Chief of Research & Data Analytics

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Richmond, VA

5d

About The Position

Virginia DMV is seeking an exceptional executive to serve as its top authority
on data strategy, applied research, and business intelligence, a rare
opportunity to shape policy and operations at the intersection of technology,
public safety, and government.

As a member of the Commissioner's Executive Leadership Team, you will direct
multiple organizational units and translate DMV's vast data assets into
strategic intelligence that drives decisions affecting millions of Virginians
every year.

From advising the Governor's office and the General Assembly to representing
Virginia before federal agencies and national transportation bodies, this role
carries real consequence and real visibility.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to provide executive leadership and administration of multiple organizational components within a large, complex state agency or organization, including oversight of programs, personnel, budgets, and federal grants or interagency agreements.
• Ability to manage personnel, teams, and initiatives to achieve agency mission and goals, including strategic planning, organizational development, and translating executive priorities into multi-year program agendas.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applied research methods, data governance frameworks, business intelligence practices, and enterprise data strategy, with sufficient technical fluency to evaluate the quality and reliability of analytical products at the executive level.
• Knowledge of data privacy, security, and compliance requirements applicable to state government data assets, including personally identifiable information and sensitive motor vehicle records.
• Experience developing and implementing policy at the agency or enterprise level, including oversight of policy interpretation, administrative procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of the Virginia legislative process and state government structure, including the roles of the Governor's Office, Secretary of Transportation, General Assembly, and Department of Planning and Budget.
• Ability to represent an agency before the General Assembly, Governor's Cabinet, federal agencies, and national peer organizations on complex technical and policy matters.
• Skill in analyzing proposed legislation and regulations for operational, fiscal, and programmatic impact and preparing agency leadership to respond accordingly.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex research findings, data strategy positions, and policy analyses to diverse audiences — including elected officials, agency executives, federal partners, and the public — both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain executive-level relationships with elected officials, federal agency leaders, university partners, and national professional associations.
• Skill in developing, justifying, and administering large and complex program budgets, including federal grants, contracts, and interagency agreements, in compliance with Commonwealth procurement and fiscal accountability standards.
• Ability to handle complex, sensitive, and politically volatile matters requiring sound independent judgment and careful stakeholder management.
• Experience in motor vehicle administration, highway safety, transportation policy, or a closely related public safety or regulatory program area.
• Experience overseeing enterprise data governance programs, including data quality management, and compliance with data privacy requirements.
• Experience directing a business intelligence or performance analytics function in a state agency or large public-sector organization.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Commonwealth Travel Policies and Regulations is a plus.
• Knowledge of DMV administrative policies and procedures, operations, and programs.
• Knowledge of Commonwealth procurement policies and regulations.
• Experience with AAMVA, NHTSA, FHWA, TRB, or comparable national transportation and motor vehicle research bodies.
• Prior experience as an assistant commissioner, director, or equivalent executive in a Virginia state agency, with familiarity with DHRM, DPB, and Commonwealth executive branch processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise data strategy: Own DMV's data governance framework, business intelligence function, and applied research agenda. Set the standard for how data is collected, managed, and used across the agency.
• Advise at the highest levels: Brief the Commissioner, Secretary of Transportation, General Assembly committees, and federal partners on complex data and policy matters with statewide impact.
• Drive operational impact: Convert research findings and analytical products into actionable intelligence that improves customer service, highway safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.
• Manage people and resources: Direct multiple teams, oversee program budgets, and administer federal grants and interagency agreements in compliance with Commonwealth standards.
• Shape legislation and policy: Analyze proposed legislation for operational and fiscal impact, develop agency-level policy, and ensure compliance with data privacy and regulatory requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees