Title: Assistant Director of Board Appointments & Engagement

Hiring Range: $75,000 to $80,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Secretary of the Commonwealth

Location: Patrick Henry Building

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Assistant Director of Board Appointments and Engagement plays a critical leadership role in advancing the Governor’s appointments process and strengthening statewide engagement with board partners, appointees, and public stakeholders. This position identifies, evaluates, and places highly qualified individuals on Virginia’s boards, commissions, authorities, and advisory councils, while also leading strategic communications and engagement efforts that promote transparency, accessibility, and public understanding of the appointments process.
Reporting to the Director of Board Appointments, the Assistant Director manages key aspects of candidate recruitment, vetting, and placement; collaborates closely with senior administration officials, agency leaders, community stakeholders, and prospective appointees; and contributes to communications strategies that support the Governor’s priorities and the requirements of the Code of Virginia.
The successful candidate will be a highly organized, detail-oriented, and strategic professional with strong communication skills, the ability to manage complex priorities, and a demonstrated capacity for relationship-building across diverse constituencies.

Key Responsibilities:
Board Appointments Management
• Review applications, resumes, references, and supporting materials to assess candidate qualifications and recommend prospective appointees.
• Prepare candidate briefing materials, appointment recommendations, executive summaries, and related documents for senior leadership review.
• Monitor vacancies, term expirations, and statutory deadlines to ensure timely and accurate appointment actions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable statutes, executive directives, ethics requirements, and established appointment procedures.
• Support the full lifecycle of the Governor’s appointments process, including recruitment, vetting, appointment, confirmation, and onboarding.
• Identify, recruit, and evaluate highly qualified candidates from diverse professional and community backgrounds.

Communications & Engagement
• Develop and implement communications strategies that promote clarity, transparency, and accessibility in the appointments process.
• Draft internal and external communications, including outreach materials, informational resources, announcements, correspondence, and public-facing guidance.
• Strengthen engagement with agency leadership, elected officials, community organizations, professional associations, and prospective appointees through proactive communication and relationship management.
• Respond to inquiries from applicants, public officials, advocacy groups, and members of the public, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided.
• Support outreach initiatives, recruitment events, and stakeholder meetings by representing the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
• Identify communication trends and stakeholder needs to improve messaging, engagement strategies, and public understanding of boards and commissions.

Operations & Process Management
• Maintain accurate databases, tracking systems, and official records related to board appointments and engagement activities.
• Coordinate appointment announcements, swearing in ceremonies, onboarding activities, and communications associated with these processes.
• Prepare regular reports, analyze appointment data, and support continuous improvement through operational evaluation and recommendation of workflow enhancements.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen internal processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the appointments and engagement program.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Board Appointments or the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Preferred Qualifications
• A strong commitment to public service and an understanding of the importance of citizen participation in boards and commissions.
• Experience in government, public administration, legislative affairs, executive operations, public engagement, or a related field.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent judgment and analytical ability for reviewing candidate materials and preparing informed, well-supported recommendations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across diverse audiences, including elected officials, agency leaders, and community organizations.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity, with the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Knowledge of Virginia government, state ethics laws, open records requirements, and the board appointments process.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and CRM or other data management systems.

Additional Considerations

This At-Will position is appointed by the Governor of Virginia.

There is no regular teleworking in this position.

Special Instructions

Please attach some of your writing samples to your application.

The chosen candidate will need to successfully complete a fingerprint background check.

Contact Information

Name: Cheryl Oppan

Phone: 804-786-2441

Email: SOC75@governor.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.