Division Chief, Capital Improvement Projects

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City’s square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Division Chief, Capital Improvement Projects position.

An Overview

Under the direction of the Director of General Services, the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Division Chief directs and manages staff and consultants responsible for the design and construction of capital infrastructure projects. This position is responsible for executing the department's plans for large-scale, multi-faceted CIP programs. The incumbent develops, recommends, coordinates and implements program plans and objectives resulting in timely and cost effective project completion. The incumbent develops, recommends, and implements program plans and objectives in consultation with City stakeholders.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have excellent knowledge of building construction methods, practices, materials and codes. Project management tools and methodologies, budget and resource management, cost accounting, cost analysis and budgeting and operations and functions of a municipal general service agency are required. The ideal candidate should posess the ability to establish and present facts and recommendations effectively in verbal and written form; analyze methods and procedures and report findings and recommended improvements. Supervise and coordinate activities of reporting staff, prepare clear, well documented reports and establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, municipal officials, associates and general public.

The Opportunity - Examples of Work

• Delivers capital projects, through application of project management best practices and of City procedures to achieve project objectives
• Manages the department's Capital Improvement Program budget, including project development budgeting, project management and design;
• Develops project specific statements of work scope and mission for projects in concert with senior management and other City departments;
• Reviews staff and contractor work reports, plans and specifications including weekly progress meetings and approving purchase orders and bid submissions;
• Serves as a City representative at meetings with stakeholders including City departmental staff, consultants, contractors, other government entities, citizens and business groups in obtaining consensus related to project planning and implementation;
• Manages staff work on projects, including outreach strategies to public and internal stakeholders, scope of work, budget, schedule, professional development and implementation of projects that involve controversial and complex issues;
• Provides direction and works with staff and contractors to ensure that projects are delivered on schedule and within established budget;
• Manages personnel issues consistent with City policies and procedures;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

About the Department

The Department of General Services mission is to support a thriving and environmentally sustainable Alexandria through safe, effective, and exceptional real estate and property management, and support services. General Services exemplifies excellence by fostering a culture of leadership and teamwork, continuous improvement, quality customer service and management, responsible investment, innovative solutions, and sustainability.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and five years of progressively responsible project management in architecture, engineering or construction which includes supervising staff and managing projects involving public outreach and consensus; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduate degree in project management, architecture, construction management, or allied profession / closely related field, minimum of ten (10) years progressive experience working in project management and public solicitation and procurement through increasingly responsibility in managing local, state or federal work. Experience managing multiple projects in all phases from design through construction and close out. Ability to work with engineers, architects, contractors, sub-contractors and citizens under high pressure time constraints. Demonstrated excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and building management systems software.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to drug testing and criminal background.

The Department of General Services (DGS) is a first response department and as such all DGS employees are deemed essential or emergency personnel and maybe required to report to work when the City government is open with liberal leave or closed during emergencies.

Outside of general business hours the Division Chief, Capital Improvement Projects schedule may include evening and weekend hours as required.