Title: Director of Licensing and Investigations (00009)

State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager III

Hiring Range: Up to $140,000

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Virginia Racing Commission

Location: Virginia Racing Commission

Agency Website: www.vrc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC)
The Virginia Racing Commission safeguards the integrity and transparency of the Commonwealth’s horse racing and wagering industries. By establishing robust regulatory frameworks, overseeing licensing protocols, and conducting thorough investigations, the VRC plays a vital role in safeguarding public trust and protecting the credibility of the racing and wagering sectors. As the Director of Licensing and Investigations, you will be at the helm of two critical functions that uphold the Commission’s regulatory mission. You’ll shape licensing policies, lead complex investigations, and collaborate with legal and enforcement partners to maintain the highest standards of compliance. This position is an exciting opportunity to influence how Virginia’s racing industry operates, ensuring it remains trustworthy, well-regulated, and primed for future growth.

Compensation and Benefits
· Up to $140,000 (Pay Band 7) Actual salary negotiable within the posted hiring range.
· Health & Insurance: Full-time employees can participate in the state’s health insurance plan. Basic life insurance is provided at no cost, with the option to purchase additional coverage. Workers’ compensation protection is included at no charge.
· Leave Programs: Employees accrue annual leave based on their years of service; sick leave is governed by either Traditional Sick Leave or the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), which also offers short-term and long-term disability coverage. Eligible employees can also take advantage of FMLA, military leave, and recognition/compensatory leave.
· Retirement & Savings: Membership in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) combines both a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan, plus options for increased contributions. Additional savings can be set aside in a 457 deferred compensation plan.
· Layoff protection and severance benefits may apply in certain situations. Reasonable accommodations are available for employees who need adjustments in the workplace. Service recognition awards and performance-based increases also acknowledge milestone achievements and high-quality service.

Essential Job Duties
· Oversee application processing, renewals, and statutory filings for licensees, ensuring adherence to Commission deadlines and standards.
· Supervise team performance, provide feedback, and resolve any underperformance or training needs.
· Craft and update policies in alignment with evolving Commission regulations and industry developments.
· Strive to reduce administrative burdens for staff and applicants without compromising regulatory integrity.
· Coordinate high-level investigations, ensuring all evidence protocols (e.g., chain of custody) are rigorously followed.
· Review background checks and investigative reports, identifying trends or risks that require corrective action.
· Serve as the Commission’s primary liaison to external entities (e.g., law enforcement, industry partners).
· Clearly communicate licensing or investigative outcomes, offering transparent guidance to applicants or licensees.
· Identify potential non-compliance, recommend appropriate disciplinary measures or deeper investigations.
· Prepare and present cases for administrative or judicial hearings as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

· Demonstrated managerial experience in regulatory licensing, investigative processes, or a related field, with a proven track record of effective leadership and policy implementation.

· Comprehensive knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and best practices for licensing, background checks, and investigations.

· Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including the ability to interpret legal documents, financial reports, and compliance data.

· Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities for engaging diverse stakeholders and presenting complex findings.

· Technical proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and the capacity to learn or adapt to relevant software systems.

Additional Considerations

· Professional certifications (e.g., CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner) that attest to investigative or regulatory expertise.

· Advanced project management or change management skills, particularly in fast-paced, growth-oriented settings.

· Experience with database/reporting software for tracking license applications, investigative outcomes, and performance metrics.

· Strategic planning capabilities to anticipate industry trends and evolve the VRC’s licensing and investigatory 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.

Hours of Work
· Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday).

Number of Positions
· One (1) vacancy is available under this announcement.

Application Process
· Apply through the Commonwealth’s Recruitment Management System (RMS).
· You may be asked to demonstrate your abilities via skills-based exercises or presentations.
· This posting will remain open for at least five (5) consecutive workdays.

Conditions of Employment
· Travel may be required for meetings, events or other job duties.
· Employment may be contingent upon passing background checks (e.g., criminal history, reference verification).
· All staff must adhere to confidentiality standards and follow strict protocols for handling sensitive information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.

Contact Information

Name: Waqas Ahmed, Executive Secretary/Agency Head

Phone: 804-966-7404

Email: waqas.ahmed@vrc.virginia.gov

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.