CO - P4670 - Deputy Director Of Operations

Deputy Director of Operations

Hiring Range: $115,000 - $165,000

Full Time or Part Time: FULL TIME

This position is only open to current state/Commonwealth of Virginia employees. This role provides effective leadership to ensure the consistent application of internal administrative policies and operational practices across DEQ regions. It directs Regional Directors and works collaboratively with agency leadership to maintain uniform compliance with laws, regulations, and DEQ policies, while advancing process standardization, resource optimization, and operational efficiency principles under OneDEQ. The position anticipates and resolves complex organizational challenges, supports strategic initiatives, and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. By prioritizing consistency in administrative processes and operational execution, this role strengthens DEQ's ability to deliver transparent, efficient, and equitable outcomes aligned with DEQ's values. This position requires that the selected candidate complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment, per the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3118.2.

Responsibilities

• Guide regional operations to ensure consistent implementation of policies and procedures, optimize staffing and technical capabilities under OneDEQ, and maintain alignment with agency-wide initiatives.
• Foster an adaptable and collaborative culture grounded in DEQ's values of such as efficiency and operational excellence.
• Anticipate and resolve regional or organizational challenges.
• Support agency-wide initiatives and process improvements and implement strategies that strengthen administrative consistency and operational efficiency.
• Analyze operational metrics to evaluate efficiency and consistency across regions. Use data-driven insights and common sense to inform resource allocation and strategic decisions.
• Provide leadership on complex and controversial permitting and compliance projects or processes, ensuring defensible solutions and efficient, consistent outcomes aligned with DEQ policies and standards.
• Support the Operations Director, this includes assuming all delegated powers in the absence of the director of operations when authorized

Qualifications

• Leadership experience implementing DEQ's regulatory programs and ensuring compliance with agency standards
• Proven ability to lead organizational change, fostering adaptability and resilience across teams while maintaining alignment with agency priorities
• Effective collaboration and influence skills to build consensus and align resources under OneDEQ
• Experience managing program teams, staff assignments, performance metrics, and employee evaluations, including the analysis operational metrics and use data-driven insights
• Expertise in developing policies, standardizing processes, and driving operational efficiency and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated success managing complex, high-profile projects with defensible, consistent outcomes aligned with regulatory requirements
• Exceptional communication skills for explaining change, resolving conflict, and engaging stakeholders effectively
• Knowledge of project management principles and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled in handling sensitive HR issues, performance management, and organizational change with fairness, transparency, and integrity

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection. Through the dedication and work of over 800 employees across six regional offices and the Central Office in Richmond, DEQ issues permits, conducts monitoring and inspections, and enforces the law.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer