JLARC is now recruiting
Director of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is seeking qualified candidates for appointment to the position of Director. JLARC conducts program evaluation, policy analysis, and oversight of state agencies on behalf of the Virginia General Assembly. JLARC’s goals are to provide the Virginia General Assembly with objective research, analysis, and recommendations to inform legislative decision making, ensure state agencies and programs operate as intended, and improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of state government. JLARC comprises nine members of the House of Delegates and five members of the Senate. Approximately 30 full-time professional staff support the Commission and conduct its work.
The Director is responsible for ensuring that JLARC operates as a professional, non-partisan organization that is responsive to the oversight and research needs of the Commission and General Assembly. Duties of the Director include:
• Directing and overseeing the organizational planning and priority setting of the agency;
• Hiring and overseeing professional, highly qualified research and administrative staff;
• Directing and participating in a rigorous research process to guarantee research quality, integrity, and objectivity in support of legislative decision making;
• Directing and overseeing the preparation of high-quality research products, including reports, briefings, summaries, and surveys;
• Providing support for legislative activity related to JLARC recommendations, as requested, during the legislative process; and
• Communicating with Commission and General Assembly members, executive branch officials, and the public on matters related to JLARC studies and legislative oversight.
The Director is appointed by the Commission and confirmed by the General Assembly for a sixyear term of office. The Director's salary is established by the General Assembly in the Appropriation Act and is currently set at $219,805.
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications: a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field that requires similar research, analytical, and communications skills; ten years of experience in public policy research or program evaluation at the state government level; ten years of applicable management experience; and extensive knowledge of governmental processes and Virginia state government.
Desirable candidates will have proven leadership skills; exceptional integrity; objective and sound judgment; strong communication skills; strategic thinking ability; an exemplary reputation for communicating effectively with elected officials and their staff, agency and organizational leaders, and stakeholders; and a demonstrated track record of leadership in an organization composed of highly motivated and talented professional teams.
To apply for the position, qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and three letters of reference to: jlarc.jobs@jlarc.virginia.gov. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on November 16, 2026. Please note “Agency Director” in the subject line.
The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission are equal opportunity employers.
More information about working at JLARC and living in the Richmond metro area is shown below.
Why work for JLARC?
Working for JLARC presents a unique opportunity to influence public policy and improve state government. Working here represents a great balance of meaningful work with talented colleagues and life in a vibrant community.
We are a recognized leader in legislative program evaluation
JLARC reports are consistently recognized for their quality and impact. The National Legislative Program Evaluation Society, a section of the National Conference of State Legislatures, recognized JLARC as the nation's top office with its prestigious Excellence in Evaluation Award in 2020. The organization has awarded JLARC its Excellence in Research Methods Award for several studies and also recognized JLARC with its Impact Award nearly every year during the past decade.
State Legislatures magazine described JLARC as "one of the oldest and most successful legislative oversight groups in the nation." Governing magazine characterized JLARC as “thorough in their review and evaluation of agency and program performance information.”
Our work supports major policy decisions and improvements in government programs
Since its inception, JLARC has made recommendations that have cumulatively saved about $1.5 billion. We are often tasked with proposing ways to improve some of the state's most important programs. Some of our recent studies exemplify how working here allows analysts to play a key role in shaping state policy and fundamentally improving government services.
Reforming Virginia’s State Psychiatric Hospitals
In 2023, JLARC reviewed the state psychiatric hospital system, which includes nine inpatient psychiatric hospitals which serve as the placement of last resort for Virginians with acute psychiatric needs.
We found that the system was facing critical and worsening capacity challenges with seven of the nine hospitals operating at or above their staffed capacity in FY23. These unsafe operating levels were found to be driven by various factors including a state law requiring state hospitals to admit all temporary detention order (TDO) patients refused by other providers, a dramatic increase in forensic patients (criminal defendants) who stay nearly three times longer than civil patients, and the inappropriate admission of individuals with non-psychiatric conditions like dementia. The capacity issues were further exacerbated by staffing problems at these facilities related to uncompetitive pay for key positions, staff scheduling policies, and burnout.
In total, the report made 32 different recommendations to address the challenges faced within the state psychiatric hospital system. As of 2025, 10 recommendations have been fully or partially implemented.
Examining how Virginia could legalize marijuana and establish a regulated commercial market
In 2020, JLARC reviewed how the state could legalize marijuana, with a focus on how the prior harm to disproportionately affected individuals and communities could be redressed through legalization.
We explained the numerous legislative decisions the General Assembly would need to make to legalize marijuana, ranging from establishing a legal age for marijuana use to authorizing the development of a statewide market for commercial adult use marijuana sales. JLARC staff also analyzed the potential impacts to public health and the criminal justice system that would result from legalization.
We also found that Black Virginians were 3.5 times more likely to be arrested for a marijuana offense, and designed a variety of “social equity” initiatives the state could implement. In total, the report included 75 different recommendations and policy options for the General Assembly to consider as it contemplated legalization.
The Richmond metro area is a great place to live
We are located in the state’s capital of Richmond, which is increasingly lauded as one of the emerging metropolitan areas in the southeast region for things such as its cuisine. The metro Richmond area is increasingly cited among the nation's most livable regions. The city offers many cultural and recreational options, including a vibrant outdoor scene. Time magazine found that Richmond attracted the second highest percentage of people 25 to 34 years old of any area in the nation. Richmond is only a short drive away from beaches, mountains, and popular destinations such as Washington, D.C. Richmond provides many of the advantages of larger metropolitan areas but with a lower cost of living and less traffic congestion.
We offer competitive compensation and a healthy work-life balance
Our agency offers high-performing staff members opportunities for advancement in rank and salary. JLARC employees are able to telecommute two days per week. We also offer flexible work schedules. State employees have access to comprehensive health care coverage, competitive retirement benefits, and flexible leave programs.
Our staff is collegial, talented, and dedicated
Our agency’s culture is defined by our people. JLARC analysts hold master’s degrees in public policy or related disciplines, and many have come to JLARC with a variety of professional experiences, such as policy research at the federal level, consulting, environmental law, and corporate finance. While many have had diverse professional experiences, all share a passion for effective and efficient government.
Our studies are objective, nonpartisan, and research-driven
Although JLARC staff report to the General Assembly, the organization is nonpartisan and independent. Decision makers may sometimes not be pleased with our findings, but nonetheless expect and appreciate the objectivity and depth of our studies. Staff are not constrained by outside pressures that could otherwise compromise the quality or integrity of our research.
Our research covers many different programs, agencies, and policy topics
JLARC can be directed to evaluate any program or entity that receives state funding. Study topics vary from year-to-year and provide staff with an opportunity be involved in a variety of policy areas, keeping the research process fresh and challenging. Many JLARC reports, such as our evaluation of the state's worker's compensation system, address high-profile and time-sensitive issues.