Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer: VADOC Headquarters: #00323

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

2d•$100,000 - $163,182•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is seeking a highly capable and strategic leader to serve as Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer (Deputy CHRO) - a critical executive role supporting the largest public safety workforce in Virginia state government. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape workforce strategy, strengthen organizational performance, and directly impact public safety outcomes across a complex, demanding 24/7 operational environment. Workforce decisions at this level influence operational readiness, institutional safety, and continuity of operations across facilities and community corrections. Serving a workforce of more than 11,000 employees across institutions, community corrections, and administrative units, the Deputy CHRO plays a central role in advancing a People First philosophy grounded in integrity, accountability, and high standards. This leader ensures that workforce strategy, talent management, and HR operations are fully aligned with the agency’s mission and operational priorities. As a key strategic partner to the Chief Human Resource Officer and executive leadership, the Deputy CHRO helps drive enterprise HR strategy aligned to People, Performance, and Culture, ensuring consistency, operational excellence, and workforce effectiveness across a decentralized organization. This role requires the ability to operate at an executive level in a fast-paced, high-demand environment where responsiveness, sound judgment, and disciplined execution are essential.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience leading or supporting human resource functions in a large, complex organization, including oversight or coordination across multiple HR disciplines (e.g., employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation, policy, training and development, workforce planning, or organizational development)
Extensive knowledge of human resource principles, practices, and trends, with demonstrated ability to apply them in operational environments
Strong working knowledge of state HR policies, procedures, and compliance requirements, as well as applicable state and federal employment laws, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policy to ensure consistent, compliant, and defensible outcomes
Demonstrated ability to support or lead strategic workforce planning efforts aligned with organizational priorities
Experience advising leaders on complex HR matters, including employee relations, performance management, and organizational challenges
Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand environment with competing priorities, requiring sound judgment, responsiveness, and decision-making
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, interpret workforce trends, and support data-informed decision-making
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, build relationships, and collaborate effectively with executive leadership, managers, and stakeholders across a decentralized organization
Ability to complete the Virginia Ethics Council Conflict of Interest (COI) filing within two (2) business days of hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3100
Ability to complete COI training within two (2) months of hire and every other year thereafter, as required by Code of Virginia § 2.2-3132

Nice To Haves

Experience in a public safety, corrections, law enforcement, or similarly structured 24/7 operational environment
Experience supporting or leading enterprise HR initiatives, organizational transformation efforts, or large-scale workforce programs
Experience with HR analytics, dashboards, or workforce data tools to support executive decision-making
Experience advancing HR modernization, digitization, or process improvement initiatives
Experience working in partnership with executive leadership, field operations, and decentralized organizations
Advanced education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
Certification in Human Resources (e.g., CP, SCP, PHR or SPHR).

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for human resources programs supporting a workforce of 11,000+ employees across institutions, community corrections, and administrative units
Ensure alignment, consistency, and accountability across HR functions, policies, and service delivery
Lead the development, interpretation, and consistent application of HR policies, ensuring compliance, defensibility, and alignment with organizational standards and legal requirements
Strengthen governance frameworks that promote fairness, consistency, and accountability in workforce decisions across the organization
Reinforce a culture of accountability by ensuring consistent performance management practices, clear expectations, and high standards across HR leadership and the organization
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce strategy, policy interpretation, organizational effectiveness, and risk mitigation
Ensure execution of strategic priorities and executive directives across the HR function
Lead workforce strategies that enhance recruitment, retention, engagement, and performance across a decentralized, 24/7 public safety environment
Ensure HR strategies and programs directly support operational readiness, safety, and continuity across institutions and field operations
Align HR initiatives with agency priorities to ensure workforce decisions directly support public safety outcomes and mission execution
Provide leadership in a complex, high-demand environment requiring sound judgment, adaptability, and timely decision-making
Support enterprise initiatives that drive workforce transformation, culture, and long-term organizational effectiveness
Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership, Wardens, and operational leaders on complex workforce challenges and organizational needs
Lead multiple HR functional areas to ensure consistent application of policy, standards, and practices across the organization
Foster collaboration across HR leadership and operational units to support mission-critical initiatives and enterprise alignment
Evaluate and advance HR programs to strengthen service delivery, operational effectiveness, and organizational impact
Lead and support execution of high-impact strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects aligned to HRSD strategy
Manage executive-level requests and deliverables with a high degree of responsiveness, quality, and accuracy
Coordinate priorities across HR leadership to ensure alignment, execution discipline, and accountability
Advance HR modernization through technology optimization, digitization, and process improvement
Leverage workforce analytics, dashboards, and HR data to inform executive decision-making and improve outcomes
Support the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to enhance workforce effectiveness
Provide training and guidance to HR staff, managers, and leaders to strengthen capability in HR programs, policies, and data-informed practices