Commissioner, Bureau for Family Assistance

Office of Shared Administration•Statewide, WV

12h

About The Position

The Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) is a high-level executive leader in state government, responsible for strategic direction, oversight, and operational management of programs supporting economic stability and self-sufficiency. The Commissioner leads and mentors executive staff and deputy commissioners who oversee programs such as SNAP, WV WORKS/TANF, child care resources, and energy assistance. The role serves vulnerable citizens across West Virginia and operates in a highly visible public and political environment. The Commissioner represents the Bureau before legislative committees, engages with lawmakers and community stakeholders, and serves as a public voice and advocate for the state's economic support and family stability systems. The position also oversees a complex budget funded through state general revenue and federal grants, and works to ensure resources are allocated responsibly and programs deliver measurable impact.

Requirements

At least 7–10 years of progressive executive-level management experience within a complex human services delivery system.
Deep understanding of public assistance frameworks, systemic poverty, workforce development barriers, and frontline benefits eligibility work.
Superior public speaking, presentation, and rhetorical skills, including the ability to explain complex policy, data, and human dynamics clearly to lawmakers and the public.
Advanced working knowledge of state budgeting, public finance, federal grant allocation rules, block grant administration, and long-term fiscal planning.
A constructive and diplomatic approach to working with state leaders and the legislature.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree in public administration (MPA), social work (MSW), business administration (MBA), or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Represent the Bureau before legislative committees, present data and program outcomes, and respond to lawmakers' inquiries about public assistance programs.
Analyze proposed state and federal legislation affecting economic assistance and collaborate on legislative rules, policy revisions, and statutory recommendations.
Build and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, and committee chairs to advance Department goals.
Deliver keynote addresses, presentations, and updates to community providers, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, and county-level staff.
Direct deputy commissioners and executive staff overseeing SNAP, WV WORKS/TANF, child care resources, LIEAP, and specialized aid programs.
Champion initiatives to reduce burnout and improve retention among frontline eligibility and casework staff.
Convene statewide task forces, community roundtables, and public-private partnerships focused on poverty reduction and workforce development reforms.
Oversee the Bureau's state and federal program budgets, including general revenue funds, matching grants, and block grants.
Allocate financial resources to support fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and measurable impact for populations overcoming barriers to stability.