DES Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a collaborative executive leader (Chief Operating Officer) 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 Operating Officer (COO) 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 three operational divisions: Facilities and Engineering, Transportation and Operations; and the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management. This position also provides oversight of all public works operations, transportation operations, capital program execution, facilities operations and maintenance and associated energy and resilience programs, vertical and horizontal capital program execution, constituency relations, 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 Office, and residents in a timely and professional manner.

Responsibilities

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

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, public or business administration, or related field;
• Significant and progressively responsible senior level experience managing a complex industrial, utility, transportation, or public works organization/department; and
• Experience leading organizational change and handling emergency situations including strong public relations/civic engagement and communication skills.
  
  

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's degree in a related field and/or one or more of the following:

• 5 or more years of relevant public sector experience managing staff and complex daily public works or public utilities operations;
• Program and project management experience including managing complex capital construction programs and projects in a team environment;
• Experience managing daily public works-type operations requiring excellent analytical, communication and emergency management skills;
• Verbal presentation and technical writing skills, including working with the media, communications team, and the general public; and
• Budget management experience.
  
  

Special Requirements

As part of this application, please include/attach a cover letter that describes in detail how your training, education and experience has prepared you for this position and how you meet the qualifications for this position. Please also include:

• what motivates you to lead in a public service environment;
• your experience leading organizational change, driving results to improve performance and customer service; and
• your experience working across disparate business lines, while building and maintaining harmonious relationships.
  
  

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: The selected candidates must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicants driving record.

Economic Interest: Completion of a Virginia “Statement of Economic Interest” (Financial Disclosure) form will be requested upon acceptance of employment and annually thereafter.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Flexible work schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some telework opportunities. Employee must be accessible after business hours to handle critical operations and emergencies. This position may be required to work during emergencies regardless of whether some or all County facilities are closed, or programs and services are cancelled.

The salary is negotiable up to $281,028.80. Starting salary will depend upon experience of the candidate selected.

The official job title for this position is DES Chief Deputy Director.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here .

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Please note: Applications / resumes will be reviewed on a continuous basis and interviews will be scheduled with those candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. The examination process for this position may include a writing sample and utilizing an online video platform which includes recorded responses to pre-recorded questions.