Title: Deputy Commissioner of Legal and Legislative Affairs
State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager IV
Hiring Range: $165,000 - $190,000
Pay Band: 8
Agency: Department of Motor Vehicles
Location: LEGAL SERVICES
Agency Website: www.dmv.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A
Job Duties
Position Overview
The Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking an accomplished legal professional to serve as Director of Legal Affairs & Legislative Services. This executive leadership role provides comprehensive oversight of the agency's legal operations, legislative coordination, and strategic policy development. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic team while ensuring the agency's compliance with federal and state regulations, managing complex litigation matters, and maintaining critical relationships with the Virginia General Assembly and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership & Strategic Management
• Provide executive leadership for Legal Affairs and Legislative Services operations
• Develop and implement strategic plans with analytical assessments for complex legal and legislative decision-making
• Exercise comprehensive management responsibility for agency legal and legislative programs
• Ensure consistent implementation of legal and policy decisions across all organizational units
Legal Affairs Management & Policy Development
• Deliver comprehensive legal and policy guidance ensuring compliance with federal and state laws
• Collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation management and regulatory defense
• Oversee regulatory programs for motor vehicle manufacturers, franchise dealers, and industry compliance
• Ensure due process through fair and impartial formal hearings and informal conferences
• Promote a culture of inclusion, belonging, equity, and awareness throughout legal operations
Legislative Services & Government Relations
• Coordinate legislative processes between DMV and the Virginia General Assembly
• Monitor federal and state legislation to assess operational and strategic impacts
• Oversee development of Legislative Action Summaries (LAS) and Fiscal Impact Statements (FIS)
• Prepare legislative proposals and develop statutory language with supporting documentation
• Manage agency regulation revisions and guidance documents for Virginia Register submission
Performance Management & Team Leadership
• Develop performance and development plans aligned with organizational objectives
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and formal performance evaluations
• Provide coaching, feedback, and career development guidance
• Resolve team conflicts and performance issues promptly and fairly
• Recognize achievements and maintain comprehensive performance documentation
Stakeholder Engagement & External Communications
• Maintain relationships with legislators, industry representatives, and federal agencies
• Collaborate with Secretary of Transportation, Attorney General's Office, and state agencies
• Work with American Association of Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) on policy research
• Represent the agency in legal and legislative forums while maintaining organizational credibility
Financial & Administrative Oversight
• Oversee agency financial and budgetary matters with fiscal responsibility
• Develop and implement administrative policies aligned with agency objectives
• Ensure consistent policy implementation across organizational units
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 many businesses, including dealers, fuel 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
• Extensive management experience in government legal affairs, public administration, or equivalent private sector legal leadership roles
• Proven experience in legal strategic planning, policy development, and complex legal matter management
• Comprehensive knowledge of state government operations, Virginia legislative processes, and public administration legal principles
• Advanced understanding of motor vehicle law, administrative law, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience working with legislative processes, government relations, and complex stakeholder management
• Proven experience in litigation management, regulatory defense, and administrative hearing processes
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills with ability to influence and direct at executive levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities for complex legal and organizational issues
• Demonstrated ability to provide legal counsel to senior executives and represent agency positions effectively
• Experience developing legal strategies, policy recommendations, and legislative proposals
• Experience in regulatory development, compliance oversight, and administrative rulemaking processes
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups including elected officials, political appointees, legal professionals, and industry representatives
• Demonstrated success in managing complex legal matters with far-reaching implications for government operations
Additional Considerations
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Virginia preferred
• Advanced understanding of federal and state regulatory frameworks affecting motor vehicle operations
• Professional certifications in public administration law, regulatory affairs, or relevant specialized legal fields preferred
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.
Pursuant to Sections 2.2-3114 and 2.2-3115 of the Code of Virginia, this position has been designated as requiring you to disclose your financial interests. Financial interests shall be disclosed as a condition of employment and thereafter as required. The mechanism you will use to disclose these interests is called Statement of Economic Interests (SOEI).
Contact Information
Name: DMV Employment
Phone: (804) 367-0528
Email: employment@dmv.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.