Assistant Deputy Commissioner for PFML

Title: Assistant Deputy Commissioner for PFML

State Role Title:Gen Admin Manager III

Hiring Range: Commensurate to $180000

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Virginia Employment Commission

Location:VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Assistant Deputy Commissioner (ADC) provides executive leadership to stand up and operate Virginias Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program the first of its kind in the South. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and serving as a key member of the VEC leadership team the ADC - PFML builds the founding leadership structure oversees daytoday program operations and coordinates the strategic vision governance and performance across claims administration employer contributions benefits payment adjudication and appeals customer service communications policy development rulemaking and technology modernization. This role ensures program readiness for major milestones including annual premium rate-setting beginning October 1 2027 the start of contribution collection on April 1 2028 and the launch of benefit payments in December 2028. This position is also responsible for trust fund stewardship development of policies and operational frameworks that ensure integrity and efficiency and implementation of performance metrics reporting systems and continuous improvement practices. The ADC - PFML manages relationships with legislators employers advocacy groups state agencies and other stakeholders representing the VEC and the PFML program in internal and external forums while ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. This role oversees strategic planning budgeting resource allocation and workforce planning and leads a crossfunctional team to ensure readiness for launch and sustained operational excellence. Critically the ADC - PFML is accountable for building the leadership team and fostering an organizational culture rooted in customer service accountability innovation and equity to guide the PFML program from initial standup through full operating scale.

This is a founding role. You will shape how Virginias Paid Family and Medical Leave program takes form this program manager will shape staffing structure policy service and how the Commonwealth shows up for a worker during lifes moments that matter most.

You will build a team of leaders who run claims contributions technology and customer care. You will support the translation of a new law into working policy stand up the technology and carry the program to the moment Virginians receive their first benefit payments in December 2028.

Minimum Qualifications

Extensive executive leadership experience standing up scaling or transforming large-scale public benefit social insurance or public-facing service programs.

Deep knowledge of paid family and medical leave unemployment insurance disability or comparable social insurance program design financing and operations.

Demonstrated ability to build organizational structure staffing plans governance and operating procedures for a new program from the ground up and to lead managers above the first-line supervisory level.

Skilled in change management multi-stakeholder engagement and navigating complex regulatory and legislative environments.

Strong financial acumen for trust fund solvency rate-setting budget development procurement and performance management.

Understanding of how modern technology digital service delivery and data can improve business operations and customer experience.

Exceptional written and verbal communication and public representation skills including the ability to engage diverse audiences with clarity and respect.

Strong analytical ability to interpret complex program financial and customer data and translate findings into policy and operational decisions.

Demonstrated experience launching new programs or leading major operational transformations including developing and managing significant operating budgets.

Demonstrated experience managing relationships with demanding stakeholders in complex high-stakes environments including legislative bodies and executive leadership.

Senior executive experience leading large public-sector private or non-profit programs or organizations including leading managers above the first-line supervisory level.

Note: The incumbent must complete Statement of Economic Interest forms and training. Some statewide travel may be required so a valid drivers license is required.

Additional Considerations

Direct experience leading a state paid family and medical leave family and medical leave insurance unemployment insurance or other social insurance program.

Experience delivering a digitally native public-facing service and working in a start-up or program stand-up environment with a high degree of autonomy.

Experience overseeing a benefits trust fund actuarial rate-setting or insurance financing.

Experience testifying before or briefing legislative bodies.

Experience building an organizational culture of empathy empowerment and high performance among stakeholder-facing staff.

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.

Working for the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Virginians every day. As the agency responsible for supporting workers employers and the statewide labor market the VEC plays a critical role in strengthening economic stability and fostering workforce resilience. Employees have the opportunity to shape modern public programs improve service delivery and contribute to initiatives that directly help individuals and families during lifes pivotal moments. The VEC values innovation collaboration and public service providing a mission-driven environment where leaders can create lasting positive change for communities across the Commonwealth. If youre motivated by purpose and committed to excellence the VEC offers a rewarding and impactful place to grow your career. And working for the Commonwealth has terrific benefits as well! Visit for more information.

The Virginia Employment Commission is committed to upholding our values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds including all races ethnicities genders and abilities. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. AmeriCorps Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including an FBI fingerprint background investigation and an Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud background check.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed emailed faxed or hand delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted.

Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closing date.

Please carefully review the details of this recruitment including the location of the position and the posted salary before applying. VEC does not provide relocation assistance and no salary will be offered outside of the posted salary range / flat rate.

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application (and/or resume). You must ensure your application/resume includes the scope of your experience knowledge skills and abilities as it relates to the position you are applying for. Information not stated will not be assumed.

This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

For the status of your application and this position please refer to your PageUp / account. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.

Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.

The VEC does not provide sponsorship; therefore applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S. a Lawful Permanent Resident or an alien authorized to work in the US.

NOTICE: VEC will record information from each new employees Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: VEC Human Resources / Recruitment

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application please refer to your account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: for recruitment related questions. Emailed applications resumes or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application please refer to your account.

In support of the Commonwealths 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 .

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.