Chief Operations Officer

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

1d•$165,000 - $189,750•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is seeking a dynamic, accomplished executive to serve as Chief Operations Officer (COO). This is a rare opportunity to join the Commissioner's Executive Staff and shape the operational future of one of the Commonwealth's most visible state agencies, an organization that touches the life of nearly every Virginian through driver licensing, vehicle titling and registration, motor carrier regulation, and a growing portfolio of digital innovation. As COO, you will provide unified executive leadership across Driver Services, Vehicle Services, Motor Carrier Services, Innovation, and General Services, ensuring that service delivery, revenue operations, compliance, financial management, infrastructure, and technology initiatives operate as one coordinated, strategically aligned enterprise. This is a position for a leader who thinks at the scale of the whole organization and can translate strategic vision into measurable, agency-wide operational results.

Requirements

Extensive executive-level management experience in government, public administration, or an equivalent private-sector leadership role.
A track record of leading multiple, operationally distinct divisions simultaneously at the executive level.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, policy development, and large-scale organizational management.
Experience with legislative processes, government relations, and stakeholder management, including monitoring legislative impacts across program areas.
Comprehensive knowledge of state government operations, legislative processes, and public administration principles.
Advanced expertise in budgetary and financial management, including multi-portfolio budget oversight.
Working knowledge of public procurement law, including the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA).
Exceptional executive presence, communication skills, and the ability to influence at the highest levels.
The judgment and credibility to engage effectively with elected officials, political appointees, and senior government executives.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification in public management or a related specialized field.
Prior experience as a division director, assistant commissioner, or comparable executive role spanning multiple operational functions.
A demonstrated record of success in legislative relations and policy advocacy.
Experience managing large, complex budgets across multiple distinct program areas.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and management across Driver Services, Vehicle Services, Motor Carrier Services, Innovation, and General Services.
Develop strategic plans and analytical assessments that inform complex, agency-wide decision-making.
Recommend and drive strategic actions, ensuring consistent execution throughout the agency.
Exercise overall leadership of operational programs, including innovation initiatives, IT portfolio governance, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a trusted voice with diverse constituency groups, responding to high-level inquiries and resolving complex issues with Commonwealth-wide implications.
Represent the agency in external forums and serve as the Commissioner's designee on operational matters.
Engage directly with government officials and General Assembly members in high-level policy discussions.
Oversee budget development and execution across operational portfolios, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation.
Develop and implement administrative policy consistent with agency objectives and state regulations.
Foster an inclusive, high-performing leadership culture, setting clear direction and resolving issues fairly and promptly.
Develop measurable performance and development plans, deliver timely evaluations, and invest in the growth of leaders across the organization.