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Project Development Division Director (Exec 2), Seattle Department of Transportation - Seattle, WA

Project Development Division Director (Exec 2) 

Seattle Department of Transportation
Professional Area: 
Transportation Planning
Experience: 
7-10 years
Contact person: 
Larry Flores

Phone: 
2066150889
Email: 
larry.flores@seattle.gov
Location: 
SeattleWA
CITY OF SEATTLE Project Development Division Director (Exec 2) 
Salary: $44.78 - $73.88 Hourly 
Location: Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, Washington
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time 
Shift: Day Department: Seattle Department of Transportation Bargaining 
Unit: Not represented 
Closing Date 09/22/15 04:00 PM Pacific Time Position 
Description: The Seattle Department of Transportation presents an exceptional opportunity working with a team of professionals whose mission is to deliver a safe, reliable, efficient, and socially equitable transportation system that enhances Seattle's environment and economic vitality. The Project Development Division Director is a high level executive position that reports directly to the Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). This leadership position manages a division of 40 professional staff that are responsible for advancing project designs from conceptual plans to implementation--coordinating the planning, engineering and urban design elements to confirm project scopes. The Project Development Division leads SDOT's efforts in ensuring that the projects we design and build reflect community interests, advance the modal master plans, and integrate with private development projects as well as those of partner agencies. 
The Division Director oversees all aspects of the work, is a single point of accountability for the SDOT Director, and ensures that outreach and collaboration within the department and with partner agencies is accounted for in project design. This position is responsible for ensuring that SDOT projects are consistent with the Mayor five core values to sustain a safe, interconnected, vibrant, affordable and innovative city. The Division is newly formed and is focusing on developing and directing the implementation plans for the modal master plans and the Move Seattle Corridors, developing implementation and funding plans to prioritize projects delivery, as well as develop technical analysis to inform design and measuring performance of the projects. The Project Development Division is tasked to play a pivotal role in the department through developing designs for large scale capital projects that will be implemented through consultant contracts managed by the Capital Projects and Roadway Structures Division. They will also develop and deliver--from concept through construction--small to mid-sized projects that are built by city crews. The City Traffic Engineer reports directly to this position. Other program areas that reside in the Project Development Division include the Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School Programs. 
This position will set the strategic and tactical objectives for the Division as well as focus on the performance measures necessary to gauge successful project outcomes. The scope of duties performed and the level of responsibility required for this position are significant and the result of direction from the Mayor, City Council, and SDOT Director to ensure the following objectives: 
  1. create a single point of accountability for project development within the department; 
  2. ensure that the projects we design and build are reflective of modal and community plan priorities; 
  3. project outcomes support and advance the Seattle's Vision Zero strategy; and, 
  4. project development will include design of both large scale capital projects as well as more nimble delivery of small to mid-sized projects.
Note: This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and Civil Service jurisdiction. 
Job Responsibilities: 
  • Lead the Project Development Division, manage and direct the work of a team of approximately 40 professional staff that are responsible for advancing project designs from conceptual plans to implementation--coordinating the planning, engineering and urban design elements to confirm project scopes; 
  • Develop, create, implement, and evaluate significant programs and project recommendations for both large-scale capital and smaller scale operations and maintenance projects to support the City's Move Seattle transportation vision; 
  • Establish work plan goals, set priorities, and determine deadlines with all work groups on a variety of high-profile, time sensitive projects; 
  • Set strategic and tactical direction for a team of professional and technical staff in the prioritization and design development of SDOT projects; •Serve as the single point of accountability for the SDOT Director on all project development activities; 
  • Ensure that outreach and collaboration within the department and with partner agencies is accounted for in project design; 
  • Direct the implementation of business process improvements and support organizational change to advance the mission of the division and the department; 
  • Serve as technical expert and key participant on highly sensitive and visible issues, including non-standard and creative design solutions, streamlining project delivery, right-of-way allocation necessary for project development, and prioritization and funding strategies to advance departmental priorities; provide recommendations based on a high level of technical expertise and problem-solving; 
  • Responsible for strategic and operational planning, as well as leadership and management control of staff activities to advance proactive and efficient project development processes, leverage project funding through creative design solutions, align decision making to simplify the project development process, and provide opportunities for non-standard uses of public space to support Move Seattle goals; 
  • Support the City Traffic Engineer, who is a direct report to this position 
  • Direct the a management team and be ultimately accountable for the overall efficient and effective functioning of programs and work groups including space planning, material acquisition, routine maintenance and staff training; 
  • Responsible for managing the division budget; 
  • Provide leadership and make decisions regarding personnel matters; apply City and department policies and procedures, and resolve controversial issues; 
  • Work in a multicultural work place and with diverse customers, emphasizing communication for cooperation, collaboration, and inclusiveness in support of department goals to promote diversity and social justice. 
  • These responsibilities are only a summary of typical functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. May perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: 
Required Education/Experience: 
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Transportation or Urban Planning, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field; 
  • Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the management of complex government entities in a public works, utility or operational context; 
  • Five years in a senior management or executive level position; 
  • Communication skills (written and oral) that are effective and persuasive with a wide range of audiences; 
  • Experience serving elected officials and the public working across department lines; 
  • The ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and poise; 
  • Demonstrated ability to creatively manage limited resources; 
  • Ability to manage a diverse staff with a wide variety of skills and responsibilities; 
  • Demonstrated success in creating partnerships and securing support in delivering programs and implementing policies; 
  • Ability to analyze data, define problems, identify potential solutions, develop implementation strategies, and evaluate outcomes; •This position requires good judgment, a creative and strategic thinker and the ability to develop program plans and increase productivity through cost efficiencies and system improvements. 
  • Must work well under pressure. 
  • Demonstrated meeting management skills, including the ability to mediate and facilitate contentious issues to resolution within a charged atmosphere; 
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects and monitor and maintain the progress of scheduled to meet milestones and budget expenditures; 
  • Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and articulate applicable ordinances, municipal codes, plans and specifications, and street improvement manuals; 
  • Ability to switch tasks quickly and to maintain flexibility with work assignments; 
  • Ability to work independently while keeping manager informed of progress and issues; 
  • Detail oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills; 
  • Must provide strong leadership, set a professional tone, and foster a working environment of respect, inclusion, and efficiency; 
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office; 
  • Ability to effectively work in a multicultural workplace with a diverse customer base.
  • Required Certifications/Licenses: 
  • A valid State Driver's license or equivalent mobility. A "complete" five-year driver's abstract must be submitted on request.
  • Additional Information: 
  • Desired Qualifications: 
  • Master's degree in Architecture/Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Transportation or Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related field;
  • Experience working with high-level staff from the City and other regional agencies; 
  • Experience presenting complex and often controversial issues to elected officials; 
  • Experience working with staff represented by bargaining agreements. •Exemplary management skills in both a professional office setting and a field crew setting; 
  • Ability to work successfully with, value and manage, individuals and groups at all levels of the organization with diverse views, backgrounds and interests; 
  • Working knowledge of financial management practices; 
  • Knowledge of public personnel systems and procedures is desirable.
How to Apply To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity, the following items are required to be considered for this position: 
  1. Completed NEO-GOV online (or paper) application. 
  2. Supplemental questionnaire responses. 
  3. A cover letter AND résumé.
Note: Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including completion of a background check which includes criminal history and a driving history review. To learn more about Seattle Department of Transportation, check out our webpage. http://www.seattle.gov/jobs
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT DIVISION DIRECTOR (EXEC 2) LF APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: Job #2015-01058 
If you are unable to apply on-line you may submit a paper application by the closing date to our office. 
OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT: Seattle Municipal Tower 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500 Seattle, WA 98104 206-684-8088 Careers@seattle.gov
The City of Seattle is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity in the workplace. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply. Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request. The City is a Drug Free Workplace.