Director

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is seeking qualified candidates for appointment to the position of Director. JLARC conducts program evaluation, policy analysis, and oversight of state agencies on behalf of the Virginia General Assembly. JLARC’s goals are to provide the Virginia General Assembly with objective research, analysis, and recommendations to inform legislative decision making, ensure state agencies and programs operate as intended, and improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of state government.

JLARC comprises nine members of the House of Delegates and five members of the Senate. Approximately 30 full-time professional staff support the Commission and conduct its work. The Director is responsible for ensuring that JLARC operates as a professional, non-partisan organization that is responsive to the oversight and research needs of the Commission and General Assembly.

Duties of the Director include:

• Directing and overseeing the organizational planning and priority setting of the agency;
• Hiring and overseeing professional, highly qualified research and administrative staff;
• Directing and participating in a rigorous research process to guarantee research quality, integrity, and objectivity in support of legislative decision making;
• Directing and overseeing the preparation of high-quality research products, including reports, briefings, summaries, and surveys;
• Providing support for legislative activity related to JLARC recommendations, as requested, during the legislative process;
• Communicating with Commission and General Assembly members, executive branch officials, and the public on matters related to JLARC studies and legislative oversight.

The Director is appointed by the Commission and confirmed by the General Assembly for a six-year term of office. The Director's salary is established by the General Assembly in the Appropriation Act and is currently set at $219,805.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications: a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field that requires similar research, analytical, and communications skills; ten years of experience in public policy research or program evaluation at the state government level; ten years of applicable management experience; and extensive knowledge of governmental processes and Virginia state government.

Desirable candidates will have proven leadership skills; exceptional integrity; objective and sound judgment; strong communication skills; strategic thinking ability; an exemplary reputation for communicating effectively with elected officials and their staff, agency and organizational leaders, and stakeholders; and a demonstrated track record of leadership in an organization composed of highly motivated and talented professional teams.

Additional Considerations

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. To apply for the position, qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and three letters of reference to: jlarc.jobs@jlarc.virginia.gov. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on November 16, 2026. Please note “Agency Director” in the subject line.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission are equal opportunity employers. 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 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 800-552-5019.

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.