Dir Innovation & Partner Engmt

• Serving as a statewide executive leader responsible for advancing VSPs mission through strategic coordination, multi-program integration, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Strengthening and expanding public-safety partnerships.
• Enhancing VSP’s capacity to deliver high-quality training, leadership development, employee wellness, public-relations support, and community engagement.
• Ensuring these services reach law-enforcement agencies and stakeholders across the Commonwealth.

• Comprehensive knowledge of statewide public-safety operations, law-enforcement training standards, officer wellness practices, and community engagement strategies.
• Deep understanding of program administration, strategic planning, policy development, and performance measurement in a multi-unit statewide organization.
• Knowledge of administrative, fiscal, and budgetary management principles including grant development, multi-program resource allocation, and financial compliance.
• Knowledge of cross-sector collaboration strategies, including partnerships with academic institutions, technology-sector innovators, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Understanding of critical-incident response principles and statewide coordination protocols.

Skill:

• Skill in designing, executing, and evaluating complex statewide programs with long-range strategic impact.
• Skill in high-level communication, including executive briefings, statewide messaging, stakeholder negotiation, and interagency coordination.
• Skill in supervising managers, coordinators, and professional staff across multidisciplinary units.
• Skill in developing and implementing policies, administrative procedures, and operational standards supporting training, wellness, innovation, and engagement programs.
• Strong analytical skill in interpreting statewide trends, assessing public-safety needs, and translating data into strategic program recommendations.

Ability:

• Ability to exercise independent decision-making authority within broad strategic parameters and manage multiple high-impact statewide programs.
• Ability to establish long-range goals, set statewide priorities, and align programs with agency mission and legislative or regulatory changes.
• Ability to manage enterprise-level relationships and negotiate commitments with diverse external partners.
• Ability to direct organizational change, facilitate cross-division integration, and ensure consistent statewide program delivery.
• Ability to represent VSP effectively at executive-level forums, interagency committees, and statewide initiatives.
• Training and experience in Public Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, Criminal Justice Leadership, Behavioral Health Administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading statewide, regional, or enterprise-level programs in public safety, law enforcement, training and development, wellness coordination, innovation, or community engagement.
• Experience advising senior executives, facilitating cross-division collaboration, or representing an agency in statewide committees, working groups, or professional forums.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze statewide trends, legislative changes, operational data, or organizational needs to inform program design and strategic recommendations.
• Experience designing, modifying, and evaluating complex programs with long-range strategic impact or cross-jurisdictional implications.
• Progressive experience managing complex programs, initiatives, or administrative operations within a large organization.
• Experience supervising professional or managerial staff, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and overseeing program delivery across multiple units or geographic regions.
• Experience developing or implementing policies, administrative procedures, or strategic plans that support organizational or program objectives.
• Experience managing budgets, grants, or resource-allocation processes and ensuring compliance with applicable rules, regulations, or program standards.
• Experience building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, such as government agencies, community organizations, higher-education institutions, or private-sector partners
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Additional Considerations

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar project/program management certification is beneficial.
• Certifications related to crisis response, wellness coordination, or critical-incident support (e.g., CISM, ICISF) are helpful.
• Certifications in leadership development, organizational change, or public-safety training administration are advantageous.
• Professional certifications in community engagement, strategic communications, or partnership development may strengthen applicant competitiveness.

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.

Elements of the selection process include the screening of application(s); the interviewing of qualified candidate(s), to include pre-employment testing, a presentation and/or a work sample, if applicable; salary negotiation(s) if applicable; a background investigation; and a medical evaluation if applicable. The anticipated duration of the pre-employment process is determined by the successful completion of the above items.

Pulled from the full job description

• Opportunities for advancement

At the Virginia State Police, we are more than just a law enforcement organization - we’re a united team of problem-solvers, protectors, and public servants shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Every role here strengthens our mission to preserve life, protect the vulnerable, and enhance safety while upholding civil liberties throughout Virginia.

When you join VSP, your skills create real impact across every community we serve. Our culture is built on being selfless, engaged, and aware, and we succeed through timely, purposeful action; clear communication; personal accountability; and continuous improvement - together.

We prioritize the readiness and well-being of all our people, entrusting decision-making to those closest to the challenge and supporting one another with kind, direct feedback that helps us grow. At VSP, you will find meaningful work, real opportunities for advancement, and a supportive culture grounded in service, purpose, and the belief that we are One Mission. One Team. One VSP.

If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of something larger than yourself, your next career starts here.