Director of Advance

Title: Director of Advance

State Role Title: 

Hiring Range: $108,000-$125,000

The Director of Advance provides strategic vision for the Commonwealth’s advance operations and ensures alignment of all events with the Governor’s priorities and engagement strategy. The position oversees logistical planning, stakeholder coordination, staff management, and on-site execution to ensure engagements are conducted in accordance with organizational standards and strategic objectives.

Job Duties
• Plan, direct, and oversee all advance operations for the Governor, including site logistics, event preparation, scheduling, and run-of-show development.
• Exercise high-level decision-making authority throughout the planning and execution process to ensure events meet strategic and operational objectives.
• Lead the planning and execution of engagement days in collaboration with colleagues from strategic engagement, local government engagement, communications, policy, legislative affairs, and applicable secretariats.
• Conduct comprehensive site assessments, evaluate logistical requirements, and identify risks associated with events and engagements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, event hosts, local officials, partner organizations, security personnel, and staff.
• Oversee the preparation of briefing materials, operational packets, and event documentation for use by senior leadership and internal teams.
• Direct on-site event operations, including setup, staging, flow management, issue resolution, and coordination with supporting personnel.
• Manage travel logistics, transportation arrangements, protocol requirements, and accessibility considerations for senior leadership.
• Supervise advance staff, including assigning tasks, providing training, and evaluating performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security, and organizational policies throughout all stages of event planning and execution.
• Evaluate post-event outcomes, identify process improvements, and implement operational enhancements as needed.
• Develop and maintain procedure documents outlining best practices and procedures within the advance team.
• Maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners to ensure strategic alignment of events and public engagement activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, political science, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five to seven years of professional experience in event management, advance operations, government affairs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including staff supervision and operational oversight.
• Strong organizational, logistical, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to function effectively in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
• Ability to travel frequently and work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for official travel, including frequent in state travel to event locations.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with event setup and on site coordination, including extended periods of standing and moderate lifting.

Additional Considerations

Preferred Qualifications
• Previous advance experience in a political campaign or in state or federal government.
• Experience working with senior leadership in government or public-sector environments.
• Familiarity with intergovernmental engagement, stakeholder coordination, protocol operations, and security coordination.

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.

Required documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Work Conditions: The position requires frequent travel, on-site event coordination, and regular work outside standard business hours. Duties may involve extended periods of standing, lifting materials, and work in dynamic or rapidly changing environments.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Responsibilities may be modified based on organizational needs.

This is an At-Will position appointed by the Governor of Virginia. Selected candidate will need to successfully pass a criminal background check.

Contact Information

Name: VA75Hiring@governor.virginia.gov

Phone: 686-888-1200

Email: VA75Hiring@governor.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.

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