Assistant Director of Planning & Capital Projects

About the role

The Assistant Director for Planning and Capital Projects oversees long-term planning for parks, facilities, and trails. The position also directs Capital Improvement Program in close coordination with the Department of Transportation and Capital Construction—a new centralized project delivery model that scales resources and standardizes process across all county agencies.

Responsibilities

• Assigns and prioritizes projects and assignments, assures deadlines are met, monitors budgets, prepares reports, mentors and develops staff, coordinates with internal agencies, upholds communication standards, determines appropriate actions related to project schedule and/or budget deviations, facilitates meetings, presents to advisory and elected bodies, conducts business planning, ensures work is in alignment with organizational strategic objectives, reviews projects and programs for effectiveness in meeting their objectives, and coordinates program work with external agencies to increase program effectiveness.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. and 8 years of progressively responsible management experience in local government planning and/or capital project management.
• Preferences: 10 years of progressively responsible management experience in local government planning and/or capital project management, including 6 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with direct oversight of a $50 million+ Capital Improvement Program budget.
• Experience leading systemwide master plans and comprehensive plans.
• Experience leading park and trail master plans.
• Demonstrated political acumen.
• Experience facilitating public meetings, presenting to elected bodies, and liaising with advisory bodies.
• Strong financial management and accountability of multiple funding sources, such as capital funds, cyclical maintenance funds, revenue generated funds, federal or state grants, donations, and gifts in kind.
• Experience negotiating with land acquisitions (easements and fee simple) and the settlement process.
• Experience writing and administering state and federal grants.
• Experience with public procurement process, including oversight of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), contracts, and claim resolutions in partnership with other departments.
• Knowledge of land use principles.
• Experience working for an accredited agency.
• Experience reviewing rezoning applications and entitlement negotiations.
• Licensed design professional.
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE).

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or higher in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Master's Degree or higher in an unrelated field.
• Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an unrelated field.
• Associates degree.
• High School/GED.
• No experience.

Skills

• Team player with excellent communication skills.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Passionate about customer service and achieving the highest standards of park design and planning.
• Natural problem solver.
• Politically astute.
• Deadline-driven.
• Detail-oriented.
• Adaptable.
• Driven by excellence.

Benefits

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
• 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans.
• Paid Annual Leave.
• Paid Personal Leave.
• Paid Sick Leave.
• Paid Holidays.
• Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans.
• Optional Group Life Insurance.
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Career Development Opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Pay

Hiring Salary Range: $121,071.97 - $142,437.61

Schedule

37.5 HPW; some evening and weekend work is required.