Director of Advance

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

2d•$108,000 - $125,000•Onsite

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. 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 regular work outside standard business hours. Duties may include extended periods of standing, lifting materials, and work in dynamic or rapidly changing environments. Responsibilities may be modified based on organizational needs.

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, with the ability to work 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 physical tasks associated with event setup and on-site coordination, including extended periods of standing and moderate lifting.
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.
Exercise high-level decision-making throughout event planning and execution to ensure strategic and operational objectives are met.
Lead planning and execution of engagement days 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 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 for senior leadership and internal teams.
Direct on-site event operations, including setup, staging, flow management, issue resolution, and coordination with supporting personnel.
Manage travel logistics, transportation, 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 relationships with internal partners to ensure strategic alignment of events and public engagement activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.