Executive Director Public Works

Executive Director, Public Works

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. This position is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the Public Works portfolio, including the Administrative, Airport, Engineering, Maintenance, Parks and Open Spaces, and Wastewater divisions.

The position ensures the effective delivery of essential public infrastructure and services that support Eugene's safety, livability, environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and long-term community goals. As a member of the City's leadership team, the Executive Director develops and implements departmental goals, policies, programs, and service strategies while ensuring alignment with City Council priorities and organizational objectives. The Executive Director provides leadership for departmental operations, capital improvement initiatives, asset management, budget development, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and service delivery.

The position works closely with the City leadership, City Council, community stakeholders, regulatory agencies, regional partners, and other departments to advance strategic initiatives, negotiate intergovernmental agreements, and address complex community and infrastructure challenges. The Executive Director, Public Works leads and develops a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The position oversees a significant operating and capital budget, directs long-range planning, evaluates organizational performance, and establishes standards to ensure efficient, effective public works services.

As the department's chief representative, the Executive Director regularly presents to the City Council, boards, commissions, community organizations, and partner agencies, and serves as a trusted advisor on public infrastructure, operational, and policy matters. The Executive Director, Public Works, is a visionary and people-centered leader who understands how to balance today's operational demands with tomorrow's opportunities. They bring a systems-thinking mindset and a citywide perspective, recognizing the interconnected nature of infrastructure, service delivery, organizational priorities, and community expectations.

An authentic leader, the Executive Director builds trust across all levels of the organization and cultivates strong partnerships with employees, colleagues, executive leadership, elected officials, community members, and external stakeholders. They are approachable, collaborative, and genuinely interested in understanding diverse perspectives. The successful candidate is a skilled people and change leader who creates the conditions for both employees and the organization to thrive.

They are committed to developing talent, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement. Rather than solving every problem themselves, they empower staff to think critically, develop solutions, and grow through experience. The Executive Director, Public Works, combines strategic leadership with humility, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to public service.

Qualifications At least eight years of public agency leadership experience, including at least five years managing professional, senior-level staff, are required. Experience leading in a large, complex, and multi-disciplinary organization is essential. Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process improvement initiatives, and strategic planning efforts is required. Strong financial acumen, including budget development, long-range financial planning, capital planning, asset management, and funding strategy development, is essential.

A broad understanding of public infrastructure systems and service…