Director of Innovation

Virginia Department Of Motor Vehicles; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles invites a forward‑thinking Director of Innovation to shape how we serve millions of Virginians. You will lead senior project managers and continuous improvement experts to research, pilot, and deploy both technology and process innovations that reduce costs and improve service quality.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in IT governance, agile and hybrid project methods, and data‑driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Strategic and innovative thinking to translate business goals into actionable product strategies.
• Expertise in aligning IT initiatives with business needs and value.
• Broad knowledge of information technology and automated solutions to support operations.
• Strong understanding of IT system implementations and digital transformation.
• Extensive leadership to inspire cross‑functional teams in a high‑visibility setting.
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct a team of senior project managers and CPIs to drive innovative solutions.
• Research, identify, evaluate, pilot, and deploy innovative technology and non‑technology solutions to improve processes and customer experience.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration across DMV and with executive leadership to execute strategy with measurable results.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication skills

Change management

IT governance

Data-driven decision making

Education

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Six Sigma Black Belt

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

PM tools

Job description

Title: Director of Innovation, Position no. 00264

State Role Title: Info Technology Manager I

Hiring Range: $135,000 - $155,250

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Motor Vehicles

Location: Office of Innovation

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking a forward-thinking, creative, and results-driven Director of Innovation to help shape the future of how we serve our customers and conduct our business. This strategic agency leadership position is ideal for a transformative and innovative thinker with broad technology experience, strong knowledge of project management and continuous process improvement concepts, and a passion for finding better, smarter, and more efficient ways of doing business.

The Director of Innovation will direct a team of senior project managers and continuous process improvement experts leading initiatives and efforts to research, identify, evaluate, pilot, and deploy innovative technology and non-technology solutions that simplify business processes, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer and employee experiences. The ideal candidate will bring an understanding of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, automation, intelligent document processing, mobile and digital solutions and the ability to recognize where technology can deliver meaningful business value.

Working across DMV and in partnership with executive leadership, technology, operations, and other stakeholders, the Director will bring together people, processes, technology, and disciplined project execution to transform innovative ideas into sustainable solutions with measurable results.

We are looking for a strategic leader and advisor who is curious about what is possible, willing to challenge conventional thinking, skilled at solving complex problems, and capable of turning vision into action. If you are energized by innovation, transformation, and the opportunity to improve services that impact millions of Virginians, we invite you to help DMV build what comes next.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, serves approximately 6.2 million licensed drivers and ID card holders with over 8.4 million registered vehicles. In addition, DMV serves a wide array of businesses, including dealers, fuels tax customers, rental companies, driving schools, other state agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations. DMV operates upon five fundamental core values: Trustworthiness, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Teamwork (TRAIT). We don’t just talk about our core values, we live them!

Minimum Qualifications

• Strategic and innovative thinking skills to translate business goals into actionable product strategies.
• Expertise in organizing both business and digital technology stakeholders to align emerging technology with business needs and value.
• Broad foundation of knowledge and experience with information technology and automated solutions to support business operations.
• Strong understanding of IT system implementations, digital transformation, and business process optimization.
• Extensive leadership skills to inspire and motivate teams toward common goals with experience leading cross-functional teams in a highly visible environment.
• Extensive analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills to drive organizational change.
• Strong understanding and experience in project management methodologies such as Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid methodologies, and project management tools.
• Knowledge of continuous process improvement principles and methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and DMAIC.
• Ability to quickly adapt to change and drive results through innovation and continuous process improvement.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to use data to make informed decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including delivering succinct presentations and to explain the agency’s innovation process, vision and strategy.
• Proficiency in operating personal computers with word processing and spreadsheet software applications.
• Research and analytical skills for assessing complex problems, policy impact, and legislative proposals.
• Knowledge of management and HR practices and principles.

Additional Considerations

• Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or higher preferred).
• Project Management Professional certification (PMP) preferred.
• Qualification to manage major Commonwealth IT Projects as required by VITA preferred.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and driving transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in launching and managing innovation initiatives (both IT and Non-IT) from conception to delivery.
• Broad background in innovation, information systems/technology, continuous process improvement principles, and project management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively.
• Progressively responsible supervisory and management experience.
• Proven experience managing large, complex IT and non-IT projects.

Selected candidate(s) must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DMV participates in E-Verify.

All applicants for employment must consent to a background check. Selected candidates must consent to a fingerprint-based criminal history check, driver record check, and background investigation, if applicable.

As a condition of employment, the DMV will be alerted of any convictions for moving violations, including license suspension.

Contact Information

Name: DMV Employment

Phone: [phone]

In support of the Commonwealth’s 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 800-552-5019.

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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer