Executive Director

The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority (“Land Authority”) is seeking an Executive Director to oversee all aspects of developing The Point—a high-profile mixed-use innovation community on 600 acres of state-owned land located in Draper, UT. The Land Authority is an independent, nonprofit, political subdivision of the State of Utah responsible for planning and implementing The Point as outlined in Utah Code 11-59.  

The Executive Director will assist the Land Authority in achieving its public purpose of working with private and public stakeholders to facilitate development that maximizes long-term economic growth, high-quality job creation, innovation, quality-of-life and other benefits for the state.  

The successful candidate will have experience in large-scale development projects, and a sound understanding of the politics and economy of the region.  The Executive Director must be able to manage and implement all aspects of a complex and visible public project with skill, integrity and careful use of public resources. The successful candidate will accomplish this through a respectful, professional, constructive and energetic style, guided by the Land Authority mission and board. The Executive Director will lead a collaborative team of staff, consultants and development partners, and will report to the Land Authority Board of Directors.

This is a flexible position offering in-person and telework options.  The State of Utah offers a highly competitive benefits package--click here to review!

Principal Duties

• Organize board meetings and provide staff support to the Land Authority Board of Directors. 

• With the Board, refine and implement a development strategy for The Point.

• Engage, train, motivate and manage the Land Authority staff, consultants and development partners to achieve the public vision for The Point. 

• Manage organizational finances, including overseeing preparation of an annual budget, keeping accurate financial records and engaging an annual audit.

• Coordinate with the Utah System of Higher Education to create an innovation district at The Point.

• Oversee public involvement and communications, including representing the Land Authority with the media and making frequent presentations.

• Represent the Land Authority on community organizations.

• Maintain a strong relationship with state executive branch and legislative leaders and work closely with the Legislature on relevant bills and appropriations.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, policies and contract obligations.

• Evaluate project proposals and oversee development of projects approved by the Board and not under the responsibility of the master developer.

• Manage the use of public finance tools.

• Promote The Point, including assisting with tenant attraction.

• Oversee the separation of the Land Authority from state government.

• Coordinate with state agencies (particularly DFCM and UDOT), affected jurisdictions, utility providers and others. 

Preferred Experience

• Significant experience in managing large-scale land development and real estate finance.

• Significant experience in a senior leadership role with a demonstrated ability to manage staff and resources to achieve defined goals.

• Understanding of state and local governments and legislative processes.

• Familiarity with political, market and industry trends.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Public speaking and media relations.

• Compliance with laws and contract provisions.

• Ability to work in a highly scrutinized environment and deal constructively with people holding differing viewpoints.

The Land Authority
The Utah Legislature created the Land Authority in 2018 with the charge to develop approximately 600 acres of state-owned land previously occupied by the Draper Correctional Facility.   This development, known as "The Point", has rightfully been called a "once-in-a-generation opportunity” for Utah.  The site is at the epicenter of one of the fastest growing areas in the country and at the heart of Utah’s burgeoning technology sector, “Silicon Slopes.” Strategically planned development at the site will provide an unprecedented opportunity to create a future-focused community, creating tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, promoting sustainable living, and catalyzing cutting-edge research and innovation.   A 12-person board composed of high-level Utah officials oversees the project with an overriding goal of advancing the public interest.  The Land Authority maintains a small staff, supplemented by a strong consultant team.  The Land Authority has developed a framework plan for The Point and a detailed master plan for Phase 1 and has completed demolition of the former prison facilities.  The Land Authority has also signed a development agreement with a master developer for Phase 1 and is installing critical infrastructure.  More information about the Land Authority is available at www.thepointutah.org.  

Salary : $90 - $120