Policy Director

Title: Policy Director

State Role Title:Policy Planning Spec IV

Hiring Range: Up to $170000 (Commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location:DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: State Employee Only - E

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement we commit ourselves to listening learning and cultivating environments of trust respect and positive engagement. Together we are mission-driven eager to achieve and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

The Virginia Department of Social Services has an exciting opportunity to join our team as the new Policy Director!

The Policy Director reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner of Policy and Administration and manages the overall agency policy agenda of the Department. This position proactively cultivates agency policy priorities serves as the lead interface and representative for all outside policy connections including but not limited to the Governors Office and the General Assembly and is responsible for the research and communication to DSS Leadership of policy positions and trends within the realm of social services and state and federal policy. The Policy Director develops a cohesive policy and legislative strategy on behalf of the Department to achieve goals and enhancements to programming and operations.

The Policy Director leads the overall policy work of the department and interfaces with policy analysts across the agency to develop a single space within the agency to cultivate articulate and manage a shared policy agenda. This position convenes working groups to coordinate and inform the policy agenda. This position works closely with think tanks legislative associations related to human services other state and federal entities and university public policy programs to understand trends across the policy spectrum.

The Policy Director oversees the Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs to track and communicate legislative changes and proposals. This position also works closely with the Virginia League of Social Services Executives particularly the Leagues legislative committee to partner on shared priorities.

In addition to a rewarding work experience VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits pre-tax spending accounts state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability paid holidays vacation tuition assistance free wellness programs and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching Employee Benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable experience in policy development analysis or advocacy related to human and social services benefit programs and child welfare.
Extensive experience working with Virginias General Assembly and legislative and state budget processes.
Demonstrated experience with legislative or regulatory processes and stakeholder engagement.
Experience managing policy programs or initiatives and leading teams.

Additional Considerations

Experience working with Virginias Governors office.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia 2.2-3114 as a condition of employment. The filing must be completed on or before the first day of employment and annually thereafter on or before February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 2-months of becoming a state filer and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years commencing on the first odd-numbered year thereafter. For more information please visit

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employees Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework opportunities; availability hours and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealths Teleworking policy on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS Division of Human Resources

Phone:

Email:

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.