Organizational Development Specialist

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.

Ready to make an impact? The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an Organizational Development Specialist to play a key role in shaping the future of our workforce. As part of the Human Resources and Organizational Development (HR/OD) team, you’ll work with a broad range of employees – from skilled trades professionals to engineers – leading initiatives that strengthen engagement, build capability, and drive organizational performance.

The OD Specialist is a strategic partner to employees, supervisors, and leadership, leveraging expertise in strategic initiatives, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), instructional design, talent acquisition, and professional development to support approximately 800 employees across the department’s many bureaus. You’ll join a dedicated team of HR professionals – including business partners, administrative specialists, training coordinators, and organizational development experts – working together to deliver innovative, high-impact HR and OD solutions.

Major Job Duties:

• Analyze workforce trends and organizational needs to inform data-driven strategies and solutions;

• Partner with senior management to design and implement high-impact OD programs and processes that elevate performance and drive cultural alignment;

• Reimagine and optimize existing learning and development initiatives to ensure relevance, engagement, and measurable outcomes;

• Support DEIB priorities and efforts by collaborating with existing committees and embedding inclusive practices across the organization;

• Facilitate team building and change management interventions, such as recruitment and mentorship programs, that strengthen collaboration, morale, and functionality;

• Build strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders and external consultants to benchmark, innovate, and deliver best-in-class practices; and

• Perform organizational development duties as assigned to meet evolving departmental needs.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and influential change agent who combines exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to turn organizational insights into actionable strategies. This individual is highly organized, results-driven, and adept at building consensus across diverse stakeholder groups. With a proven track record of leading transformation, they inspire collaboration, foster innovation, and deliver measurable impact that strengthens organizational performance and culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, organizational development/performance, industrial/organizational psychology, or another related field; and

• Considerable experience in human resources management, organizational design, recruitment, employee relations, benefits and compensation, etc.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree in a closely related field may substitute for up to one year of general human resources experience.

Desirable: Preference may be given to applicants with a Master's Degree in related field and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Supporting a varied workforce in service, trades, public sector, and unionized contexts;
• Managing a portfolio of DEIB initiatives;
• Supporting and optimizing learning programs through a Learning Management System (LMS);
• Building skills-based pay programs linking pay increases to skill, knowledge, and/or certification attainment;
• Creating training calendars and developing course offerings for a workforce with complex licensing requirements; and
• Cultivating partnerships with colleges, universities, technical schools, and other talent sources to expand and diversify applicant pools.

Possession of one or more of the following Certifications preferred:

• Association for Talent Development (ATD);

• Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP);

• International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI);

• Certified Performance Technologist (CPT); and/or

• Similar training/development/instructional certifications.

Special Requirements

Please attach a resume and cover letter (or use space in the supplemental question section) describing your experience developing and delivering organizational development or strategic HR initiatives.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, 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: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunchbreak each day. Employees must work at least 24 hours in the office each pay period (every two weeks). Specific in-office days and schedules can be arranged with the supervisor, provided they comply with DES flexwork requirements. Schedules are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on operational priorities, annual demands, and individual performance.

The official title of this position is: Human Resources/OD Specialist.

Starting salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected.

As an Employer of Choice, Arlington County offers a generous benefits package. For more information, 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.

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