Seeking an innovative, collaborative and highly experienced individual to lead the Park Authority's Planning and Development Division. Reporting to the Park Authority's Deputy Director/Chief of Business and Development (CBD), the Planning and Development Division Director provides leadership, direction and oversight to mission critical and cross agency functions for the Authority. Leads the division which has an annual capital budget of over $35 million. The division director provides leadership, strategic direction and guidance to the division's 40 plus merit and limited term staff. Successful candidate must possess excellent communication skills, strong negotiation skills, collaboration skills and a depth of understanding related to the field of planning and development for park and recreation facilities and capital projects. Organizes and directs the Park Authority's planning and development division and is responsible for administration of the agency's capital improvement program including long-range planning, park planning, development review, land acquisition, land management, capital improvement project planning, design and construction project management, energy management and asset management functions in support of the park system. Instrumental in maintaining ongoing productive relationships with county agencies, Board of Supervisor offices, partner agencies, county citizens and other individuals or groups that are park authority stakeholders. Under the general direction of the Deputy Director, this position provides overall guidance, innovation and direction to the work of the planning and development function, ensures safe, timely, efficient and economical delivery of park authority's capital improvement program, and prepares an annual work plan to inform the Park Authority Board on the implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan, presents at board meetings, public and community meetings, seeks partnerships and business development opportunities and is a member of the Director's Leadership Team. Must possess strong supervisory skills and experience in leading multiple, multi-disciplinary teams. Provides technical expertise to manage and resolves legal issues associated with park planning, land acquisition and land management issues including contracts, lease and license agreements, interim use agreements, encroachments, land use impacts, comprehensive planning, zoning processes, and master planning, and other legal matters. Frequently travels across all areas of Fairfax County and beyond for planning, design and inspection work.

Fairfax County is a dynamic community with 1.1 million residents, an award-winning park system, a top-notch school system, safe neighborhoods, and bustling town centers. At the heart of the community is the nationally recognized leader, the Fairfax County Park Authority. A large and complex park system encompassing over 24,000 acres of land, 427 parks, an estimated 18 Million park visitors, 500 full-time employees, 2,500 seasonal employees and over 2,000 volunteers.

Illustrative Duties

• Supervises a staff of professionals and has overall responsibility for all programs within their assigned functional area;
• Supervises preparation of the division's budget, participates in presentation of the budget to the Park Authority Board, and monitors program expenditures;
• Evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of division programs;
• Conducts service needs assessments;
• Prepares, presents, and is held accountable for implementation of the Park Authority's annual plan as it relates to the assigned functional area(s);
• Ensures that division plans and programs complement agency goals and objectives;
• Provides an independent liaison with, and support to the Park Advisory Board and other boards and commissions for issues with in the assigned functional area(s);
• Provides staff support to the Park Authority Board;
• Oversees special project work directed by the Board of Supervisors, Park Authority Board and/or agency director;
• Represents the agency in meetings with public and private-sector officials and citizen groups.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, methods and challenges of organization and management;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of the assigned functional area;
• Oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated skills in needs assessment and strategic planning;
• Ability to plan and direct the activities of a large staff;
• Ability to plan and conduct staff development programs.
• Ability to evaluate programs against pertinent standards;
• Ability to prepare and present clear, concise financial and administrative reports;
• Ability to develop and evaluate budget requests and project future expenditures;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to keep abreast of developments in the field;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships peers, other County employees, Board members, public and private sector officials and citizen groups;