Chief Deputy Director, Public Works, Utilities, and Transportation

Please Note:  If you previously applied to requisition #253 under the same title, you do not need to re-apply unless you wish to update your application.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a collaborative executive leader, Chief Deputy Director, Public Works, Utilities, and Transportation to guide the delivery of high quality, fully integrated services to the Arlington community. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in public works/environmental services operations and extensive leadership and expertise in strategic planning, change initiatives, and tactical deployment.

The Chief Deputy Director will provide operational leadership to effectively address the Department's current and future operational needs, challenges, opportunities, and goals. This is the second highest position in a department of 850+ employees and provides executive oversight to four operational divisions:  Facilities and Engineering, Transportation, Operations, and the Sustainability and Environmental Management Division. This position also provides oversight of all public works and transportation operations, vertical and horizontal capital program execution, facilities operations and maintenance, associated energy and resilience programs, constituency relations, and emergency operations and safety.

On a strategic level, this position will monitor program execution and address program performance while working to support and implement a workplace culture that promotes an environment where a diverse workforce can thrive, establish meaningful careers, and feel valued and heard. This executive leader will have an opportunity to inspire, lead positive change, and exercise considerable independent judgment, including implementing the departmental vision/mission, supporting special projects, and developing/managing multiple lines of business.  In collaboration with the Director, this position will address highly visible policy, program, and project execution issues from the County Manager's Office, the County Board, and residents in a timely and professional manner.

Specific duties include:
 

• Implementing the mission, vision and strategic goals of the Department of Environmental Services (DES) in delivering projects, programs and services to the constituents of Arlington County;
• Monitoring program execution and performance for daily operations, to include public works, solid waste, vehicle and equipment maintenance, street maintenance, paving, and winter operations; stormwater, water, wastewater, and public transportation; capital program execution, constituency relations, emergency operations and safety;
• Working closely with the Finance, Administrative, and Decision Support/Technology Division Chiefs to link daily operations with strategic financial goals and business and technology applications;
• Maintaining a keen understanding of the local political context, priorities and strategy;
• Guiding the communications and engagement strategies for projects, programs, and operational emergencies;  
• Promoting an enterprise-wide perspective to ensure the most comprehensive programs, projects and policies are implemented to meet the short- and long-term needs of the department and community;
• Initiating and implementing change while providing continuity of operations to improve customer service and program performance;
• Leading executive-level staff to meet strategic, financial and budget goals, including DES business system needs; and
• Working with the media, communications team, the County Manager’s office, elected and appointed leaders, and the general public to establish and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will possess:
 

• A strong background in public works, environmental services, public transportation and facilities management operations; 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative manner with the Director and leadership teams to implement the vision and strategic goals of a department/organization, including delivering projects, programs and services to the public;
• Extensive leadership expertise in strategic planning, emergency operations, and tactical deployment related to utilities and public infrastructure;
• Excellent communication skills and strong public relations/civic engagement experience; 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative manner, both internally and externally, including with local elected officials.; and 
• Proven experience of analytical abilities, with data analysis, budget oversight, and report generation.

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, public or b