Director of Administrative Services & Operations

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria is seeking a strategic Division Chief for Administrative Services within the Finance Department. You will lead admin, budget, HR, IT, and communications functions, guiding policy, procurement, and risk management while ensuring fiscal discipline and excellent service delivery to residents.

Ideal candidates bring public administration experience, a track record in budget development, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of public administration principles.
• Understanding of administrative practices and record systems.
• Strong knowledge of local government fiscal management.
• Experience in personnel administration and budget development.
• Ability to develop and monitor a departmental budget.
• Ability to implement administrative policies and supervise staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with staff and residents.

Responsibilities

• Directs, manages, and supervises Admin division staff, setting priorities and achieving goals.
• Oversees fiscal administration including budget development, accounts payable, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Leads HR management functions: recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, performance management, and learning.
• Performs research, prepares reports, and develops policy recommendations for staff development and succession planning.
• Coordinates initiatives to enhance employee engagement and organizational culture.
• Provides strategic leadership for internal and external communications, including the department website and digital strategies.
• Leads technology modernization, including Microsoft 365 and SharePoint to improve processes.
• Develops and implements city-wide training and guidance for fiscal managers on financial management principles.
• Partners with Risk Management to advance safety, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Supports Deputy Finance Director and Finance Director with reports and presentations to City Manager and City Council.
• Represents the department on cross-functional teams and special projects.

Skills

Public administration principles

Administrative practices

Local government fiscal management

Public personnel administration

Budget development

Administrative policies

Supervision

Regulations interpretation

Clear communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in management or related field

Master’s degree in public/administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

SharePoint

Job description

City of Alexandria is seeking a strategic Division Chief for Administrative Services within the Finance Department. You will lead admin, budget, HR, IT, and communications functions, guiding policy, procurement, and risk management while ensuring fiscal discipline and excellent service delivery to residents.

Ideal candidates bring public administration experience, a track record in budget development, and strong leadership and communication skills.