Deputy Director of Strategy

Job Duties

Are you passionate about making a tangible impact on public safety? The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is seeking a dynamic Deputy Director of Strategy to join the Highway Safety Office!

This position reports directly to the Director of Highway Safety Strategy and plays a key leadership role in shaping and advancing strategic initiatives aimed at improving roadway safety across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This position is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide safety programs, ensuring alignment with federal and state regulations. The role includes managing substantial funding and resources, supervising a multidisciplinary team, and driving data-informed strategies to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

If you’re ready to lead with vision and heart, influence statewide safety outcomes, and work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we want to hear from you!

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

• Knowledge of transportation safety principles, including Vision Zero, Safe System Approach, and traffic safety best practices.
• Knowledge of public education and behavioral change campaign strategies, especially in a transportation or public health context.
• Knowledge of federal and state transportation safety programs, regulations, and funding sources (e.g., NHTSA, HSIP).
• Skill in developing and executing strategic plans and campaigns across multiple platforms and stakeholder groups.
• Skill in project management, including managing budgets, timelines, vendors, and performance metrics.
• Skill in analyzing safety data, campaign performance metrics, and demographic insights to guide decisions.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in written, visual, and verbal formats to diverse audiences.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate across departments (e.g., planning, engineering, communications).
• Ability to build partnerships with government agencies, community groups, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations.
• Ability to navigate sensitive or high-profile safety issues with diplomacy, clarity, and responsiveness.
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms, including content management systems, social media, and analytics dashboards.
• Ability to supervise and mentor staff, delegate effectively, and foster a high-performing, mission-driven team culture.