Director of Unemployment Insurance (EXEMPT) at Government of the Virgin Islands – Territorywide, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Under the general direction of the Commissioner of Labor or designee, this position is responsible
for providing authoritative direction and oversight across all Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Operations, Appeals, and Tax functions of the Division of Unemployment Insurance within the VI
Department of Labor. Oversee programs funded by the state and federal Tax and Unemployment
Trust Fund (UTF) ensuring work is performed in accordance with established policies,
state/federal laws and regulations.

The Director of UI manages a range of long and short-term program planning, budgeting,
procurement, grants management, establishing procedures and standards that govern the
administration of the UI Program. Routine review of new and proposed legislation and regulations
is required to determine the impact on the UI program and to ensure the state level program and
systems meet federal requirements, laws, and regulations. Work is reviewed through conferences
and reports.

Incumbent shall be responsible for and participate in the formulation and determination of policy,
programs, and activities within the area of supervision. This position requires a confidential
relationship to a policymaker.

Coordinates and directs unemployment insurance activities with related Insular and Federal
programs; develops and implements local policies and procedures ensuring alignment with
federal and local requirements.

Assists with the interpretation of legislation and oversees program activities ensuring that they are
conducted in accordance with standards and policies; makes recommendations for improvement
as necessary.

Establishes and maintains systems for the assessment of UI program accuracy and quality,
implementing measures to ensure the integrity and optimal performance of the UI system.

Ensures confidentiality of information while administering and making decisions to prevent
unauthorized use or disclosure of details regarding employees, claimants, employers, and job
seekers: takes appropriate action to address issues of confidentiality when identified.

Reviews result of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and modeling
exercises to improve program performance.

Develops state UI program budget plans and State Quality Services Plans, reviews management
and program/unit reports for quality, compliance, and accuracy.

Serves as liaison to Regional Office and other government agencies or other coordinating groups
to foster understanding of programmatic concerns; serves as state agency representative at
business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards,
panels, and committees.

Provides technical assistance on program integrity and performance issues to UI stakeholders,
employers, work advocates, federal and local workforce partners.

Participates in special studies, reviews, training, evaluations, and technical assistance aimed at
enhancing program integrity, performance, or quality.

Oversees data collection and reporting to prepare and review weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual,
and ad hoc reports; responds to requests for programmatic data from internal and external
federal/state agencies and media; drafts program performance-related correspondence.

Performs personnel-related functions, including recruitment and selection of staff, supervision,
performance evaluation, staff training and development, leadership, conflict resolution, and
communication.

Develops analytical reports for technical and nontechnical audiences, drafting policy guidance
and operating procedures for the UI program and systems.

Performs other related duties as required.
Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance including twenty-one
(21) credits in accounting or auditing courses (three credits may be in business law) from an
accredited college or university supplemented by two (2) years of progressive work
experience in external/internal auditing.

OR

Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance including twenty-
one (21) credits in accounting or auditing courses (three credits may be in business law) from
an accredited college or university supplemented by four (4) years of progressive work
experience in external/internal auditing.

OR

Any combination of education, certification, training or experience equivalent to six (6) years
of professional experience managing or overseeing a major agency program, including three
(3) years in a senior management or supervisory capacity, not below graduation from an
accredited four-year college or university in economics, industrial relations, law, sociology,
political science, public administration, or other related field, including at least 12-semester
hours in accounting.
FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of federal and state unemployment insurance laws, regulations, policies, and
program guidelines.
Knowledge of UI benefit calculations, eligibility determination, appeals processes, fraud
detection, and program integrity measures.
Knowledge of administrative and public management principles, budgeting, human resources,
and information technology systems to enhance UI program efficiency.
Skill in organizational development.
Skill with standard office equipment and technology.
Skill in the operation of computer software and applications. Skill in establishing systems and
protocols to safeguard public funds and ensure accurate and timely benefits of distribution.
Skill in supervision and leadership.
Ability to ensure compliance and effective program management.
Ability to interpret and adapt policies to address evolving legislative and economic conditions.
Ability to address complex issues, such as resolving employer tax disputes, implementing
overpayment recovery policies and navigating legally sensitive decisions.
Ability to balance multiple stakeholder interests while ensuring compliance with legal and
regulatory standards.
Ability to engage with and influence diverse groups, including federal and state officials,
employers, claimants, and community organizations.

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Work is supervised through policy guidance and general objectives from the Commissioner of
Labor or designee. Assignments are often self-initiated, with the incumbent determining priorities,
methods, and timelines to meet organizational goals. Incumbent has full responsibility for
planning, directing, and coordinating all aspects of the UI program. Work is reviewed through
performance outcomes, compliance audits, and program reports, focusing on achievement of
program goals and adherence to legal mandates.

FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES
Guidelines include federal and state UI statutes, regulations, agency policies, operational manuals,
and federal Department of Labor directives. Must exercise judgment in interpreting these
guidelines and adapting policies to meet changing legislative or economic conditions. When
existing guidelines are insufficient, new policies or procedures to ensure effective program
administration and legal compliance must be developed.

FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY
Work involves complex decision-making regarding benefit eligibility, appeals, fraud
investigations, and program integrity. Incumbent addresses ambiguous or unprecedented situations
requiring innovative solutions, balancing legal, financial, and social factors.
Simultaneously managing multiple programs, stakeholder demands, and legislative changes
demands exceptional organization and analysis. Decisions in legally sensitive areas, such as
implementing overpayment recovery policies or resolving employer tax disputes, often set
significant precedents.

FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of the work is to provide effective management, safeguard public funds, prevent fraud
and abuse and support economic stability. Decisions influence public perception, compliance with
legal requirements, and relationships with federal agencies. Work directly impacts thousands of
unemployed workers and employers statewide by ensuring timely, accurate UI benefits and
maintaining program solvency.

FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are local, state and federal government officials, legislative representatives, agency staff,
UI claimants, employers, and community organizations. Contacts occur both within the
Department of Labor and externally, often involving sensitive or high-stakes discussions.

FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to provide and receive information, clarify policies, resolve disputes, negotiate
program requirements, motivate staff, and build collaborative partnerships, and represent the
department in hearings, public meetings, and intergovernmental forums, advocating for program
priorities.

FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily sedentary, involving prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and reading.
Occasional travel off island for training or to conferences may require moderate physical activity
such as walking and standing.

FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office setting.