Description

The City of Virginia Beach is seeking a HR Policy and Compliance Partner to lead complex policy analysis, special projects, and process improvement initiatives that advance citywide and departmental strategic priorities. This role works closely with leadership, operational departments, and key stakeholders to ensure policies, programs, and major initiatives are effective, equitable, and aligned with City goals.

Duties will include, but not be limited to:

Strategic Policy Development and Analysis

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on emerging issues, legislation, regulations, and best practices affecting City operations and workforce.
• Draft, revise, and organize policies, standard operating procedures, and guidance documents that are clear, consistent, and compliant with applicable laws and City Code.
• Analyze existing policies to identify gaps, overlaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement; recommend changes that enhance efficiency, equity, and transparency.
• Develop and maintain standardized templates, matrices, and toolkits to support policy development and implementation across departments.
• Special Projects and Program Design
• Lead or coordinate special projects assigned by department or City leadership involving policy, program design, or cross-departmental initiatives.
• Define project scope, timelines, milestones, and deliverables; monitor progress and adjust plans based on feedback and changing conditions.
• Coordinate with subject-matter experts, internal partners, consultants, and vendors as needed to achieve project objectives.
• Prepare briefings, presentations, and written reports that clearly convey findings, options, and recommendations for decision-makers.
• Process Improvement and Business Analysis
• Map current processes, identify pain points, and design improved workflows that align with City values, legal requirements, and operational realities.
• Use data, metrics, and stakeholder input to evaluate the impact of policies and process changes; recommend adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Support implementation of new policies and processes by developing job aids, communication plans, and training materials in partnership with operational leaders.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
• Facilitate work groups, listening sessions, and cross-functional teams to gather input on policy and process proposals.
• Serve as a liaison between operational departments, Human Resources, the City Attorney’s Office, and other stakeholders on assigned projects.
• Translate complex legal or technical concepts into clear, accessible communications for employees, leaders, unions, and/or the public.
• Support responses to public records requests and other inquiries related to assigned policy areas, coordinating with appropriate offices to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Departmental Contract Management

• Oversee departmental contract coordination and compliance, including policy-driven service contracts, professional services agreements, and inter-agency agreements.
• Develop scopes of work, evaluation criteria, and performance measures in collaboration with program leads and City Purchasing.
• Monitor contractor performance, deliverables, timelines, and expenditures to ensure contract compliance and value delivery.
• Support procurement documentation, renewals, amendments, and close-outs in coordination with Finance, Legal, and Purchasing.
• Maintain centralized tracking of departmental contracts tied to policy initiatives and special projects.

Data, Reporting, and Evaluation

• Develop and maintain dashboards, tracking tools, and reports that monitor key indicators related to assigned policy and program areas.
• Analyze trends, outcomes, and feedback data to identify areas of risk or opportunity and to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Document project plans, decisions, and implementation steps to ensure continuity, accountability, and institutional knowledge.
• Represent the department on committees, task forces, and interdepartmental teams as assigned.
   

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and leave.

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and four (4) years of experience utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such positions as human resources business partner, specialist, or generalist OR an equivalent combination of education (above the high
school level) and/or experience equivalent to eight (8) years in fields utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position.

Preferences:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Professional certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, IPMA-SCP, or PMP.
• Experience in municipal or public-sector administration, particularly in policy development, workforce programs, or HR operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects, process redesign efforts, or city-wide initiatives.
• Proficiency with data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or similar) and with policy/workflow management systems (e.g., document routing or policy management platforms).