Title: Deputy Executive Director

State Role Title: Deputy Director

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience up to $180,000 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 200

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Agency Mission: The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high- quality legal advocacy.

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, an Independent agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and proven leader to serve as the Deputy Executive Director. This position, located in our Henrico, Virginia Administrative Office, is an at-will position reporting directly to the Executive Director. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing strategic planning, policy development, management, and guidance regarding critical agency operations. The Deputy is a key member of the executive management team.

Duties and Responsibilities for this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Performance Management / Leadership of attorney and non-attorney staff
• Agency Policy Development, Interpretation, and Analysis
• Strategic Project Management
• Administrative and Business Operations
• Legislative Liaison / Criminal Justice Policy
• Lease Administration and Property Management
• Grievance Review and Determination
• Management of Agency Grants and Grant Programs
• In consultation with the Executive Director, making presentations and recommendations to the VIDC Commission and Committees

The Deputy Director will be responsible for assisting the Executive Director in all facets of oversight of the operations of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission. This includes providing supervision of and guidance to our Standards of Practice and Certification, Policy and Training, Resource Attorneys, and Chief Appellate Counsel teams. The position will work with the Executive Director to support the agency’s more than 700 employees and 29 locations across the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the Executive Director, the incumbent will drive strategic planning and policy development, and assist in the development and oversight of the agency-wide budget. The position includes significant involvement with critical agency operations including contract management, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Finance.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce and staff. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D) and Virginia State Bar admission in good standing.
• Significant experience as a criminal defense attorney representing an indigent population and a demonstrated commitment to the mission of the VIDC.
• Prior experience supervising teams and developing subordinate staff.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external audiences.
• A valid driver’s license.

The Deputy Director position requires experience in developing and overseeing a large operating budget and significant management experience. The Deputy Director position requires knowledge of employment law and experience managing employee relations, familiarity with strategic planning and Virginia’s legislative process, experience developing and implementing training for attorneys, and a working knowledge of state financial systems and regulations.

Additional Considerations

• Significant experience working as an attorney in a Public Defender Office.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience working directly with a governing board or commission.

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

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.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone: 804-662-7249

Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org

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.