Deputy Commissioner of Legal and Legislative Affairs

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: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

Position Overview
The Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking an accomplished legal professional to serve as Director of Legal Affairs & Legislative Services. This executive leadership role provides comprehensive oversight of the agency's legal operations, legislative coordination, and strategic policy development. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic team while ensuring the agency's compliance with federal and state regulations, managing complex litigation matters, and maintaining critical relationships with the Virginia General Assembly and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership & Strategic Management
• Provide executive leadership for Legal Affairs and Legislative Services operations
• Develop and implement strategic plans with analytical assessments for complex legal and legislative decision-making
• Exercise comprehensive management responsibility for agency legal and legislative programs
• Ensure consistent implementation of legal and policy decisions across all organizational units

Legal Affairs Management & Policy Development
• Deliver comprehensive legal and policy guidance ensuring compliance with federal and state laws
• Collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation management and regulatory defense
• Oversee regulatory programs for motor vehicle manufacturers, franchise dealers, and industry compliance
• Ensure due process through fair and impartial formal hearings and informal conferences
• Promote a culture of inclusion, belonging, equity, and awareness throughout legal operations

Legislative Services & Government Relations
• Coordinate legislative processes between DMV and the Virginia General Assembly
• Monitor federal and state legislation to assess operational and strategic impacts
• Oversee development of Legislative Action Summaries (LAS) and Fiscal Impact Statements (FIS)
• Prepare legislative proposals and develop statutory language with supporting documentation
• Manage agency regulation revisions and guidance documents for Virginia Register submission

Performance Management & Team Leadership
• Develop performance and development plans aligned with organizational objectives
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and formal performance evaluations
• Provide coaching, feedback, and career development guidance
• Resolve team conflicts and performance issues promptly and fairly
• Recognize achievements and maintain comprehensive performance documentation

Stakeholder Engagement & External Communications
• Maintain relationships with legislators, industry representatives, and federal agencies
• Collaborate with Secretary of Transportation, Attorney General's Office, and state agencies
• Work with American Association of Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) on policy research
• Represent the agency in legal and legislative forums while maintaining organizational credibility

Financial & Administrative Oversight
• Oversee agency financial and budgetary matters with fiscal responsibility
• Develop and implement administrative policies aligned with agency objectives
• Ensure consistent policy implementation across organizational units

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, serves approximately 6.2 million licensed drivers and ID card holders with over 8.4 million registered vehicles. In addition, DMV serves many businesses, including dealers, fuel tax customers, rental companies, driving schools, other state agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations. DMV operates upon five fundamental core values: Trustworthiness, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Teamwork (TRAIT). We don’t just talk about our core values. We live them! 

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive management experience in government legal affairs, public administration, or equivalent private sector legal leadership roles
• Proven experience in legal