Title: Deputy Executive Director (00008)

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

Deputy Executive Director (General Admin Manager III)
The Virginia Racing Commission safeguards the integrity and transparency of the Commonwealth’s horse racing and wagering industries. We regulate licensing, financial operations, audits, and other essential functions that build public trust and ensure a fair racing and wagering environment. The Deputy Executive Director is crucial to achieving these goals: acting as the right-hand to the Executive Secretary, coordinating daily operations across multiple divisions, and maintaining a supportive, compliant, and effective workplace for VRC personnel.

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
· Collaborate with the Executive Secretary to set and execute the agency’s long-term vision and goals. Facilitate cross-division projects to ensure timely and effective communication and project completion.
· Monitor and guide the daily operations of Racing, Licensing & Investigations, Audit & Compliance, Finance, Technology, and more. Encourage continuous improvement and resolve escalated issues.
· Oversee recruitment, performance evaluations, and professional development. Manage office policies, records, and logistics to meet state HR requirements.
· Assist in applying relevant statutes and Commission policies. Review internal protocols for licensing, audits, and HR, ensuring alignment with legal and industry standards.
· In partnership with Finance, support budget preparation, approve procurement decisions, and keep divisions within fiscal limits.
· Represent the VRC at events, conferences, and public forums, building positive relationships with legislators, industry representatives, and community groups.

Minimum Qualifications

· Demonstrated familiarity with regulatory frameworks, organizational management, or business administration (e.g., finance, operations, or strategic planning).
· Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, handle competing priorities, and align daily operations with broader organizational goals.
· Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills for guiding multiple divisions and interacting with diverse stakeholders.
· Understanding of basic data analytics or marketing principles, sufficient to assess performance metrics and recommend improvements.
· Proven capacity to interpret and apply policies and procedures in a fast-paced, compliance-oriented setting.

Additional Considerations

· Direct leadership role in a regulated industry, with hands-on experience in long-term planning, budget development, and performance tracking.
· Background in designing or implementing new processes, systems, or metrics to enhance organizational effectiveness.
· Proficiency in interpreting budgets, monthly financial reports, and performance measures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
· Skill in motivating and guiding both direct and indirect reports to achieve overarching goals

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.