Executive Director, Public Works

About the role

The City of Eugene is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and forward-thinking Executive Director, Public Works, to lead its largest and most diverse portfolio of services. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager for Community Sustainability, the Executive Director plans, directs, and oversees the operations, services, and strategic initiatives of one of the City's largest and most complex departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, programs, and service strategies while ensuring alignment with City Council priorities and organizational objectives.
• Lead the execution of the department's strategic plan while aligning priorities with City Council goals, community expectations, and long-term organizational objectives.
• Advance data-informed decision-making and operational excellence by leveraging performance measures, service reviews, technology investments, and process improvements to enhance service delivery, improve organizational performance, and support informed resource allocation decisions.
• Elevate the Public Works story by strengthening communication and community engagement, building an understanding of the department's services and infrastructure needs, celebrating accomplishments, and fostering confidence in the essential role Public Works plays in supporting Eugene's quality of life.

Requirements

• At least eight years of public agency leadership experience, including at least five years managing professional, senior-level staff.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process improvement initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, long-range financial planning, capital planning, asset management, and funding strategy development.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree is highly desired.

Qualifications

• An authentic leader who builds trust across all levels of the organization and cultivates strong partnerships with employees, colleagues, executive leadership, elected officials, community members, and external stakeholders.
• A skilled people and change leader who creates the conditions for both employees and the organization to thrive.
• A confident and decisive executive who approaches challenges with curiosity, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and ability to balance today's operational demands with tomorrow's opportunities.
• Systems-thinking mindset and a citywide perspective, recognizing the interconnected nature of infrastructure, service delivery, organizational priorities, and community expectations.
• Experience leading in a large, complex, and multi-disciplinary organization.
• Understanding of public infrastructure systems and service delivery, including experience with one or more of the following areas: transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, airport operations, parks and open spaces, engineering, maintenance, or other public works-related services.

Benefits

• The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment and values the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee.
• The City of Eugene is a home rule charter City with a council-manager form of government.
• The 2025–2027 adopted budget of $1.9 billion reflects the City’s strategic priorities, fiscal stewardship, and responsiveness to community needs.
• The City of Eugene provides a wide range of services through six departments: Central Services; Fire and Emergency Medical Services; Library, Recreation and Cultural Services; Planning and Development; Police; and Public Works.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The Executive Director, Public Works, will work a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.