Director of Benefit Programs

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

1d•$0 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Director of Benefit Programs to lead and oversee the administration of essential public services and programs in Virginia. This role serves as a key advisor to the executive team, advancing the vision and long-term direction of the Benefit Programs division. The Director will oversee legislative, budgetary, operational, and workforce functions to ensure compliance, performance excellence, culture leadership, and effective stewardship of resources. The position leads a team responsible for critical public assistance and workforce programs including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid Assistance, Energy Assistance Programs, Child Care Subsidy Program, and workforce development programs like VIEW and SNAP E&T. Responsibilities include overseeing all service delivery models, modernizing systems, streamlining processes, and improving customer experience. The Director will ensure the systematic application of program policy, performance standards, and internal controls, and align policies with agency priorities and federal/state requirements. This role involves identifying and implementing innovative strategies to advance economic mobility and strengthen the economic security of low-income Virginians. Additionally, the Director will build and maintain strategic partnerships with federal agencies, state leadership, local departments, community organizations, workforce partners, and internal VDSS staff. This includes ensuring effective coordination of statewide benefit programs and leading the development and execution of major policy initiatives, regulatory updates, legislative proposals, and strategic program enhancements.

Requirements

Human services program administration including public policy development, legislative processes, regulatory interpretation, and monitoring of federal guidance and directives.
Experience in leading crisis and change management, and building high-performing teams to deliver results.
Experience analyzing complex human services challenges, conducting deep-dive analysis, and proposing executive-level action plans.
Experience developing robust strategies and directing multi-dimensional operations including budget, technology and workforce solutions.
Advanced knowledge of areas related to economic mobility, economic security, food security, workforce services and human services transformation.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as state, federal, and local agencies, public officials, and community groups.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing human services programs in Virginia Social Services System.
Federal and state laws, funding, and regulations governing SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Child Care, and LIHEAP, including eligibility rules, quality assurance requirements, fiscal accountability, and reporting mandates.
Experience leveraging technology to advance program implementation and customer service.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the administration of essential public services and programs in Virginia.
Serve as a key advisor to the executive team.
Advance the vision and long-term direction of the Benefit Programs division.
Oversee legislative, budgetary, operational, and workforce functions.
Ensure compliance, performance excellence, culture leadership, and effective stewardship of resources.
Lead a team of professionals responsible for public assistance and workforce programs (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid Assistance, EAP, CCSP, VIEW, SNAP E&T).
Oversee all service delivery models, including eligibility determination, case management, workforce services, and customer support channels.
Lead efforts to modernize systems, streamline processes, and improve the customer experience.
Ensure the systematic application of program policy, performance standards, and internal controls.
Promote consistency, accountability, and program integrity statewide.
Align policies with agency priorities and state and federal requirements.
Identify, test, and implement innovative strategies to advance economic mobility and strengthen economic security.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with federal agencies, state leadership, local departments, community organizations, workforce partners, and internal staff.
Ensure effective coordination and alignment of all statewide benefit programs.
Lead the development and execution of major policy initiatives, regulatory updates, legislative proposals, and strategic program enhancements.
Work with stakeholders to anticipate emerging issues, ensure cohesive messaging, and guide high-profile initiatives.