Director, Office of the Grand Connection (LTE)

Director, Office of the Grand Connection (LTE)

Salary

$150,439.73 - $207,598.33 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Limited Term

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00310

Department

City Managers Office

Opening Date

09/10/2026

Closing Date

10/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NONAFF

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

The Grand Connection connects people and places between Meydenbauer Bay Park through downtown Bellevue across I-405 to Eastrail. For many years, the most high-profile element of the vision has been the construction of a signature multimodal crossing of I-405, intended to catalyze economic vitality, public spaces, and urban connectivity.

In 2026, the city reached a major milestone by formally launching its capital delivery program through a heavy civil GC/CM contract. Working closely with teams from across the organization, the Office of the Grand Connection serves as the centralized team responsible for strategic oversight, stakeholder engagement, financing, and program and project management.

Working under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director is accountable for the successful delivery of a complex long-span non-motorized public works bridge project, coordination of senior staff, oversight of budget and financial tools, and partnership development with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the Director provides executive leadership and advising for the office's other strategic objectives, focused on redeveloping city-owned properties and creating a cohesive corridor along the entire Grand Connection route. Working with internal teams, external partners, and contractors, you will play a central role in redefining Bellevue's urban experience.

Consider applying here if you want to:

• Work in an ambitious organization serving a transforming community.
• Shape the next phase of Bellevue's urban development.
• Get creative, think on your feet, and engage with a diverse and complex set of stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Visionary leadership: Guide the establishment of the Office of the Grand Connection, especially in developing the Grand Connection Crossing, which will serve as a catalyst for the future-facing transformation of the Downtown Bellevue and Wilburton neighborhoods as part of the entire Grand Connection corridor.

Capital delivery: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the design, financing, construction, and long-term operation of the Grand Connection multimodal crossing.

• Funding strategy: Lead the continued development and execution of a robust financing strategy, including both public financing and private philanthropy, in coordination with the city's overall financial strategy.
• Engineering and construction management: Oversee all phases of project development by leading functional staff and facilitating cross departmental and interagency collaboration for design, real property acquisition, and construction,
• Communications and engagement: Serve as the primary spokesperson for the project, effectively communicating its vision, progress, and impact through a variety of forums, including with other governments and agencies, residents and businesses, as well as with the Friends of the Grand Connection.

Management and operations: Oversee the team in developing and implementing long-term management and operations plans for the Grand Connection Crossing and for the broader Grand Connection corridor. This could include:

• Developing place governance models, such as business improvement areas, MOUs with nonprofit organizations or property owners, and/or PDAs or conservancies
• Developing a cohesive and comprehensive management plan for the Crossing and corridor
• Implementing changes to the built environment along the Grand Connection corridor to improve the user experience for residents, workers, and visitors
• Deploying additional public programming across downtown

Team leadership: Manage a multidisciplinary team, including engineers, planners, transportation experts, fiscal managers, and technical advisors, to keep the Grand Connection Crossing project on schedule and within scope and to implement other elements of the Grand Connection vision.

• Staff management: Allocates, directs, motivates and evaluates staff to help (1) achieve their individual goals; (2) collectively achieve the office's mission; and (3) increase professional growth and accountability for their actions.
• Recruitment and retention: Recruits and retains qualified personnel consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Work environment: Establishes and maintains a working environment conducive to positive morale, individual style, quality, creativity, and teamwork.

Strategic advising: Advise the city manager directly on how to implement the vision for the Grand Connection.

• Assist the city manager and department directors in supporting the city on emerging issues.
• Represent the office on relevant inter- and intradepartmental management teams, including participation on the Operations and Policy Team.
• Monitor performance of work programs and projects; allocate necessary resources.
• Oversee the preparation of the office's budget and performance measures; ensure that programs function within budget appropriations.
• Present material to the city council, city manager, other officials, and official boards and committees when required.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Works under the broad policy guidance of the city manager. As needed, will work under the appropriate deputy city manager if delegated by the city manager.
• Exercises supervision over Office of the Grand Connection program, project, and administrative staff either directly or indirectly through supervisors, as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Public works planning and execution.
• Public administration and city leadership as applied in a large organization.
• State and federal legislative processes.
• Federal/state regulatory requirements.
• Budget and accounting principles, practices, and procedures as applied in a large organization.
• Maintenance, construction, and use of public infrastructure.
• Managerial principles, techniques, and practices.
• Office management, work organization, and supervision.

Skill in:

• Orchestrating large-scale infrastructure development, program management, or public-private partnerships.
• Managing multidisciplinary teams and high-profile initiatives.
• Working with multiple consultants and contractors on alternative delivery methods.
• Clear and responsive communications to individuals and groups.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
• Identifying, implementing, and refining the office's organizational structure to generate desired results as efficiently as possible.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and implement a new comprehensive public works program.
• Coordinate, analyze, and utilize a variety of reports and records.
• Evaluate complex technical, legal, and community relations issues and develop effective solutions.
• Negotiate and administer contracts with outside consultants and professional firms.
• Anticipate and resolve problems before a crisis ensues.
• Develop, implement, and monitor appropriate plans, schedules, and action steps.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, advisory committees, news media, and the public.
• Utilize personal computers including word processing, database, project management, and spreadsheet applications effectively.
• Understand the city's political environment and sensitivities and to function effectively within that environment.
• Provide leadership, counsel, motivation, and constructive performance reviews to department personnel at all levels, securing their respective commitments to the department's goals.

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, public administration, transportation, management, or other related field; a master's degree is preferred, including but not limited to an MSCE, MPA, or MS.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible related experience in a management capacity in transportation, public works, and/or public utilities.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Washington State Professional Civil Engineering license preferred.

Supplemental Information

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

Limited Term Employee (LTE): A fully benefited employee appointed to serve in a position scheduled to work a minimum of 30 hours a week for a specific project with a specific ending date which is anticipated to last more than five months but in no event longer than five consecutive years (60 months).

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

Your responses in this section will be used to review your application and determine your eligibility for this position. The experience listed here MUST match the employment history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, please go back and update your application before submitting, as any discrepancies may result in removal from consideration. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above". We do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application. Do you understand and agree to these requirements?

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in civil engineering,?public administration, transportation, management, or a related field?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of experience do you have serving in a management capacity within transportation, public works, or public utilities?

• No experience
• Less than 6 years of experience
• 6-8 years of experience
• 8-10 years of experience
• 10-12 years of experience
• More than 12 years of experience

04

How many years of experience do you have overseeing complex capital or infrastructure projects?

• No experience
• 1-4 years of experience
• 5-9 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

05

What is your experience level with capital project financing?

• No experience
• Basic experience with budget development
• Experience with multi-year capital budgets and funding strategies
• Led large-scale financing strategies including public and private sources

06

Which types of capital delivery responsibilities have you performed? (select all that apply)

• Overseeing full project lifecycle (planning ? design ? construction ? operations)
• Leading cross-departmental collaboration
• Managing real property acquisition activities
• Coordinating with contractors or consultants
• Working on long-span or complex civil infrastructure
• None of the above

07

Which public engagement or communications tasks have you completed? (select all that apply)

• Presenting to elected officials
• Representing a project to external agencies
• Leading public meetings or outreach events
• Acting as spokesperson for major initiative
• Communicating with business or community groups
• None of the above

08

Which strategic or analytical tasks have you performed? (select all that apply)

• Evaluating complex technical or legal issues
• Conducting community-impact analyses
• Developing corridor management strategies
• Implementing changes to the built environment
• Monitoring performance of work programs and adjusting resources
• None of the above

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/