Director of Advance

DHRM•Richmond, VA

15h

About The Position

The Director of Advance provides strategic vision for the Commonwealth’s advance operations and ensures events align with the Governor’s priorities and engagement strategy. The position oversees logistical planning, stakeholder coordination, staff management, and on-site execution to ensure engagements meet organizational standards and strategic objectives. The role plans and directs advance operations, exercises decision-making authority throughout event planning and execution, and collaborates across government teams to plan engagement days. It also manages site assessments, stakeholder relationships, briefing materials, event operations, travel logistics, staff supervision, and compliance with safety, security, and organizational policies. The Director evaluates outcomes, improves procedures, and maintains collaborative working relationships in support of public engagement activities. This is an at-will position appointed by the Governor of Virginia. The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal background check. The position requires frequent travel, on-site event coordination, and work outside standard business hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, political science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five to seven years of professional experience in event management, advance operations, government affairs, or related fields.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including staff supervision and operational oversight.
Strong organizational, logistical, and project management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to function effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Ability to travel frequently and work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends.
Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for official travel, including frequent in-state travel to event locations.
Ability to perform event setup and on-site coordination tasks, including extended periods of standing and moderate lifting.
Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Previous advance experience in a political campaign or in state or federal government.
Experience working with senior leadership in government or public-sector environments.
Familiarity with intergovernmental engagement, stakeholder coordination, protocol operations, and security coordination.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and oversee advance operations for the Governor, including site logistics, event preparation, scheduling, and run-of-show development.
Make high-level decisions throughout planning and execution to ensure events meet strategic and operational objectives.
Lead engagement-day planning and execution in collaboration with strategic engagement, local government engagement, communications, policy, legislative affairs, and applicable secretariats.
Conduct site assessments, evaluate logistical requirements, and identify event and engagement risks.
Serve as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, event hosts, local officials, partner organizations, security personnel, and staff.
Oversee preparation of briefing materials, operational packets, and event documentation.
Direct on-site event operations, including setup, staging, flow management, issue resolution, and coordination with supporting personnel.
Manage travel logistics, transportation arrangements, protocol requirements, and accessibility considerations for senior leadership.
Supervise advance staff by assigning tasks, providing training, and evaluating performance.
Ensure compliance with safety, security, and organizational policies throughout event planning and execution.
Evaluate post-event outcomes, identify process improvements, and implement operational enhancements.
Develop and maintain procedure documents outlining advance-team best practices and procedures.
Maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners to ensure strategic alignment of events and public engagement activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.