Assistant Director, Center for Operations

Commonwealth Of Virginia - Alexandria, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Alexandria, VA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Assistant Director for the Center for Operations at the Virginia Department of Social Services plays a pivotal role in the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) by providing advanced leadership and strategic oversight across multiple operational areas. This position is responsible for managing the department's Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Administrative Services, Emergency Management, and Facilities Management. The incumbent will oversee human resources functions for approximately 700 staff and manage an annual operating budget exceeding $107 million, which involves complex funding requirements. The role also includes ensuring 24/7 facilities management for over 60 residential sites, providing administrative support, and implementing emergency and risk management protocols. As a strategic partner within the department's Leadership Team, the Assistant Director collaborates closely with the Director and other team members to provide essential information, data, and counsel. This collaboration aims to create and support systems, processes, and procedures that enhance departmental efficiency and improve outcomes for the community. The position requires considerable discretion and independent judgment, with tasks performed under the general supervision of the DCHS Director and in partnership with other city department management. Key responsibilities include supervising and directing the work of managers within various teams, ensuring operational support is integrated and responsive to program leadership needs, directing the preparation of the department's annual budget, and researching best practice standards to achieve desired program outcomes. The Assistant Director will also develop administrative initiatives to address critical needs, consult on hiring and performance evaluations, and monitor the department's information technology needs. The role emphasizes facilitating organizational success by removing barriers, expediting processes, and building capacity across operational and administrative functions. Additionally, the Assistant Director may serve as Acting Department Director when requested and perform other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and directs the work of the managers within the department's Administrative Services, Emergency and Facilities Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Fiscal teams.
• Works closely with program leadership staff across multiple human service disciplines to assure operational support is fully integrated and responsive to their needs.
• Directs the preparation of the department's annual budget and priorities, overseeing revenue and expenditure analysis, and ensuring expenditures fall within budget priorities.
• Researches and recommends best practice standards to attain desired program outcomes and operational efficiencies.
• Develops administrative initiatives and strategies to address critical needs across the DCHS enterprise.
• Consults on, reviews, and approves recommendations for hiring, discipline, performance evaluations, and training.
• Ensures strategies are developed for staff attraction, retention, development, and satisfaction.
• Directs the study and modification of systems, programs, and processes to improve operations and services.
• Monitors the department's information technology needs and coordinates system acquisition with the City Department of Information Technology Services.
• Works cooperatively with the City Departments of Emergency Operations and General Services to ensure timely response to physical needs during emergencies.
• Develops, analyzes, and reports on data to improve data integration and operational success.
• Serves as Acting Department Director when requested and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field (preferred).
• Bachelor's degree with courses in public administration, business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Five years of progressive management experience managing administrative service systems, including fiscal preparations for a direct service agency.
• Strong writing skills and experience in emergency management.
• Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations, accounting, business management, and public administration principles.
• Ability to establish plans and set goals for a large government organization.

Nice-to-haves

• Ten years of progressive management experience in administrative or related services in a local government medium-large direct social service or behavioral health organization.