Special Advisor to the Commissioner

Job no: 5003754
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Richmond (City), Virginia
Categories: Administrative Services

Title: Special Advisor to the Commissioner

State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager III

Hiring Range: Up to $170,000 (Commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: www.dss.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Special Advisor to the Commissioner with the Virginia Department of Social Services. Reporting to the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), the Senior Advisor to the Commissioner serves as a trusted advisor and expert in a variety of subject areas, policies, government administration, and state legislative processes. The Senior Advisor makes recommendations to state and agency decision-makers that have critical fiscal, budgetary, programmatic, regulatory, planning, performance, and policy impact at the agency, secretarial, and state levels.

This position requires significant skill in communication and diplomacy, since projects often address controversial, unprecedented, and sensitive issues, and involve contact with include executive-level decision-makers such as agency heads, legislators, and Governor’s staff. The Senior Advisor collaborates with other agency leaders to design and implement short- and long-term priorities and initiatives for the Commissioner, supports the Commissioner by leading strategic initiatives and providing project management, and represents the Commissioner when requested. This position functions independently in performing duties and may lead the work of other professional staff.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive related experience, including serving in key leadership and advisory roles for the principal of a large organization.
• Experience in leading strategic initiatives, stakeholder relationship management, intra-agency coordination, and knowledge and familiarity in engagements with senior level government officials.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public administration policies and practices.
• Customer focus with strong execution skills linked to results.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, state, federal and local agencies, public officials, community groups, agency and local department managers, employees, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with colleagues, decision-makers, and stakeholders.
• Strong problem solving, clear decision-making, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience to scope complex projects, leverage resources and coach associates to achieve optimal results.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, direct and manage staff to maximize talents, productivity and professional development.

Additional Considerations

• Understanding of the legislative process in the Commonwealth of Virginia government.
• Experience in the public sector and/or in large service/community organizations.

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.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

This position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Teleworking policy.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce. VDSS does not provide sponsorship.
VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

Name: Office of the Commissioner

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Advertised: 27 Nov 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 04 Dec 2023 Eastern Standard Time

Full-Time Agency jobs

Special Advisor to the Commissioner