Assistant Director

Loudoun County Government; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Loudoun County Government is seeking an Assistant Director for the Department of Building and Development. The role guides growth, strategic planning, and regulatory oversight during Loudoun County's transition from rapid growth to redevelopment to serve rural and urban needs around metro stations.

The ideal candidate brings senior leadership experience, strong regulatory and stakeholder collaboration skills, and a proven ability to mentor managers, align divisions, and drive cross-functional

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Administration or a related field.
• Five+ years of progressively responsible work experience, including three years in a supervisory role.
• Valid driver's license and background checks (criminal, DMV, credit) required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior leader for three divisions (Land Planning, Engineering, Natural Resources).
• Align and integrate work across divisions to streamline complex development applications.
• Support Division Managers in day-to-day operations and Project Coordinator program.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners (Transportation, Planning, Zoning, Board, Loudoun Water, VDOT).
• Provide performance feedback and ensure HR policies are followed.
• Interact professionally with stakeholders and provide timely information to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

Strategic Planning

Change Management

Communication

Public Speaking

Stakeholder Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Public Administration

Job description

Located in the western part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Loudoun County is a dynamic community that has experienced significant growth over the past decades with changing development environments, ranging from transit-oriented development at our new Metrorail stations, to redevelopment of existing neighborhoods, to maintaining and fostering our vibrant rural economy in the western part of the county. These factors create a lively atmosphere and agile work environment.

Loudoun County Government, named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 2025 Best Largest Employers, is comprised of County staff who dedicate their talents, education and experience to make a difference. In the Department of Building and Development, we place a high value on work-life balance, professional development and service to our community. Join our team of professionals who are committed to Community, Teamwork and Innovation in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

As a key member of Building and Development's senior leadership team, the Assistant Director will support the Director, Deputy Director and other Assistant Director in guiding the growth of our community and leading department staff through thoughtful strategic planning, innovative problem solving, customer focused decision-making skills and positive and professional leadership. The Assistant Director will help facilitate the necessary changes in regulatory oversight as Loudoun County continues to transition from a community of incredible growth, to one of more redevelopment and thoughtful development necessary to help support both the rural and agricultural demands of the western part of the county with the more urban needs of the areas surrounding metro stations and denser demands of the eastern part of the county.

The Assistant Director will:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for three (3) Divisions within the Department of Building and Development (Land Planning, Engineering, Natural Resources),
  • Align and integrate the work, streamlining workflows between divisions so that complex development applications move through the process more consistently and efficiently.
  • Support the three (3) Division Managers overseeing the day-to-day operations and further development and implementation of the Project Coordinator program
• Provide improved coordination with key internal and external partners such as Transportation and Capital Infrastructure, Planning and Zoning, General Services, County Administration, the Board of Supervisors, Loudoun Water, Virginia Department of Transportation, members of the development community and residents of Loudoun County.
• Manage the Engineering Program Specialist who currently supports several board appointment committees.
• Manage the performance of these leaders and staff members, and supports them in managing their staff in accordance with County and Human Resources policies including;
  • provides regular feedback;
  • completes appraisals of performance;
  • ensure staff adhere to all applicable policies and procedures of the Department and of the County, including addressing issues of poor performance or misconduct;
  • support a culture which promotes employee engagement and high staff morale
• Interact professionally with all stakeholders (Demonstrate professional rapport with other internal and external departments including the County Attorney's Office, state code and investigative officials, Commonwealth Attorney, contractors, developers, engineers, architects, and citizens while performing responsibilities.)
• Provides information to County leadership and staff (Provides timely information to the Director, County Administrator, county leadership, Division leadership and department staff.)
• Acts on behalf of the Director or the Deputy Director
• May perform other essential job functions specific to the position and department assignment.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Customer and staff focused Leadership and Management Skills (professional manager who has demonstrated the ability to positively lead change, resolve conflict, mentor and develop staff and navigate a rapidly evolving workforce in a fast-paced environment).
• Strong regulatory compliance experience in the areas of land development and environmental.
• Strong Strategic and Organizational Capabilities
• Will be experienced in articulating expectations to mid-level managers and support their efforts to lead front line staff, including career growth and progressive discipline when necessary.
• Innovation
• Communication and Collaboration with multiple working groups.
• Service and Community Focus
• Experience working closely with engineers, developers, elected officials and the general public, including public presentations before Boards, Commissions and local community groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing in a unionized environment
• Experience interpreting and resolving conflict related to interpretation of Local, State and Federal Regulation the area of Land Development.
• Budget and contract management experience
• Experience leading an organization through significant change (change Management)
• Senior/management certification in area related to Building and Development
• Active membership(s) in job-related professional organizations.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration or department-related area. Five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible work experience including three (3) years in a supervisory or management role, preferably in a government setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position requires a valid driver’s license, criminal, DMV, and credit background checks.