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Civil Engineer-Executive Director

Engineers & Surveyors Institute (ESI) – Northern Virginia

The Engineers & Surveyors Institute (ESI) is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and experienced Civil Engineer to serve as Executive Director for a respected nonprofit professional association serving engineers, surveyors, jurisdictional partners, and land development professionals throughout Northern Virginia and the surrounding region.

ESI is a Virginia-based 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to advancing public-private collaboration through professional education, continuing education, certifications, peer review services, technical collaboration, and industry committees that support efficient and technically sound land development practices.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as ESI's chief executive officer and is responsible for the organization's strategic leadership, daily operations, financial stewardship, stakeholder engagement, staff leadership, and overall administration.

This role leads member services, jurisdictional partnerships, continuing education programs, peer review services, Designated Plans Examiner initiatives, and organizational programs while ensuring alignment with ESI's mission and long-term strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all ESI programs, services, initiatives, and administrative functions.
• Support the Board of Directors, Executive Board, committees, and membership to implement organizational priorities.
• Lead annual membership meetings and organizational communications.
• Develop policies, strategic plans, and operational systems that support ESI's mission and long-term growth.
• Monitor program performance and continuously improve member services.
• Represent ESI at industry, jurisdictional, and professional meetings.

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee organizational budgets, financial reporting, audits, contracts, and financial transactions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable requirements for a Virginia-based nonprofit trade association.
• Maintain effective administrative, financial, and operational systems.
• Evaluate and implement technology, automation, and process improvements to increase efficiency and customer service.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate staff.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and service-oriented workplace culture.
• Develop staffing plans, compensation strategies, and employee development initiatives.

Jurisdictional Partnerships & Contract Management

• Serve as ESI's primary liaison with local jurisdictions, public agencies, member firms, and industry partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with jurisdictional leadership, technical staff, and stakeholders.
• Negotiate and manage jurisdictional contracts on behalf of the Board of Directors.
• Coordinate contract deliverables, monitor performance, and identify opportunities to expand ESI's public-private partnership services.

Designated Plans Examiner (DPE) Programs

• Oversee expedited plan review and Designated Plans Examiner programs in partnership with local jurisdictions.
• Maintain program standards, operational protocols, accountability measures, and communication systems.
• Support Advisory Plans Examiner Board activities and coordinate with Boards of Supervisors, jurisdictional leadership, and industry stakeholders.

Peer Review & Technical Services

• Direct ESI's peer review and minimum submission review services.
• Recruit and support qualified technical staff and professional reviewers.
• Oversee review procedures, quality assurance, digital workflows, SharePoint systems, checklists, and operational resources.
• Collaborate with staff engineers, submitting members, and jurisdictional personnel to improve consistency, responsiveness, and technical quality.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer, Surveyor, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of leadership and management experience in a nonprofit organization, professional association, governmental agency, engineering organization, land development organization, or related technical field.
• Experience in Northern Virginia or the surrounding region is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of land development, engineering review, regulatory processes, and public-sector coordination.
• Experience managing organizational operations, budgets, contracts, audits, and financial stewardship.
• Excellent leadership, communication, public speaking, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated success leading staff, supporting boards and committees, and managing complex organizational initiatives.
• Experience working with local governments, public agencies, engineering professionals, surveyors, and private-sector firms.
• Familiarity with continuing education, professional certifications, workforce development, or technical training programs.

Work Environment

This position combines office leadership, organizational management, professional meetings, public engagement, and regional stakeholder coordination. The Executive Director is expected to demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, discretion, and strong leadership while representing ESI throughout Northern Virginia.

The Engineers & Surveyors Institute advances collaboration, technical excellence, professional education, and efficient land development review through strong public-private partnerships and industry leadership.

How to Apply

• Submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications, leadership experience, and interest in serving as Executive Director of the Engineers & Surveyors Institute.