Park Development Division Director

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking an experienced Park Development Division Director to be part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 23,000 acres of parkland, nine Recreation Centers, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting growth-oriented organization with many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. The Park Authority is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and experienced senior manager to lead the agency’s Park Development Division (PDD). Reporting to the Park Authority’s Deputy Director for Planning and Development, the PDD Director provides leadership, direction, and oversight to mission‑critical and cross‑agency functions for the Park Authority. Provides executive leadership for a high‑performing division responsible for a complex, multi‑year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that will shape the future of the Park Authority. This role oversees an annual capital budget exceeding $35 million and leads a team of over 25 full‑time employees. Regularly interacts with division leadership across the Park Authority on park assets and facilities, such as ADA accessible playgrounds, trails, sports facilities, athletic fields, green infrastructure features, energy systems, natatoriums and many other elements of park operations, master planning implementation, and development forecasting. Sets the strategic vision and ensures the safe, timely, and cost‑effective delivery of planning, design, construction, and energy management initiatives that support a growing and dynamic park system. Strategic Leadership & Capital Program Management (CIP) Leads the administration and implementation of the Park Authority’s Capital Improvement Program, including master plan execution, project planning, design, construction management, and energy management. Oversees a six‑year CIP totaling $180 million, ensuring high levels of project delivery and performance. Prepares and presents the annual CIP work plan to the Park Authority Board and serves as the agency’s primary point of contact for CIP implementation. Leads, mentors, and develops a multidisciplinary team of professional designers, landscape architects, and civil engineers. Fosters an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture grounded in diversity and equity. Board Stakeholder & Community Engagement Builds and maintains strong partnerships with Fairfax County agencies, Board of Supervisor’s offices, partner organizations, and community stakeholders. Presents reports, strategies, and project updates to the Park Authority Board, Board of Supervisors, and the general public. Coordinates with philanthropic supporters on infrastructure or high visibility development projects. Program Oversight & Project Delivery Leads development of funding strategies, project prioritization criteria, and long‑range capital planning. Participates in the land acquisition process, and leads future site development and partnership initiatives. Directs facility planning, design, and construction, including review and approval of architectural and engineering designs for new parks, buildings, and renovations. Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and county laws and regulations including those related to historic preservation, stormwater management, soil erosion, and sediment control, and forest conservation requirements, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act. Oversees the procurement process, including oversight of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), contracts, and claim resolutions in partnership with other offices, including legal counsel. Ensures alignment of division work with the county’s comprehensive Plan and manages the park development review process. This position serves as a key member of the Park Authority Executive Director’s senior management team and participates in the development and implementation of a variety of agency‑wide plans and initiatives. Publicly represents the Park Authority as the face of the agency and presents relevant information to internal and external stakeholders. Illustrative Duties (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all‑inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.) 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. As Director of the Planning and Development Division Manages the Planning and Development Division, overseeing the functions of project/park design, project engineering, construction inspection and project management, land acquisition, long‑range planning, and new ventures development; directs and coordinates the development of the Park Authority's long‑range plans, and strategies for implementation of these plans; guides and directs division staff in plan review, capital improvement programs, development and periodic update of the agency's Capital Improvement Plan; ensures Park Authority Board participation in, and approval of the Capital Improvement Plan; conducts land acquisition planning and implementation; and acts as senior staff representative on land trust matters. Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities (The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all‑inclusive list.) 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 develop and evaluate budget requests and project future expenditures. 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. Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree appropriate to the functional area (recreation, park management, business administration or related field); plus five years of administrative experience in the appropriate functional area.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED

Driver's License (Required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, credit check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Active professional licensure in civil/ environmental engineering, structural architecture, or landscape architecture. Demonstrated political acumen and experience working effectively with elected officials, municipal boards, advisory councils, and public stakeholders. Demonstrated oversight of large capital budgets and successful delivery of high‑quality infrastructure that results in tangible solutions. Strong financial management and accountability of multiple funding sources, such as capital funds, cyclical maintenance funds, revenue generated funds, federal or state grants, and philanthropic campaign dollars. Awareness of construction industry dynamics such as material flows, energy innovations, permitting processes, historic district overlays, and drivers of construction costs. Minimum of 8 years of progressive supervisory and leadership experience, including managing multidisciplinary teams. Experience working within large, complex organizations, preferably in the public sector or similarly structured environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary with walking and lifting less than 5 pounds. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Panel interview; may include exercise. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status 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. TTY View phone number on click.appcast.io. View email address on click.appcast.io EEO/AA/TTY. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Society of Civil Engineers