Description
The Position
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.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for the Executive Director, Public Works is $179,296 - $216,590. The City of Eugene is committed to supporting employee well-being through a holistic approach that recognizes the connection between work, home, and community life. Because well-being extends beyond the workplace, the City offers a variety of programs, resources, and benefits designed to support employees both professionally and personally. For more information about benefits, visit: Benefits at a Glance.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by July 26, 2026.
Requirements
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 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, is ideal.
A bachelor's degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree is highly desired. Any combination of experience and training that is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities qualifies.
The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Residency Requirement: The City charter requires the Executive Director, Public Works, to live within the Eugene city limits during their employment.
