Associate Vice President - Municipal

Pape-Dawson; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers' McKinney office is seeking an Associate Vice President to provide strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for municipal projects. You will manage client relationships, project performance, and mentorship while leading multidisciplinary teams on roadways, drainage, and utility programs.

Ideal candidates hold a PE, have 12+ years of experience, and excel in communication, budgeting, and business development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the state(s) required to support project work.
• 12+ years of progressive engineering experience with senior-level project leadership and people management responsibilities.
• Proven ability to mentor staff, guide Project Managers, and supervise teams of ~10-15 employees.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clients, public agencies, and internal leadership.
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projects.
• Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal client contact and foster long-term partnerships.
• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of multiple complex projects within budget and schedule.
• Develop and negotiate project scopes, budgets, schedules, proposals, and contracts.
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams and mentor PMs and staff.
• Oversee project financial performance, staffing plans, and resource allocation.
• Review and approve technical deliverables to ensure compliance with standards.
• Lead or support business development pursuits, RFQs, proposals, and interviews.
• Represent the firm in client, agency, and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Mentoring staff

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Job description

Job Description:

Established in 2006 through the acquisition of KSA, Pape-Dawson's McKinney office is helping shape the future of North Texas through innovative infrastructure design and community-focused solutions. The team partners with municipalities, airports, and private clients to deliver impactful projects—from roadways, drainage systems, and water and wastewater infrastructure to hike-and-bike trails, sidewalks, and other multimodal improvements. With a strong foundation in public works and a vision for what's ahead, the McKinney office is creating safer, more connected, and thriving communities across the region.

Overview

The Associate Vice President (AVP) provides strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for complex engineering projects for our municipal/local government group. This role is responsible for client satisfaction, project performance, team leadership, and business development while maintaining hands-on involvement in key projects. Associate Vice Presidents lead multidisciplinary teams, manage multiple concurrent assignments, and contribute to firmwide growth through mentoring, market engagement, and continuous improvement of standards and practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a principal client contact, fostering strong relationships that support repeat work and long-term partnerships.
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple complex projects, ensuring quality, schedule, budget, and profitability objectives are met.
• Develop and negotiate project scopes, budgets, schedules, proposals, and contracts.
• Provide leadership and direction to multidisciplinary project teams, including mentoring and professional development of Project Managers and technical staff.
• Oversee project financial performance, staffing plans, and resource allocation across assignments.
• Review and approve technical deliverables to ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and client requirements.
• Perform or oversee QA/QC reviews, risk management, and issue resolution.
• Lead or support business development efforts, including pursuits, RFQs, proposals, interviews, and account growth.
• Represent the firm in meetings with clients, agencies, boards, and stakeholders, presenting technical and strategic information effectively.
• Contribute to firmwide initiatives related to design standards, best practices, staff development, and operational excellence.
• Balance client needs with internal priorities to maintain high levels of satisfaction, accountability, collaboration, and profitability.
• Provide strategic leadership for major transportation programs, including schematics, PS&E, and complex roadway solutions.
• Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary roadway, drainage, traffic, structures, and utility teams.
• Oversee constructability reviews, risk management, and technical issue resolution.
• Represent the firm at public meetings, hearings, and community outreach events.
• Lead infrastructure pursuits, pricing strategies, and client interviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering (or related engineering discipline where applicable) from an ABET-accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state(s) required to support project work
• 12+ years of progressive engineering experience, including senior-level project leadership and people management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Proven ability to mentor staff, guide other Project Managers, and supervise teams of approximately 10-15 employees.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, public agencies, and internal leadership.
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projects effectively.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours as required to meet project and business needs.

If you need an accommodation or assistance with completing your application due to a disability or special need, please contact our team at [e-mail] or call [phone].

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.