(Problematic) Job Posting: York County, VA
The county government in eastern Virginia is hiring a full-time “Assistant County Administrator/Organizational Ombuds.” Although the posting references the International Ombuds Association, the role combines Ombuds duties with senior executive responsibilities that appear incompatible with core Organizational Ombuds standards. The position leads the County’s business engagement and economic development efforts, including coordinating across departments, advising leadership on policy and strategy, guiding businesses through regulatory processes, and resolving stakeholder concerns.
These responsibilities involve operational decision-making and advocacy for organizational interests, which conflict with the independence, neutrality, and informality expected of an Organizational Ombuds—even if the function were intended to be part-time.
Applicants must have a Master's Degree and at least six years of management experience in the public sector ("to include ombuds, planning, economic development and/or business advocacy experience").
IOA membership is preferred. The position pays $171,848-$214,893 a year. (Indeed.)
I really only posted this because of the job title. There's no info on the county's website about the position. I can't really figure out why the job is structured the way it is. The position is posted on multiple platforms.
ReplyDeleteThe ginsu (Swiss army?) knife of ombuds jobs: "The position leads the County’s business engagement and economic development efforts, including coordinating across departments, advising leadership on policy and strategy, guiding businesses through regulatory processes, and resolving stakeholder concerns."
ReplyDeleteInteresting "ombuds" job:
ReplyDeletePerforms complex professional work leading the County’s business relations and community engagement. This position drives cross-departmental collaboration, and oversees complex economic development/community development projects while advancing strategic initiatives to ensure responsive, equitable, and effective service delivery.
Work is performed independently and collaboratively in teams under the general supervision of the County Administrator and/or Deputy County Administrator(s). Incumbent exercises independent judgment within established policies, procedures and professional standards. The position provides leadership and supervision to assigned staff, policy initiatives, and cross-functional project teams (Matrix) as determined by the County Administrator based on organizational priorities.
This position will be responsible for establishing and advancing processes and/or procedures, service delivery models and strategic relationships with businesses and/or developers to foster a pro-business environment and enhance quality of living in the County. The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams to serve both internal and external stakeholders, and effect positive outcomes while dealing with potential conflicts in a collaborative and productive manner.
The position will act as a dedicated liaison for businesses, guiding them through zoning, site plan review, building plan review, permitting processes and special use permits to ensure timely development, reduce procedural barriers, and enhance the overall experience for businesses seeking to relocate or expand within the County.
Provides project management guidance of major/complex projects to include the areas of Planning and Development Services, Public Works, and Economic and Tourism Development.
Serves as the point of referral for business or developer concerns. Acts as the liaison between County departments and the business community (prospective or existing) to investigate issues, facilitate solutions, and coordinate follow-up with internal departments and external agencies as needed. Works closely with business owners, developers, community leaders, and government officials to identify and address the needs of the business community, and facilitate business growth ensuring a seamless and responsive experience throughout the entire process.
Serves as a central point of coordination for complex or high-impact development projects, facilitating communication across departments and proactively identifying and resolving potential delays in the site plan and permitting process.