Application Deadline: Aug 18, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted: Jul 28, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Sep 21, 2026

The City of Staunton, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Executive Assistant/Special Projects Coordinator. Come join the dedicated professionals serving this dynamic city and its citizens. The Executive Assistant/Special Projects Coordinator is part of the team in the City Manager's Office. For more information about the office, please visit City Manager's Office. The City of Staunton offers excellent benefits and a wide range of amenities. Staunton, with a relatively low cost of living, is known for its history, architecture, arts, and cultural and culinary delights.

 “One of the prettiest and most progressive towns in the South” and “20 charming mountain towns to visit this fall”- Southern Living

This unique position provides office management and administrative support for the City Manager's Office, and supports special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the City Manager. Works in close coordination with the Assistant to the City Manager for Engagement, Communications and Strategic Initiatives and the Sr. Executive Assistant/Communications Coordinator, gaining broad exposure to municipal operations, policy implementation, and organizational strategy.

This individual will have a strong interest in local government and public service, with the ability to quickly learn standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and business writing. The individual must possess the ability to: organize information, prepare accurate reports and data visualizations from multiple sources, and manage several concurrent projects and deadlines with independent judgment; communicate clearly and professionally — in writing and in person — with the public, elected officials, and staff at all levels; establish and maintain effective working relationships, exercise tact and sound judgment in public-facing situations, and thrive in a fast-paced office with shifting priorities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:

Special Project & Strategic Initiative Coordination — in close coordination with the Assistant to the City Manager

• Manages the Staunton Plan portal and performance dashboard, working across city departments to gather performance data and build clear visualizations that communicate progress on Council's strategic plan.
• Coordinates research and compiles information and analysis on special projects and policy questions as requested by the City Manager.
• Provides program and project support on large-scale projects, programs, special events, and activities directed by the City Manager; coordinates and monitors special projects assigned across departments.
• Gathers research, information, and data; performs or oversees data entry; summarizes data for presentations, including preparing graphs and charts. Creates and maintains project schedules and priority lists based on the City Manager's timeline.
• Provides administrative and research support to the Economic Mobility and Opportunity Specialist, gaining exposure to equity-focused programs and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

City Council Administrative Duties — in close coordination with the Sr. Executive Assistant

• Assists in preparing materials for submission to City Council, gaining direct insight into the local legislative and policy-making process.
• Performs administrative duties for the Mayor and City Council as needed.

City Manager's Office Administrative Duties

• Serves as a first point of contact for the City Manager's Office — answering and routing calls, welcoming visitors, and directing inquiries to the appropriate individual or department.
• Provides administrative support to the City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager, and Sr. Executive Assistant.
• Develops PowerPoint presentations and other materials and correspondence as needed.
• Responds to routine inquiries from residents and staff, interprets general City policies and procedures, and determines when matters should be escalated to senior staff.
• Coordinates, prepares, and distributes the monthly citywide department Activity Report — a firsthand view into how every department operates.
• Maintains filing systems for office correspondence and records; ensures proper organization, retention, and disposition of records in compliance with City policy.
• Prepares a variety of documents, technical and statistical reports, and materials requiring knowledge of format and presentation.
• Processes invoices, creates purchase orders, and purchases office and general supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Responds to customer service emails and/or directs them to the appropriate department.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required; coursework or a degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field is preferred. This position is designed as an entry point into municipal government administration — recent graduates are encouraged to apply, and prior local government experience is not required. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Excellent benefits include participation in the Virginia Retirement System, paid-time off, group life insurance, medical insurance, and conference expenses.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Grade: 12

Hiring Range: $55,000-$60,000 DOE/DOQ

Start Date: On or around mid September 2026

Reports To: City Manager                                                                              

The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Interested applicants should complete an online application to include a resume and cover letter. For questions or to request a complete job description, please contact:

Jonathan Venn, Chief Human Resources Officer

City of Staunton/Staunton City Schools

116 West Beverley St (Human Resources, 2nd Floor City Hall)

Staunton, VA. 24401

504-332-3914

vennjg@ci.staunton.va.us

Closing Date: August 18, 2026

The City of Staunton is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is fully committed to the principles and practices of equal employment.

Department: Planning & Economic Development

Employment Status: Non-Union

Reports To: Director of Planning & Economic Development

General Summary:

This position functions as the Town’s senior professional planner and principal deputy to the Director of Planning and Economic Development. The Assistant Planning Director exercises substantial independent judgment in managing development review, long-range planning initiatives, policy development, and departmental operations. The position serves in an acting capacity in the absence of the Director as assigned and represents the Department before boards, commissions, the Town Council, other departments, and external agencies.

The Assistant Planning Director is responsible for co-leading major planning initiatives, ensuring high-quality and timely administration of regulatory processes, supervising planning staff as assigned, and maintaining continuity of Planning Department operations. The position requires advanced professional judgment, strong written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated leadership capacity in both policy and operational contexts.

Weekly Schedule: 

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30 am - 430pm (1/2 Lunch)

Tuesday - 8:30 am - 6:00 pm (1/2 Lunch)

Friday - 8:30 am 0 12:00 pm 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serve in an acting capacity for the Director of Planning and Economic Development during absences or as delegated, including representing the Department before boards, commissions, the Town Council, interdepartmental meetings, and external agencies.
2. Co-lead and coordinate long-range planning initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, implementation programs, subarea or corridor studies, ordinance modernization efforts, and strategic planning projects. Conduct advanced policy research and guide board and public deliberations related to major planning initiatives.
3. Conduct policy analysis and prepare draft ordinance amendments, regulatory revisions, and related legislative materials. Provide technical recommendations to the Planning Board and Town Council regarding land use regulations, policy changes, and implementation strategies.
4. Lead preparation, drafting, and coordination of professional staff reports, memoranda, findings of fact, and recommendations for the Planning Board, Town Council, Economic Development Commission, and other boards and commissions, including reports for complex or controversial development proposals.
5. Serve as a principal staff resource for development review, including interpretation and application of zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development regulations, comprehensive plan policies, and applicable State statutes.
6. Independently prepare and finalize meeting agendas, public notices, decision documents, and related materials, ensuring compliance with Town and State requirements.
7. Maintain oversight of project tracking, application intake, fee records, statutory deadlines, and case files to ensure procedural compliance and timely decision-making.
8. Provide direct supervision of assigned planning staff, including work assignment, performance evaluation, coaching, and professional development. Establish and maintain quality-control standards to ensure consistency and professional excellence across departmental work products.
9. Coordinate and support Technical Review Committee activities and serve as liaison to reviewing agencies and interdepartmental partners on planning, infrastructure, regulatory, and economic development initiatives.
10. Design and implement public engagement strategies related to planning and development initiatives, including public workshops, stakeholder meetings, and informational materials. Provide clear and professional explanations of planning processes and regulatory requirements to residents, applicants, and public officials.
11. Assist in departmental budgeting, annual work program development, staffing planning, and operational management to ensure efficient and effective delivery of planning services.
12. Support grant identification, application preparation, project administration, and reporting requirements related to planning and economic development initiatives.
13. Perform departmental administrative and operational functions necessary to maintain continuity of operations during periods of limited staffing or organizational transition.
14. Perform other related duties and projects as assigned by the Director of Planning and Economic Development

Job Requirements – Education & Training:

1. A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, community planning, public administration, geography, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in planning or a related discipline is preferred.
2. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including experience in development review, zoning administration, staff report preparation, and interaction with municipal boards or commissions. Experience in a municipal planning department is strongly preferred.
3. Demonstrated experience in long-range planning, comprehensive plan development, policy analysis, and implementation of planning initiatives.
4. Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience is preferred.
5. Demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate, and professional written materials for public officials and decision-making bodies.
6. Demonstrated organizational ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and statutory deadlines with minimal supervision.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and standard business software.
8. Familiarity with GIS, permitting software, project tracking systems, and emerging technologies such as generative AI tools is desirable.
9. Possession of a valid driver’s license

Other:

Evening meeting attendance is required as necessary to support assigned boards, commissions, and public engagement activities.

This position may assume additional administrative, coordination, or operational responsibilities during periods of limited staffing to ensure continuity of Planning Department functions.

Working Conditions:

Duties are performed in a busy, weather-controlled office environment. Evening and occasional additional hours may be required to meet project deadlines or attend public meetings.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants who are unable to meet one or more requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Town of Smithfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The Town of Smithfield encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request.

Part-time | One Year (preferred) |2-5 hours per week| $1,000/term

About VLGMA

The Virginia Local Government Managers Association supports and advances professional local government management across the Commonwealth. Our Civic Engagement & Communications Committee works to inform members, promote the profession, and engage the next generation of public administrators.

Role Overview

We're looking for a motivated student or recent graduate to support our communications and education outreach efforts. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public sector communications while building a portfolio of real-world work.

Responsibilities

• Draft and schedule content for VLGMA's social media platforms

• Assist with newsletters, announcements, and member communications

• Help promote events, programs, and educational opportunities

• Support the development of graphics or visual content (Canva or similar tools)

• Monitor engagement and provide basic reporting on social media performance

Qualifications

• Current student or recent graduate in communications, public administration, political science, journalism, or a related field

• Strong writing and editing skills

• Familiarity with social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently

• Interest in local government and public service is a plus

Compensation: $1,000 per term 

Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Commitment: 2-5 hours per week

This is a 100% remote position

Strong preference that Intern attends the Civic Engagement & Communications Committee at the VLGMA Winter Conference.  

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter and at least three references to Leslie Beauregard, beauregardlm@ci.staunton.va.us. A portfolio of relevant work is optional but welcomed.

VLGMA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Category: Planning, Housing, Comm Dev & RE

Posting Date: 07/03/2026, 12:00 AM

Apply Before: 07/23/2026, 11:59 PM

Job Schedule: Full time

Locations:  2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201, US | (Hybrid)

Salary: $101,108.80- $156,728.00 Annually (effective July 1, 2026)

Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Transportation Resources for Arlington County (TRAC), a bureau of the Division of Transportation (DOT) in the Department of Environmental Services (DES), is seeking a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Site Plan Manager. This position is responsibilities include site plan compliance for TDM conditions, program evaluation, and monitoring. The TDM Site Plan Manager reports to the TRAC Bureau Chief and partners closely with the Development Services Bureau, other Transportation bureaus, and senior department leadership to advance program objectives.

TRAC is responsible for promoting the use of sustainable transportation options to improve air quality mobility for residents, employees and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all the components of the TDM Program to comply with conditions outlined in County Board adopted Site Plans, including:

1. Review of private developer’s proposed Site Plans for compliance with TDM conditions;
2. Oversee the TDM Site Plan team which conducts site plan reviews;
3. Finalize Performance Monitoring studies for Site Plans created by a contractor; and
4. Coordinate the Site Plan invoicing and assist the Finance unit.

• Oversee the Mobility Lab, including Performance Monitoring studies for Site Plans, the Impact Report evaluating the emission reductions from TRAC programs, and other TDM related research;
• Prepare Federal and State grant proposals, including assist with grant reporting for DRPT, COG and VDOT;
• Lead efforts to revise the Strategic Plan (required every 5 years), including assist with data collection and populating a data dashboard on TRAC program stats;
• Prepare Board reports and give presentations to the County Board, Transportation Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee and various advisory committees, residents, and business organizations; and
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned in support of program, bureau, and County priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, or a related field; plus
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Land Use Program Administration, Community Development or other related program areas.

Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a master’s degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or related field, and experience in one or more of the following: 

• TDM services that included research and analysis;
• Conducting site plan reviews, and specifically reviewing site plans for TDM conditions such as bike parking;
• Oversight of compliance with site plan conditions; and
• Managing employees and contractors including organizing and managing the activities of an inter-disciplinary team
• The ideal candidate will possess effective communications skills including verbal and written presentations in a public setting.

Special Requirements:

• Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application reflecting your knowledge, skills, and ability.
• Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted, which may include criminal record, driving record, education verification, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Additional Information:

Work hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telework or flexible work schedule opportunities available.   

The official title of this position is: Principal Planner

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan. For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment. 

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. 

Social Media Intern: This team member will help shape the Academy’s social media presence by pitching and creating cross-platform content, designing graphics, and tracking what resonates with our audience. They will also support alumni engagement and program outreach, with the added opportunity to help cover Academy events. Learn more and apply here.

Outreach and Engagement Intern: This team member will play a role in recruiting the Academy’s webinar, short course, and Fellowship cohorts, as well as engaging our alumni community. They will also have opportunities to attend events, support large-scale survey projects, and track our community’s policy impact. Learn more and apply here.

Each internship is a 12-month, 10-hour-per-week commitment and interns will be paid at $20 per hour or may receive class credit. Interns will receive structured 1:1 mentorship to help develop skills including understanding brand voice, implementing data-informed audience segmentation, and partnering with stakeholders. Interns will walk away with a professional portfolio of communications outputs, a new network of Aspen Institute communications professionals, and first-hand experience supporting policy advocacy.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio of 3-5 social media or communications samples. Applicants must either be current undergraduate or graduate students to be considered. 

Note that for various reasons, amazing talent hesitate to apply for positions for which they could potentially be a great fit. We strongly encourage you to apply for these positions if they align with your career interests and skillset, even if you are not sure whether you meet all of the qualifications.