THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The candidate selected for this position will be an exceptional leader with extensive local government management experience. He/she will possess knowledge of and exposure to all aspects of public works and have a proven history of working well with colleagues and encouraging positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.  Prior or current experience serving a highly engaged population will assist the individual selected with making a smooth transition into the role.

The new Director will exercise a sincere interest in all Public Works programs and will be recognized throughout the organization as being visible and engaged in the field operations, particularly in leading effective maintenance management practices while also managing the administrative aspects of the business. Ideal candidates will have extensive success with managing people and exhibit the ability to develop and grow staff to their fullest potential, while continuing the collaborative and coordinated culture of the Department.

The ability to perform consistently within a professional culture dominated by high expectations and unmistakable excellence is necessary to be successful as a department head in Santa Barbara. A minimum of eight years of management experience in a similar setting and a track record of embracing increasingly complex responsibility are expected.  A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is required and a Master's degree is preferred. Registration as a Professional Engineer will be considered favorably, but is not required.

In summary, qualified candidates will excel in providing executive leadership and guidance to a well-established and successful Public Works department within the City organization.  

Strengths and Attributes
In addition to the previously stated qualifications, the Director of Public Works will possess the following skill strengths and attributes:

• Strong team builder
• Collaborative, particularly across City Departments
• Creative
• Effective and transparent communicator
• Innovative
• Resilient
• Big picture thinker who is attentive to critical details
• Known for being effective and approachable
• Capable of managing numerous large-scale priorities simultaneously
• Inspiring and motivating leader
• Politically sophisticated without being political
• Uncompromising integrity
• Community oriented

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The new Public Works Director will need to address a number of opportunities and challenges that will require inspired leadership, diplomacy, collaboration, and creative problem-solving including:

• Enhance already successful Public Works services to the City through effective relationships with key City stakeholders and public engagement.
• Develop and implement succession planning throughout the Public Works organization.
• Serve as a valued member of the Executive Management Team and work effectively and collaboratively with other departments throughout the City; and
• Ensure adherence to the mission of enhancing public access to City resources, and meeting the evolving needs of the community served.