Week  | 40
Full Time or Part Time?  | Full Time
Shift  | Day
Work Schedule Summary  |
VP Area  | President
Department  | 01379 - USHE Commissioner
Location  | Office of the Commissioner - Downtown SLC
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | $90,000 - $140,000
Close Date  | 10/19/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |

Job Summary
The Assistant Commissioner for Technical Education coordinates and supports technical education initiatives in the Commissioner’s Office within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) to improve institutional and program quality, performance, and student outcomes.

Responsibilities  | Essential Functions:
Provide leadership in the planning, development, implementation, and quality assurance of technical education programs. Oversee institutional program approvals and agency compliance related to technical education. Support the implementation of strategic initiatives that improve program quality, student outcomes, access, affordability, and workforce alignment. Guide the development of apprenticeship programs and industry-responsive continuing education for employers and incumbent workers. Assist in reviewing and refining policies related to program structure, supportive instruction, and student eligibility requirements. Guide the development of a standardized approach for awarding technical education credit to secondary students. Facilitate coordination among institutions to align programs and courses, supporting credit transfer where appropriate. Assist in the development and evaluation of policies and benchmarks for awarding credit for prior learning, work-based learning, and industry credentials. Provide leadership for faculty and staff professional development, promoting collaboration and best practices across institutions. Support institutions in developing and implementing student organizations that enhance technical education programs. Collaborate on grant development to support technical education initiatives. Ensure the accuracy of technical education data in platforms such as the student information system, Utah Majors Guide, and Transfer Guide. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support the enrollment and success of adult learners in technical education. Assist in reviewing education policies with a focus on performance, outcomes, and compliance. Support additional projects and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor. 

Comments:
Typical office working conditions and hours with occasional meetings/events in the early morning, evenings, or weekends. Frequent local and statewide travel.
 
Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required: Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Disclaimer OCHE has reviewed this job description to ensure the representation of essential functions and primary duties. The job description provides guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment. OCHE reserves the right to modify this job description and assign tasks to the employee as OCHE deems appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications  | Qualifications & Education Master’s degree or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for one year of related work experience). 8 years’ experience in a related field, ideally in technical education leadership with oversight of programs and personnel. 

Skills Technical education leadership and operational experience preferred. Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and policy development skills. Knowledge of institutional and programmatic accreditation standards. Understanding of technical education governance and operations, with a working knowledge of economic development principles. Strong knowledge of federal and state educational policies and regulations. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with institutional personnel and secondary and postsecondary stakeholders. Exceptional written, oral, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferences  |
Type  | Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary  |
Additional Information  | The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu



https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
  3. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
 University Human Resource Management 
 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu 

 
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