Division of Financial Operations (DFO)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $85,479.05-$95,803.97  

Grade: 25

Closing Date: July 28, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Financial Operations (DFO) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Strategy and Compliance Manager.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Operations (DFO), this role drives the division's strategic goals by developing performance scorecards, managing complex projects, and leading cross-functional teams. This position will ensure operational success by overseeing agency-wide subrecipient monitoring plans, enforcing governance and compliance reviews, and establishing DFO best practices to bridge gaps between teams and improve service outcomes across all functions.

Based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures, this position may offer the ability to work a hybrid schedule, within Arizona.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work partially or fully remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Drives the division’s strategic plan. Design scorecards and KPIs to track goals. Sets project direction, builds integrated schedules, and secures resources. 

• Manages the agency’s subrecipient monitoring plan. Conducts governance reviews and ensures strict compliance. Develops best practices to lower risk and guarantee audit readiness.

• Leads high-visibility, complex projects. Partners with internal divisions and State/Federal agencies. Evaluates customer feedback to drive ongoing quality improvement.

• Monitors project progress. Implements corrective action plans when needed. Manages project budgets and schedules. Reports definitive status updates to all key stakeholders.

• Resolves conflicts and manages workflows across functional areas. Spots systemic roadblocks and designs strategic, alternative solutions

• Identifies program issues and recommends structural corrections. Builds comprehensive communication plans to roll out improvements effectively.

Knowledge in:

• Advanced theoretical and practical understanding of project management standards, tools and processes..

• Project methodologies, compliance standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.

• Business operations and interrelationships among internal departments and external organizational functions.

• Design and professional formatting of complex business reports, proposals, and official documents.

Skilled In:

• Strategic project management and project execution processes

• Delivering clear, persuasive verbal and written messages to diverse audiences.

• Analytical thinking, synthesizing complex financial and business data into clear, actionable solutions.

• Relationship management, navigating interpersonal dynamics, resolving conflicts, and negotiating with stakeholders.

Ability to:

• Lead large-scale project initiatives from inception to successful completion.

• Identify complex compliance gaps and develop innovative, long-term business solutions.

• Work seamlessly with internal management and external partners to advance strategic and stakeholder alignment.

• Collaborate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary team environments.

• Participate as an active member of management to drive agency objectives forward.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field and five (5) or more years of experience in Project Management.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred.

• 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. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to Driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).

• Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the state-sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact dbsdfohr@azdes.gov. 

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting dbsdfohr@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.