Title: DMV Chief Hearing Officer, Position No. 00241

State Role Title: Hearing Legal Servcs Mgr II

Hiring Range: $110,250.00 - $126,787.50

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Motor Vehicles

Location: HEARINGS OFFICE

Agency Website: www.dmv.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is looking to hire a Chief Hearing Officer, in our Legal Affairs Office!

The Chief Hearing Officer reports to the Assistant Commissioner for Legal Affairs and is responsible for overseeing the administration of formal hearings and administrative proceedings within DMV. This role ensures that administrative proceedings (formal hearings and informal conferences) are conducted fairly, efficiently, impartially, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and DMV policies and procedures. The Chief Hearing Officer manages a team of hearing officers, provides guidance on complex cases, and upholds the integrity of the hearing process. Work is conducted in accordance with the Agency’s mission, vision, values, and the information Security Policy.
The Chief Hearing Officer also serves as the agency's secretary for purposes of appeal.

This position plays a crucial role in representing the Agency by managing the prompt and accurate responses to appeals of the Agency’s actions in accordance with the Administrative Process Act and the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

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

• Considerable knowledge of administrative law, due process, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of hearing processes, rules of evidence, and legal standards applicable to administrative hearings.
• Familiarity with policy formulation and implementation within a legal or regulatory framework.
• Understanding of administrative processes, including record-keeping, reporting, and compliance audits.
• Understanding of mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Ability to critically analyze cases, legal documents, and evidence to make informed decisions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for articulating decisions and conveying complex information clearly and persuasively to various stakeholders.
• Skills in managing a team, including hearing officers, administrative staff, and support personnel.
• Strong decision-making skills to assess situations, evaluate evidence, and issue rulings.
• Ability to remain neutral and unbiased in hearings and decision-making processes.
• Ability to comfortable and effectively conduct hearings and present findings to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines and make timely decision without compromising quality.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations and understand the perspectives of all parties involved.
• A solid understanding of ethical standards and a commitment to impartiality.
• Proficient skill in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other systems related to the Chief Hearing Officer role.

Additional Considerations

• Considerable knowledge of DMV statutes, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines, regarding administrative proceedings.
• Knowledge of the Motor Vehicle Code, the Administrative Process Act, and Part 2A of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and DMV driver and vehicle records.
• Law degree (JD)
• Active member of the Virginia Bar
• Experience practicing law in administrative law, regulatory compliance, or related fields.
• Experience leading and managing a diverse team of hearing officers, legal analysts, and administrative staff, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Experience in mentoring or training staff, ensuring ongoing professional development and adherence to best practices especially in legal or administrative contexts.
• Must consent to a criminal background check.
• Must have a driver’s license with no more than 6 demerit points.

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.

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, DMV will be alerted of any moving violation convictions, including suspension of license.

Submission of an online application is required. DMV does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc., in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience and years of experience to assess your skills in the screening process properly. Candidates are evaluated based on information provided in the application materials. Missing information cannot be assumed.

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.