AlexandriaVAGov
Director of Transportation & Environmental Services
What's your preference?
Job Description
- Req#: 4976462
Director of Transportation & Environmental Services
Join our Great City
Alexandria, Virginia, is a city steeped in history and enriched by a growing, diverse population. Recognized as one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. (2024) and ranked among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 3 Best Small Cities in the U.S. (2023), Alexandria continues to attract attention for its charm, culture, and community spirit.
The city is home to approximately 155,600 residents, representing a global tapestry of backgrounds. Over 25% of the population are international community members, from Latin America, Africa—particularly Ethiopia—and Asia. One in three residents speaks a language other than English at home, including Spanish, Amharic, and Arabic. Alexandria City Public Schools reflect this rich diversity, serving students from 118 countries who speak 127 different languages. This dynamic, multicultural environment offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community.
Alexandria’s dedication to inclusivity is deeply rooted in its cultural fabric. The city actively works to engage all segments of the population, ensuring that every voice is heard and represented in the decision-making process. Through ongoing outreach and a strong focus on community engagement, Alexandria is building a planning environment where all residents feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Beyond its cultural richness and historical charm, Alexandria offers an exceptional quality of life. Nestled along the scenic Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria combines the charm of a close-knit community with the sophistication of a global city and the convenience of urban living. Residents enjoy walkable neighborhoods, scenic waterfront parks, a thriving arts scene, and a vibrant local economy. It boasts excellent public transportation, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're drawn by its historic Old Town, diverse culinary offerings, or abundant green spaces, Alexandria provides a welcoming and inspiring environment for individuals and families.
City Government Organization
Alexandria, VA has upheld a strong tradition of self-governance since its founding in 1749. As an independent city with no county affiliation, it operates under a charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Since 1922, Alexandria has used the Council-Manager form of government, where a mayor and six council members set policy. An appointed City Manager oversees daily operations and city staff.
For operational accountability, the Council uses five priorities – Community Connection, Employee Attraction and Retention, Housing Opportunities, Eliminate Community Disparities and Economic Strength – to guide its work.
Alexandria adopted a $926.4 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025. This budget prioritizes areas like quality education, improved city services, public safety and mental health, and affordable housing. The city provides a wide range of municipal services, including education, public safety, health and human services, transportation, library, historic preservation, recreation, parks and cultural activities.
The Position
The Director of Transportation & Environmental Services provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Alexandria’s infrastructure planning, environmental management, and public works operations. This new executive leader will oversee a wide range of departmental services including
transit and mobility related activities, management of environmental quality programs related to air, water, and noise, and development review, right-of-way permitting, and traffic control.
The director will work with city boards and commissions, city departments and staff, regional and state agencies, federal partners and transit authorities and plays a key role in shaping and delivering the City’s comprehensive transportation and infrastructure initiatives by aligning with major plans such as the Alexandria Mobility Plan, Vision Zero Action Plan, Environmental Action Plan 2040, and others. The position reports to a Deputy City Manager.
Competencies for Success
• Transparency, professionalism, and a commitment to interdepartmental collaboration by building
strong internal and external relationships—across departments, with regional partners, and the
community
• Superior communication and negotiation skills, and a calm and thoughtful approach to controversy
are required given the high public visibility of transportation issues
• The ability to:
? develop relationships and engage with a wide range of stakeholders including elected officials,
advisory boards, regional and federal agencies, and an engaged citizenry
? foster a high-performance work culture, support staff development, and champion diversity
within the department
Minimum: Four-year college degree in an area of Civil/Environmental/Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management or a related field; Registered Professional Engineer in Virginia; post registration experience; six years management experience; experience working with appointed and elected officials; expert witness work in settling lawsuits and testifying on behalf of municipality/county/agency; experienced negotiator with developers; excellent communication and training skills; prior experience managing operating budget or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
•A bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field or public/business administration. A master’s is strongly preferred.
•At least eight (8) years of progressively more complex work experience in local government in civil, environmental, public works, transportation, and water resources engineering in the progressively more complex work outlined in this brochure.
•At least 4 years of leadership and managerial experience in overseeing a large, complex department.
•Professional Engineer (PE) license is strongly preferred.
•Expert level expertise in multimodal transportation planning and policy, as well as significant experience in environmental and infrastructure planning, public works operations, and capital project management.
•Ability to:
-actively gather feedback from all stakeholders yet remain confident and decisive especially in situations where consensus may not be reached.
-be resilient, effectively use independent judgment, and be flexible to accommodate a non-traditional schedule, including regular evening meetings.
•Skilled at getting results by empowering others, guiding decisions, and influencing direction.
•Experience in managing a unionized workforce is a plus.How to Apply:
-Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five professional references.
-For confidential questions, please contact Mary Jacobs, MGT Director of Human Capital Solutions, at 847-380-3240 ext. 177 or Joan Walko, MGT Sr. Consultant at (410) 499-9586.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace.About the company
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States.
Notice
Talentify is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Talentify provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities, including disabled veterans. Request assistance at accessibility@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.
Federal law requires every new hire to complete Form I-9 and present proof of identity and U.S. work eligibility.
An Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) will score your job-related skills and responses. Bias-audit & data-use details: www.talentify.io/bias-audit-report. NYC applicants may request an alternative process or accommodation at aedt@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.