The deputy secretary for management and resources also has broad responsibilities for oversight and coordination of U.S. foreign assistance and overseas diplomatic operations.

The role is sometimes referred to as the "chief operating officer" of the State Department.

[1] The position was created by Congress in 2000, in Title IV, Section 404 of Public Law 106-553.

The position was left vacant under President Donald Trump, but it was reestablished under President Joe Biden in 2021 with the appointment of Brian McKeon.

The State Department is the only federal Cabinet-level agency with two co-equal deputy secretaries.