Job Announcement

One of the Most Dynamic Urban Counties in the Nation

Fairfax County is one of the largest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia with over 1.1 million people and has a reputation for sound fiscal management, which is corroborated by its AAA bond rating. This urbanizing county has a history of stable political leadership, effective citizen engagement, and outstanding service delivery. Fairfax County is seeking a Deputy Director for a new department that will oversee planning, zoning, commercial revitalization, urban design and community development. This new department will be formed by merging the current Department of Planning and Zoning and the Office of Community Revitalization. The Deputy Director will help oversee this merger and lead the continuing planning, zoning, revitalization, urban design and community development activities of the new department. The Deputy Director provides key support to the department director, senior leadership, and the 150-person staff in managing a dynamic work program that includes: developing and implementing innovative approaches to amending the county's comprehensive plan; modernizing the county's zoning ordinance; implementing APA award winning plans for Tysons and the Richmond Highway corridor; developing zoning ordinance amendments for such things as short-term rentals, signs, continuing care facilities and small scale production; promoting urban design and place making; fostering commercial revitalization; and, engaging the community in developing plan amendments that support office and retail repurposing, mixed use development and a process for periodic community review of site specific plan change nominations.

Skills and Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the capability to oversee areas and functions to meet the needs of the county and will be skilled at working with others and fostering strong partnerships with those in the public and private sectors, including business and community groups. The Deputy Director will help set the strategic vision for the department and be an effective liaison across departments and functions; between the public and private sectors; and, between elected officials and staff. This person should have proven experience in leading large complex projects and change management within an organization. The Deputy Director is expected to be able to bring innovative ideas and approaches to improving planning, zoning and revitalization initiatives, as well as operations and processes from the customer's point of view and to the benefit of the internal organization. This Deputy Director is expected to be approachable, a strong communicator and negotiator, and an individual who can establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, gaining their trust and respect. This person should have proven experience in leading large complex projects and change management within an organization.

Specific Duties

Assists the director in developing goals, strategies and a work culture which enables the organization to meet short term and long range strategic objectives. Provides oversight to selected work units, projects and activities in the department and, represents the department on a variety of county and inter-jurisdictional initiatives. Assists the director in developing performance measures and metrics that document service delivery. Solicits input from stakeholders on the improvement of processes and customer service and implements service delivery improvements. Monitors operational and fiscal performance and takes appropriate actions to sustain and improve organizational performance. Promotes effective interaction and collaboration among the various work units within the department and with other county agencies/departments. Fosters a climate of trust among staff, ensuring that their roles and responsibilities are understood and how those roles and responsibilities impact others within department, those in other agencies and departments, and the public. Fosters a climate of excellence in public service and positive interactions with stakeholders. Fosters a climate of innovation and excellence. Conceptualizes and provides direction on studies culminating in amendments to the comprehensive plan. Supports development of codes and ordinances in response to state and federal mandates, changes to state and federal legislation, and requests initiated by groups and individuals related to land use and zoning issues. Provides direction and oversight to departmental Information Technology (IT) policy, strategic planning, and coordination and prioritization of department-wide initiatives. Develops and maintains positive, productive working relationships with the Deputy County Executive, the County Executive, and the Board of Supervisors, and effectively represents the department on various committees and commissions within county government and the public arena. Participates as a key member of the departmental management team in the formulating and implementing the strategic planning processes of the department. Recommends and sponsors actions that will ensure that the department's programs and activities are aligned with the goals and strategies of the county. Plays a critical role in the county's efforts to strengthen its economy, to promote inclusiveness, and to improve planning and development services.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent to the following: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in a planning-related field and seven years of increasingly responsible experience to include at least two years of supervision of planning operations and/or zoning administration of a large urban area.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidates possesses the following:

• Registered as a Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners, a Registered Architect or Landscape Architect, or equivalent relevant professional certification.
• Ten or more years of experience supervising professional staff.
• Experience in developing and implementing land use studies that culminate in amendments to the comprehensive plan
• Experience in developing and implementing information technology solutions and initiatives that support planning, zoning and community development.
• Expertise in working with community groups, and developing community relations with the ability to facilitate community collaborations and partnerships.
• Ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders towards problem-solving and mutual understandings.
• Experience working in an urbanizing environment.
• Experience working in diverse neighborhoods and communities.
• Demonstrated record of building and maintaining effective working relationships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
With or without reasonable accommodation. Position is primarily sedentary. However, employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending and carrying of items less than ten pounds in weight. Work requires the ability to operate keyboard driven equipment.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
A valid driver's license is required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Is required to complete a criminal history record check, driving record check and credit check as a condition of hiring and periodically thereafter. Note: Some local travel is required.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314 . EEO/AA/TTY.