Charlotte State and Local Government Market Leader

ABOUT THE POSITION

Elevate your career with VHB as our State and Local Government Market Leader in Charlotte, North Carolina! We are actively seeking an exceptional and motivated professional ready to make a profound impact for our public sector clients. In this strategic role, you will report directly to our Managing Director and be instrumental in driving our success.

We are looking for an individual with comprehensive knowledge of state, regional, and local government operations and expertise in urban planning. Your established network of relationships with key decision-makers within governmental entities is not just an asset; it's essential for thriving in this position.

As the Market Leader, you will be charged with crafting and implementing innovative marketing strategies specifically attuned to the unique needs of our state, regional, and local government clients. You will take the lead in ensuring unmatched client satisfaction, managing pivotal relationships, and seamlessly coordinating and managing projects.

Your proven track record of creating new business opportunities and expanding service offerings will set you apart. Your talent for building meaningful relationships with clients will empower you to understand their goals and challenges, driving exceptional results.

We seek a candidate with a demonstrated history of guiding government agencies in achieving their strategic visions while tackling their most pressing issues. In addition, you will play a key role in mentoring and developing our talented staff, fostering a robust culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

If you are passionate about public service and possess a successful background in the government sector, step up to this exciting opportunity and make your mark with VHB. Together, we will drive transformative change in the communities we serve!

Responsibilities

Manage projects and actively participate on project teams responsible for supporting planning, design, permitting, and implementation phases of projects in the state, regional, and local government markets.
• Work closely with corporate, regional, and local leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities and partnerships within state and local government, secure new contracts, and maintain relationships with existing clients.
• Engage in the planning and implementation of marketing campaigns aimed at improving visibility in state and local government sectors.
• Actively participate as a contributing member of the Charlotte Leadership Team.
• Attend and present at regional conferences and networking events within the industry.
• Mentor local staff, introduce them to key clients, help foster and develop relationships.
• Assist the Charlotte Managing Director in driving growth and implementing the 2028 Strategic Plan.
• Provide insights on the North Carolina state and local government market to aid in the preparation of the annual market forecast.
• Prepare for and participate in client presentations and proposal-related discussions.
• Support government innovation and promote effective and efficient operations through research, development of best practices, technical assistance, and educational initiatives for government leaders.
• Engage in business development and client development activities.
• Manage revenue growth, billability, project billing and collections, and ensure project profitability.
• Oversee quality control for project deliverables.
• Participate in professional and personal development activities aligned with career goals.
• Contribute to the growth of the Charlotte office by developing and implementing a long-term (3-5 year) strategic market plan for the Charlotte region.
• Support the Managing Director and Service Leaders with the recruitment, training, mentoring, and retention of senior staff.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify cross-market opportunities.
• Integrated thinker/strategist capable of considering various market sectors.
• Strong computer skills.
• Leadership experience; excels in working in a team environment.
• Ability to mentor, inspire, and motivate others.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field is required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• At least 15 years of progressive planning experience with complex projects and team management.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with local governments in the Charlotte region.
• Strong understanding of government organizations and agencies, public policy processes, and laws governing land use, transportation, public facilities, and infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead matrixed, multi-disciplinary teams in the planning and implementation of complex projects
• Familiarity with the land development process and the significance of the connections between transportation and land use.
• Experience writing and implementing state and federal grants.
• Proven leadership experience.
• AICP, PLA, or North Carolina PE certification required.
• Experience with local, regional, and state governments working on transportation projects.
• Strong external reputation and known by the state and local governments.
• Experience building and maintaining client relationships and understanding and anticipating client needs

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us!

VHB is a proud Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion-supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. All individuals receive consideration for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination for race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, or any other basis protected by law.

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