Right of Way Services Director

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

14d • $157,385 - $267,554 • Hybrid

About The Position

The City and County of Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is hiring a Director to lead its Right of Way Services (ROWS) Division. The director develops and implements the division’s vision, leads annual and multi-year planning, ensures resources support work plans, resolves complex business issues, and establishes practices and processes to meet performance standards. The role oversees work plan development, budgets, workforce development, succession planning, program objectives and key performance indicators, and the division’s evolution to keep it aligned with DOTI and citywide goals.

The director leads managers, supervisors, and staff; fosters workforce development, accountability, safety, and a strong employee culture; and guides teams in setting goals, policies, procedures, and work standards. The role communicates plans and goals, reviews and implements operational improvements, resolves sensitive and escalated matters, and represents the division and department with elected officials, city entities, and public, business, and community organizations. It also includes staff selection and evaluation, resource management, use of meaningful performance metrics and technology, collaboration across DOTI, service on the ROW Administration leadership team, and support for the Chief Officer of ROW and the Executive Director of DOTI.

This is a hybrid position based in Colorado. The director is expected to work on site at least three days per week at the Wellington Webb Building in Denver, with occasional work at the Denver Wastewater Building and off-site field work as needed. The position is listed as unlimited. The posted target pay is $157,385–$208,000 based on experience and education; the full salary range is $157,385–$267,554.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture; experience cannot substitute for this education requirement.
• Five years of experience at the functional or operational management level, including management of licensed engineer or architect supervisors.
• Valid driver’s license at the time of application.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) by the Colorado State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, or registration as an Architect by the Colorado State Board of Registration, at the time of application. Registration in another state is accepted in lieu of Colorado registration if Colorado registration is obtained by completion of probation; licenses and certifications must remain current.
• Extensive experience with civil engineering leadership in the field of Right of Way.
• Proven leadership creating engagement and trust, fostering staff development and empowerment, ensuring accountability, and improving performance.
• Extensive experience developing, implementing, and managing large, complex projects and programs that deliver quality and safe infrastructure.
• Effective two-way communication and the ability to influence across the division and with varied stakeholders.
• Ability to envision a desired future and lead a large organization in implementing it.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and internal and external stakeholders under multiple deadlines and expectations.
• Submit a resume and a cover letter describing public municipal leadership skills, experience with Right of Way Services, and interest in the role.

Nice To Haves

• The posting describes an ideal candidate profile but does not explicitly label any qualifications as preferred or nice-to-have.

Responsibilities

• Direct the ROWS Division and develop and implement its vision, annual and multi-year work plans, strategies, management practices, and processes.
• Oversee work plan development, budget management, workforce development, succession planning, program objectives, key performance indicators, and divisional evolution.
• Provide leadership and direction to managers, supervisors, and staff, including coaching managers and supervisors and fostering delegation and succession planning.
• Promote a culture of safety for employees and the traveling public, and sustain a strong employee culture.
• Guide sections and teams in establishing division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Communicate business and work-area plans and goals to managers and supervisors to secure buy-in.
• Review and implement changes to plans and lead process and operational improvements.
• Resolve sensitive, escalated, and controversial operational and management issues using inclusive decision-making.
• Represent the division and department in meetings with elected and appointed officials and city entities, and serve as a city representative with public, business, and community organizations.
• Select, train, develop, and evaluate subordinate staff; make hiring, termination, promotion, and disciplinary decisions as required.
• Use metrics to manage resources, identify opportunities for innovation, and ensure goals are achieved; assess new technologies and business practices.
• Ensure effective and appropriate use of staff and financial resources, and shift resources based on business needs and data analysis within budget constraints.
• Encourage team members to recommend and implement process improvements and policies.
• Collaborate with other DOTI divisions on projects, programs, governance, goals, future concerns, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve on the DOTI ROW Administration leadership team and support the Chief Officer of ROW and the Executive Director of DOTI with initiatives, programs, and special efforts.

Benefits

• Guaranteed lifelong monthly pension after vesting following five years of service.
• 457B Retirement Plan.
• 140 hours of PTO earned within the first year.
• 12 paid holidays, one personal holiday, one Wellness Day, and one volunteer day per year.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within one month of start date.
• Flexible spending account option for parking expenses.
• City-sponsored RTD EcoPass providing free public transportation for City employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director