Executive Director at Louisville Metro Government, KY
Louisville Metro Government, KY · Louisville, United States Of America · Onsite
- Senior
- Office in Louisville
About the Department
Louisville Metro Government is seeking a leader to serve as Executive Director of Public Works. This role provides overall leadership and operational oversight for Public Works, including the Department of Transportation, Solid Waste Management Services, and Support Services. The Executive Director is responsible for elevating our city’s quality of life by maintaining essential infrastructure and services while driving innovation through customer-focused, safe, and resilient solutions.
Summary Objective
The purpose of this position is to direct and manage the operation(s) of a department and represents the organization’s positions, initiatives and interests in multiple functional and/or operational areas or over a variety of complex divisions and/or performs limited executive level responsibilities.
This class works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.
Position Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
Represents the organization’s positions, initiatives, perspectives, and interests with other agencies and departments, community and business groups, and legislative officials (at the request of, or on behalf of the Mayor).
Cultivates, fosters and maintains positive working relationships with representatives from agencies and departments, community and business groups, and elected officials to gain their cooperation and support to further organizational or operational interests and objectives.
Provides expert advice on organizational matters to internal and external stakeholders.
Participates in and/or conducts budget and fiscal policy-setting discussions for the organization.
Collaborates and interacts with managers and/or executives, and others internal or external to the City and County to secure funds and resources for the organization, functional and/or operational area(s).
Solves funding issues by authorizing transfers of unspent funds from other sources or requesting budget supplements.
Provides financial approvals in the absence of the executive within established guidelines or limits.
Manages the budget and has fiscal oversight responsibilities for assigned area(s) and associated programs and projects (i.e., identifies budget requirements and allocates and reallocates secured resources, establishes expense limits, authorizes expenditures, and other financial activities).
Serves as a strategic advisor, suggesting short- and long-term actions, decisions or positions for executives to adopt.
Makes short and long-term precedent-setting decisions impacting multiple functional and/or operational areas.
Possesses discretion in decision-making and establishing policy for assigned area(s).
Discusses and recommends solutions to issues potentially affecting others beyond the scope of the assigned area(s) and those issues with major consequence (i.e., legal, social, or economic) with executives.
Creates strategies for the organization and/or the assigned sub-components of the organization to meet overall goals and objectives.
Maintains external awareness, monitoring conditions, trends, innovations and practices that may have implications for the organization. Incorporates systems thinking to help lead change that supports continuous improvement.
Serves as a leader to organization-wide initiatives and practices.
Makes recommendations for and participates in developing and modifying the organization’s strategic plan.
Ensures programs and projects keep to schedules and are accomplished within budget projections.
Performs related work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration or related discipline.
Ten (10) years of senior/executive level experience in municipal administration, transportation planning, public policy, engineering or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
None.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
STANDARD CLAUSES
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.
Other Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring strong communication skills and a reliable leadership style that fosters continuity of service. They will also demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
• Building and managing complex relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Exercising sound political judgment and discernment
• Navigating government procurement processes with strong problem-solving skills
• Applying knowledge and experience in risk assessment and risk management
• Bringing technical expertise in construction, project management, and engineering
• Effectively managing labor relations within a unionized workforce
• Understanding transportation and roadway funding streams, including associated timelines
• Fostering team cohesion, morale, and a positive workplace culture
• Remaining effective and results driven in high-pressure environments
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