Title: Technical Compliance Officer (00012)

State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager I

Hiring Range: Up to $115,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Racing Commission

Location: Virginia Racing Commission

Agency Website: www.vrc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: State Employee Only - E

Job Duties

About the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC)
The Virginia Racing Commission safeguards the integrity and transparency of the Commonwealth’s horse racing and wagering industries. With evolving technologies such as simulcasting, advance deposit account wagering and historical horse racing, the Commission requires dedicated technical leadership to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient electronic operations. In this newly formed position, the Technical Compliance Officer will champion the technical standards necessary to keep the VRC on the cutting edge of secure wagering and regulatory practices. By managing IT procurements, setting wagering system standards, and implementing robust information security measures, you will play a pivotal role in helping the Commission remain future-ready and compliant with industry regulations.

Compensation and Benefits
· Up to $115,000 (Pay Band 5) 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
· Develop and maintain wagering system standards (e.g., HHR, pari-mutuel), coordinating with Audit to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
· Conduct or coordinate technical assessments of new or upgraded electronic systems, documenting findings and recommendations.
· Implement security policies based on Commonwealth Information Security Standards (SEC 530) and oversee user access protocols.
· Lead Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) exercises for critical tech services.
· Serve as a secondary Agency IT resource, working with VITA and other governing bodies as needed.
· Manage technology procurements, including writing RFPs, evaluating vendors, and ensuring contract milestones are met.
· Software or platform needs, then guide requirements gathering, testing, and rollout.· Provide training or coaching to staff on new tools and processes.
· Oversee the VRC website’s updates, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and timely content revisions.
· Track site usage analytics and address security concerns or downtime proactively.
· Draft and update technical policies, how-to guides, and standard operating procedures to maintain clarity and version control.
· Conduct internal training sessions on cybersecurity awareness and relevant wagering system updates.

Minimum Qualifications

· Hands-on experience in a regulated industry (e.g., wagering, financial services, healthcare, government) requiring compliance protocols and risk management.
· Technical expertise with electronic systems used for monitoring, data analysis, or similar functions – familiarity with wagering or financial transaction platforms preferred.
· Knowledge of information security standards and incident response best practices, capable of safeguarding data integrity and user access.
· Demonstrated ability to lead or advise on IT projects, including application development life cycles, vendor negotiations, or system rollouts.
· Strong communication skills for translating complex technical requirements into user-friendly guidance and coordinating with multiple stakeholders (e.g., VITA, vendors, internal teams).

Additional Considerations

· Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISA, PMP) that attest to expertise in IT security, project management, or process improvement.
· Experience creating or managing RFPs, vendor evaluations, or contract management in a technology context.
· Familiarity with webmaster duties, including accessibility standards, basic front-end/back-end web maintenance, and analytics monitoring.
· Proven success coordinating across divisions such as Finance, Audit & Compliance, and Licensing, as well as external partners.

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.