Assistant Director

Introduction

Located in the western part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Loudoun County is a dynamic community that has experienced significant growth over the past decades. The County balances transit‑oriented development near new Metrorail stations, redevelopment of existing neighborhoods, and a vibrant rural economy in its western portion. Loudoun County Government, named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 2025 Best Large Employers, is comprised of staff dedicated to making a difference. In the Department of Building and Development we value work‑life balance, professional development, and service to our community.

Job Summary

As a key member of Building and Development’s senior leadership team, the Assistant Director will support the Director, Deputy Director, and other Assistant Directors in guiding community growth and leading department staff through strategic planning, innovative problem solving, customer‑focused decision making, and professional leadership. The role will help facilitate regulatory changes as Loudoun County transitions from rapid growth to thoughtful redevelopment, balancing rural and agricultural needs with urban demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for three divisions within the Department of Building and Development (Land Planning, Engineering, Natural Resources).
• Align and integrate work, streamlining workflows between divisions so that complex development applications move through the process more consistently and efficiently.
• Support the three Division Managers overseeing day‑to‑day operations and the development and implementation of the Project Coordinator program.
• Provide improved coordination with key internal and external partners, including Transportation and Capital Infrastructure, Planning and Zoning, General Services, County Administration, the Board of Supervisors, Loudoun Water, Virginia Department of Transportation, members of the development community, and county residents.
• Manage the Engineering Program Specialist who supports several board appointment committees.
• Manage the performance of division leaders and staff, providing regular feedback, completing performance appraisals, ensuring adherence to County and Human Resources policies, addressing poor performance or misconduct, and fostering employee engagement and high morale.
• Interact professionally with all stakeholders, demonstrating rapport with internal and external departments such as the County Attorney’s Office, state code officials, Commonwealth Attorney, contractors, developers, engineers, architects, and citizens.
• Provide timely information to County leadership and staff, including the Director, County Administrator, division leadership, and department personnel.
• Act on behalf of the Director or Deputy Director as needed.
• Perform other essential job functions specific to the position and department assignment.

Ideal Candidate

• Customer‑ and staff‑focused leadership and management skills; proven ability to lead change, resolve conflict, mentor and develop staff, and navigate a rapidly evolving workforce.
• Strong regulatory compliance experience in land development and environmental matters.
• Strategic and organizational capabilities, with experience articulating expectations to mid‑level managers and supporting front‑line staff, including career growth and progressive discipline.
• Innovation, communication, and collaboration across multiple working groups.
• Service and community focus; experience working closely with engineers, developers, elected officials, and the public, including delivering presentations before boards, commissions, and community groups.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or a department‑related field.
• Five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible work experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory or management role—preferably in a government setting—or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing in a unionized environment.
• Experience interpreting and resolving conflicts related to local, state, and federal regulations in land development.
• Budget and contract management experience.
• Experience leading an organization through significant change (change management).
• Senior or management certification in an area related to Building and Development.
• Active membership(s) in job‑related professional organizations.

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Criminal background check.
• DMV background check.
• Credit background check.