Director, Office of the Grand Connection (LTE)

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.

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.

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.

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 department's 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).