Transportation & Development Deputy Director

Please Note: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a results-driven, experienced, and innovative Transportation & Development Deputy Director to lead its Transportation & Development Division. This executive leadership role oversees a proposed $57 million operating budget and a $1.4 billion ten-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Division manages transportation operations and services, delivers a significant portion of the County’s CIP, and provides critical emergency support for transportation-related functions. The Deputy Director is a key member of the DES executive team and reports directly to the Chief Deputy Director.

In addition to setting overall policy direction for the Division, the Deputy Director provides leadership and oversees more than 160 transportation-funded employees across five major units:

• Transportation Planning & Capital Project Management Bureau - Responsible for developing, tracking, and implementing a robust transportation capital improvement program that implements the Master Transportation Plan (MTP) through various work programs (Complete Streets, Bike Arlington, WALKArlington, etc.).
• Transit Bureau – Plans, operates, and manages the Arlington Transit (ART) bus system, Specialized Transit for Arlington Residents (STAR) and other local public transit services. It is responsible for developing, tracking, and implementing a Transit infrastructure Capital Improvement project.
• Development Services Bureau - Responsible for consistent, and timely customer service in the review, approval, and inspection of development in the County right-of-way, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, policies, and standards.
• Transportation Resources for Arlington County Bureau – Provides the Arlington residents, businesses, and leaders with information and resources to promote, and enable all modes of transportation with a specific focus on transportation options (walking, biking, scooters, transit, etc.).
• Transportation Engineering & Operations Bureau - Responsible for the operations, maintenance, and management of all traffic control devices in a manner that balances all modes of transportation in a safe, efficient manner on county roadways.

The Deputy Director Duties Include:

• Manages the Division’s relationships with the rest of DES, other County departments, local jurisdictions which Arlington collaborates with on transportation issues, state regulatory and funding agencies, and a highly engaged local community;
• Manages indirectly embedded support staff and extensive contract operations including both personnel and transportation services;
• Supports key initiatives, including: the VDOT Crystal City Route 1 project, the CC2DCA connection to Reagan National Airport, the Columbia Pike Multi-Modal project, various Metro-related efforts, and updates to both the Master Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Transit Strategic Plan (TSP);
• Serves as the primary liaison for the Division on community engagement and communications issues, and is responsible for:
• Manages correspondence and updates the Director/COO of urgent matters;    
• Responds to the press, social media channels, residents and community leaders directly on behalf of the Director; 
• Presents community information and policy concerns to the County Manager’s Office and the County Board; and 
• Serves as DES spokesperson on the Joint Committee for Transportation Choices.  
• Manages correspondence and updates the Director/COO of urgent matters;    
• Responds to the press, social media channels, residents and community leaders directly on behalf of the Director; 
• Presents community information and policy concerns to the County Manager’s Office and the County Board; and 
• Serves as DES spokesperson on the Joint Committee for Transportation Choices.  
• THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
• We are looking for an experienced leader with a progressive vision for urban multi-modal transportation and a strong record of achievement in the following areas:
• A seasoned senior manager with proven success in a state or local government Department of Transportation organization, personally committed to advancing a sustainable and resilient community through public policy, capital investments and operations;
• Dedication to customer service, committed to teamwork and mentorship of employees and the ability to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace;
• Recognized as an innovative, courageous and ethical leader with excellent consensus building skills and the ability to work with divergent interests, listening to and respecting all opinions;
• A strong background in local transportation and transit operations and services in a highly urbanized, multi-modal environment with the ability to ask critical questions and make independent judgments in these areas;
• A consensus builder capable of conveying Arlington’s viewpoint with federal, state and regional partners, and able to work effectively with Arlington’s engaged local community; and
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, elected officials, the development community and other community stakeholders, federal, state and regional funding partners, County Commissions and Advisory Boards to promote the overall transportation program.

Minimums:

• Significant and progressively responsible experience in senior management in a local, government, authority, utility or comparable environment relative to assignment; 
• Strong technical background in transportation engineering/planning civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering; and

• Construction Contracting.

Desirables: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following: 

• Master's Degree in Transportation Planning or Engineering, Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), or related field;
• Experience leading a large and diverse local government organization;
• Experience in development planning, site plan approval processes, and permitting as it relates to transportation and infrastructure approval inclusive of all modes, i.e., streets, transit, pedestrian, bike facilities, micromobility and parking;
• Relevant professional licenses or certifications such as P.E. or AICP certification; and/or
• Membership and leadership roles in professional organizations such as NACTO, ITE and APTA.
• A complete application will include a resume.
• Relevant professional licenses or certifications such as P.E. or AICP certification; and/or
• Membership and leadership roles in professional organizations such as NACTO, ITE and APTA.
• A complete application will include a resume.

Special Requirements

Please use the prescreening question section or attach a cover letter to address the following: your roles and responsibilities in relevant positions; the size of the organization(s) you served, including budget and staff; the range of services and functions you managed; major challenges faced by the organization; and your most significant accomplishments.

A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. 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. 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, between 8:00am and 5:00pm, with a hybrid schedule. Employees must work at least 24 hours in the office each pay period (every two weeks). Specific in-office days and schedules can be arranged in compliance with DES Flex-work requirements.

The official job title is DES Deputy Director. 

For more information on Arlington County’s generous family-friendly benefits and retirement plan, click here.

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

Note:  This recruitment is open until the position is filled with a preferred filing date of Friday, November 7, 2025.  Applications submitted by this date will receive first consideration. Qualified applicants in this first group will be referred to the hiring manager and interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs.  Applications received after (the preferred filing date) may be considered if a hire is not made from applicants received by the preferred filing date.  The application process will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified applications have been received. 

Each section of the application must be completed including the supplemental questions. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered. 

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