Workforce Development & Employee Experience Director

Title: Workforce Development & Employee Experience Director

State Role Title: HR Manager II

Hiring Range: Exact Commensurate Based on Qualfications and Experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location: JAMES MONROE BUILDING

Agency Website: doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Join VDOE, Virginia’s lead agency for public schools and early childhood programs, and be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to student success. We support a vibrant and dynamic workforce focused on driving impact at every level of education across the Commonwealth.

The Office of Human Resources & Organizational Development is seeking a Director of Workforce Development and Employee Experience to lead and evolve strategies that shape agency culture, strengthen the employee experience, and build a high-performing, future-ready workforce.

In this role, you will:
• Develop and implement professional development, recognition, and leadership programs aligned with VDOE’s strategic goals.
• Partner across business units to shape a high-quality employee experience that attracts, engages, and retains top talent.
• Conduct regular assessments of agency culture and lead initiatives to elevate it.
• Deliver impactful workshops and resources to build leadership and professional competencies.
• Provide leadership coaching to managers and executives to enhance capability and engagement.
• Supervise a talented team of professionals and oversee the design of scalable development programs and tools.
• Build career pipelines and a leadership development network that fosters internal mobility and long-term workforce sustainability.
• Work independently with strong judgment to lead and execute workforce initiatives that support central operations’ ability to drive student-focused outcomes.

As VDOE’s Director of Workforce Development and Employee Experience, you’ll enjoy:
● Employee Discounts
● COVA Health Insurance Plans
● Virginia Retirement System
● Professional Development Opportunities
● Career Advancement
● 16 Paid Holidays
● Work Schedule Flexibility

Minimum Qualifications

• Deep understanding of workforce and organizational development, adult learning, and employee engagement.
• Proven ability to inspire, lead, and motivate individuals and teams.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High-level customer service and organizational savvy in supporting central administrative and operational teams.
• Proficiency in using data to inform decisions, evaluate programs, and track workforce trends.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic workforce and learning plans aligned to VDOE’s mission.
• Expertise in building initiatives that strengthen capacity of central operations to support schools.
• Exceptional ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to link people development to organizational goals.
• Resilience and flexibility to navigate change and build change readiness across the agency.
• Experience in project management, productivity analysis, and process improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with learning management systems and OD tools.
• Demonstrated experience in workforce planning, performance management, and talent pipelines for roles that support school divisions from central operations.
• Proven success in applying performance management strategies tailored to central office environments.
• Experience in developing metrics, succession plans, and staff development initiatives in alignment with strategic goals.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated expertise in leading organizational culture and workforce initiatives, including employee engagement, recognition, leadership development, and change management.
• Strong background in designing and delivering scalable training and development programs.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human resources, organizational development, public administration, or related fields (experience may substitute for education).
• Progressive, hands-on experience in workforce and leadership development, employee engagement, succession planning, and strategic HR programming.
• Experience building leadership development networks and career pathways that enhance workforce retention and support long-term talent sustainability.

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.

A résumé will be accepted in lieu of a completed state application. Applications submitted via e-mail, postal service, fax or hand-delivered will not be considered. Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check. Commonwealth of Virginia employees may have teleworking options available. Final teleworking agreements will be reviewed and approved upon hire.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process:
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 prove their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs.cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process. For assistance call: (804) 225-2021, [TTY: 786-8389]

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and the VDOE that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. The Virginia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: humanresources@doe.virginia.gov

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.