Title: Deputy Commissioner of Legal and Legislative Affairs

State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager IV

Hiring Range: $165,000-$190,000

Pay Band: 8

Agency: Department of Motor Vehicles

Location: LEGAL SERVICES

Agency Website: www.dmv.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Position Overview
The Virginia DMV is seeking an accomplished legal executive to lead its Legal Affairs and Legislative Services operations. This senior leadership role oversees the agency's legal compliance, litigation coordination, regulatory programs, and legislative engagement with the Virginia General Assembly. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and people leader who can navigate complex legal and policy environments while building effective relationships across government and industry.

Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
Provide strategic direction for legal and legislative programs; ensure consistent implementation of legal and policy decisions across all agency units; and develop analytical assessments to support complex organizational decision-making.

Legal Affairs & Policy
Deliver legal and policy guidance ensuring compliance with federal and state law; collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation and regulatory matters; oversee motor vehicle industry regulatory programs; and ensure due process through formal hearings and informal conferences.

Legislative Services
Serve as the agency's primary liaison to the Virginia General Assembly; monitor federal and state legislation for operational impact; oversee development of Legislative Action Summaries, Fiscal Impact Statements, and statutory language; and manage regulation revisions for Virginia Register submission.

Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing legal team; conduct performance evaluations and one-on-one meetings; resolve conflicts promptly; and foster a culture of inclusion, equity, and continuous professional growth.

Stakeholder & External Relations
Maintain productive relationships with legislators, federal agencies, industry representatives, the Secretary of Transportation, and partners such as AAMVA; represent the agency in legal and legislative forums.

Financial & Administrative Oversight
Oversee budgetary matters and administrative policies with fiscal responsibility; ensure alignment of operational practices with agency objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive management experience in government legal affairs, public administration, or equivalent private sector legal leadership roles
• Proven experience in legal strategic planning, policy development, and complex legal matter management
• Comprehensive knowledge of state government operations, Virginia legislative processes, and public administration legal principles
• Advanced understanding of motor vehicle law, administrative law, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience working with legislative processes, government relations, and complex stakeholder management
• Proven experience in litigation management, regulatory defense, and administrative hearing processes
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills with ability to influence and direct at executive levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities for complex legal and organizational issues
• Demonstrated ability to provide legal counsel to senior executives and represent agency positions effectively
• Experience developing legal strategies, policy recommendations, and legislative proposals
• Experience in regulatory development, compliance oversight, and administrative rulemaking processes
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups including elected officials, political appointees, legal professionals, and industry representatives
• Demonstrated success in managing complex legal matters with far-reaching implications for government operations

Additional Considerations

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Virginia preferred
• Advanced understanding of federal and state regulatory frameworks affecting motor vehicle operations
• Professional certifications in public administration law, regulatory affairs, or relevant specialized legal fields preferred

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.

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.