Executive Director

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 218,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework policy

Job summary

Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission in Richmond, Virginia is seeking an experienced Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and oversee the agency’s administrative operations. Reporting to the three Commissioners, this role guides a diverse leadership team and drives operational effectiveness with a focus on accountability and collaboration.

The ideal candidate brings extensive executive leadership, strong financial stewardship, and hands-on administrative expertise.

Qualifications

• Extensive executive-level leadership in a complex organization.
• Experience with administrative operations including finance, budgeting, HR, IT, and performance management.
• Experience providing financial oversight and budgeting.
• Ability to lead managers and teams and achieve organizational results.
• Experience developing organizational strategies, policies, processes, or improvements.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret policies, rules, regulations and governing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and hands-on executive management across the Commission's administrative operations.
• Lead and develop department heads and the agency's leadership team.
• Oversee finance, HR, IT, claims-related services, compliance, and other programs.
• Translate goals into actionable plans and measurable objectives.
• Serve as trusted advisor to the Commissioners with timely information for decision-making.
• Build productive relationships among Commissioners, leadership, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Evaluate structures and processes to identify opportunities for efficiency and improved service delivery.
• Ensure policy implementation and follow-through across divisions.

Skills

Executive leadership

Financial oversight

Strategic planning

Education

Public Administration / Business Admin degree

Advanced degree desirable

Job description

Title: Executive Director

State Role Title:

Hiring Range: $218,040–$225,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: VA Workers' Compensation Comm

Location:RICHMOND HEADQUARTERS

Agency Website:https://www.workcomp.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Make an Impact Through Leadership, Service, and Organizational Excellence

Are you an accomplished executive leader who thrives on building strong teams, navigating complex organizations, and turning strategic vision into meaningful results?

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Executive Director to provide executive leadership and oversee the agency’s administrative operations. Reporting to the three-member Commission, this position offers a unique opportunity to guide a diverse leadership team, oversee critical organizational functions, strengthen operational effectiveness, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration.

The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic leadership, hands‑on administrative expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to build productive relationships across multiple levels of leadership. If you are passionate about organizational excellence, public service, and making a lasting impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

What You’ll Do

As Executive Director, you will provide strategic direction and hands‑on executive management across the Commission's administrative operations. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and Develop People: Direct, coach, and support department heads and the agency's leadership team, establishing clear expectations, encouraging collaboration, and building a culture of accountability, trust, and professional growth.
• Oversee Agency Operations: Provide executive oversight of key administrative functions, including finance, human resources, information technology, claims‑related services, compliance, and other agency programs.
• Guide Financial Stewardship: Oversee financial planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and fiscal management to support organizational priorities and responsible use of public resources.
• Drive Strategy and Results: Translate organizational goals and Commission priorities into actionable plans, measurable objectives, and sustainable operational improvements.
• Partner with Commission Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor to the three Commissioners, providing thoughtful recommendations, sound analysis, and timely information to support informed decision‑making.
• Navigate Complex Relationships: Build productive working relationships among Commissioners, executive leadership, department heads, employees, and external stakeholders while balancing competing priorities.
• Lead Change and Improvement: Evaluate organizational structures, processes, and performance to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and improved service delivery.
• Ensure Organizational Accountability: Oversee the implementation of Commission policies and decisions, monitor progress, and ensure appropriate follow‑through across administrative divisions.

What To Know About This Opportunity

This is a highly visible executive leadership position with significant responsibility for the Commission's administrative operations.

Work location and flexibility: This position is based in Richmond, Virginia, and is eligible for telework under applicable agency policies. However, the responsibilities of the role require the ability to be physically present at Commission headquarters, including on short notice when operational needs arise. Telework arrangements are not guaranteed and remain subject to agency needs and approval.

VWC Compensation Structure

Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is an independent agency which allows us to have a more competitive and unique pay structure. This position is a pay grade 9 based on a 14 grade pay structure. Our positions are not classified under DHRM's pay bands.

Telework Structure

• Our agency is currently using a hybrid model for teleworking. Our positions currently are not 100% teleworking.
• However, we do have a liberal telework policy in place and all candidates would be expected to report to our Headquarters as requested.
• Telework scheduling is at the discretion of the position’s supervisor, the Executive Director, based on the business needs of the department.
• Upon hire, candidates should expect to have all training and orientation conducted at the Headquarters Office, or as required.

Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission Overview

Led by a Senior Leadership team consisting of three Commissioners, an Executive Director, and a Chief Deputy Commissioner. Our mission is to serve injured workers, victims of crimes, employers, and related industries by providing exceptional services, resolving disputes, and faithfully executing the duties entrusted to us by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our vision is to lead the nation as the most effective and innovative state agency. VWC demonstrate seven core values: innovation, respect, accountability, reliability, impartiality, integrity, and effectiveness.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified state agency that supports Veterans and Members of the Reserves and/or National Guard. If you are a Veteran or Spouse of a Veteran or Active Military Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application. Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage diversity within our workforce. Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission does not provide sponsorship for employment.

VWC has been recognized as a Top Workplace for the past several years in the Richmond Region and in the country. It is the recipient of the following awards:

• 2022 - 2026 Top USA Workplace
• 2021 - 2026 Top Workplace Richmond Region
• 2023 - 2025 Top Award for Mid‑Sized Companies
• 2022 - 2023 Doers Award
• 2024 Manager’s Award
• 2025 Leadership Award, McGill

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive executive‑level leadership, management, and supervisory experience within a complex organization.
• Substantial knowledge of and experience with administrative operations, including organizational finance, budgeting, human resources, information technology, and performance management.
• Demonstrated experience providing financial oversight, participating in organizational budgeting and financial decision‑making, and managing resources.
• Proven ability to lead managers and teams, establish performance expectations, delegate responsibilities, and achieve organizational results.
• Experience developing and implementing organizational strategies, policies, processes, or operational improvements.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, exercise independent judgment, communicate effectively, and build productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies, rules, regulations, and other governing requirements relevant to organizational operations.

Additional Considerations

Additional consideration may be given to candidates who demonstrate:

• A degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, or a related field; an advanced degree is particularly desirable.
• Ten or more years of experience with a single large or complex organization, demonstrating sustained leadership and organizational knowledge.
• Executive leadership experience within a government agency, public‑sector organization, or other entity operating within a complex regulatory environment.
• Experience reporting to a governing board, commission, or multiple executive‑level decision‑makers.
• Experience with workers’ compensation, public benefit programs, or similarly complex service‑delivery organizations.
• Knowledge of public‑sector procurement, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements, government operations, or public‑sector financial practices.
• Experience leading organizational change, evaluating organizational structures, and improving administrative systems and processes.

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.

Contact Information

Name: Amy Habel

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

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.