Director of Public Works (Department Director)

Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule

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Full-time position available with the Public Works Department – Director's Office

Location: 414 E 12th St

Salary: $12,389-$27,500 per month

Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (On Call)

Application Deadline: July 20, 2026

About the Public Works Department

At Kansas City Public Works, we keep the city moving. Our department manages the infrastructure residents rely on every day; from streets, sidewalks, streetlights, and traffic signals to major capital improvement projects that shape the city's future. We also oversee waste services and drive initiatives that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life across Kansas City neighborhoods. Every project we take on supports one goal: a well-maintained, sustainable city that works for everyone who lives, works, and travels here.

Click here for more about this department

Responsibilities

Director of Public Works

Appointed by the City Manager and reporting directly to the Assistant City Manager for Infrastructure, the Director of Public Works will provide strategic leadership and vision to services provided by the Public Works Department. In conjunction with the City Manager, the Director will:

Provide vision and direction to approximately 550 employees.

Direct and supervise day to day critical operations necessary for the basic function of the City, including street maintenance and operations, snow management, and all transportation and mobility functions.

Work closely with the City Manager’s Office and City Council on policy initiatives, including presenting information related to Public Works, and ensure all city policies are adhered to.

Actively manage a $284M operating budget. Make strategic budget requests to fulfill City expectations, policies and advance the Public Works vision.

Direct the preparation and execution of the Public Works Capital Improvement Program ($295 M / 5 years)

Hire, and retain talent at multiple levels within the organization, ensuring a stable workforce, investing in succession planning, employee cultivation, and leadership training. Coach, support and assess managers in achieving organizational and professional improvement goals; identify and implement measures of success and accountability.

Communicate regularly with staff, policymakers and the public, through in-person meetings, community forums and other venues. Ensure that the Department of Public Works has tools and strategies for obtaining feedback and input from all residents and businesses and ensure the delivery of services.

Ensure that public works projects are administered in a manner consistent with local, state and federal laws and regulations. Ensure that the infrastructure is well maintained and contributes positively to the health, welfare and prosperity of residents, businesses and visitors.

Work is performed in both office and field environments.

The position requires attendance at evening meetings, including Council meetings, community meetings, emergency response activities, and special events as needed.

The Director must be available to respond to urgent operational matters, severe weather events, infrastructure emergencies, and other time-sensitive public works issues outside of normal business hours.

The ideal candidate is a strong, visionary leader who understands the value of creating effective work teams, builds employee relationships, and leads by example to drive organizational success. Leadership characteristics include:

Good knowledge of public works infrastructure programs, organization, policies and procedures.

Strategic leadership and systems thinking.

Public service orientation and resident centered service delivery.

Collaboration across departments, agencies and community partners.

Labor-management collaborations and workforce development.

Fiscal stewardship and resource management.

Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, collective bargaining agreements, technical standards, and administrative procedures.

Ability to communicate clearly and credibly with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, labor representatives, residents, media, contractors, developers, and regional partners.

Ability to manage complex operational, political, financial, regulatory, and community issues with sound judgment and professionalism.

Strong knowledge of public works administration, municipal infrastructure, transportation systems, capital project delivery, asset management, field operations, and municipal service delivery.

Knowledge of transportation planning, traffic engineering, transit (bus and streetcar) management, street maintenance, right-of-way management, Vision Zero strategies, construction management, emergency operations, and public infrastructure maintenance.

Knowledge of public budgeting, procurement, contract administration, capital improvement planning, grant management, and performance management.

Knowledge of technology and management of major engineering initiatives, especially in an urban environment.

Knowledge of revenue enhancing opportunities and funding sources in the public works field, including grant funding and other revenue generating efforts, and of the processes and of the laws and regulations which impact public sector public works operations.

Considerable knowledge of modern management and supervision combined with strong planning and organizing skills.

Proven ability to manage change in a large, complex organization.

Ability to lead and manage a diverse work group and establish and maintain a respectful work environment.

Ability to manage large, multi-faceted budgets.

Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Good creative and analytical skills.

Excellent intergovernmental relations skills.

Qualifications

REQUIRES

Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, engineering, construction management, or transportation planning and

Seven (7) years of experience in public works, infrastructure, transportation, engineering, municipal operations, or urban planning experience and

Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory/management/executive experience in a midsized to large, complex organization environment, responsibility for budgets, personnel, operations, and strategic planning

Or an equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience.

Ability to pass background check as prescribed by the City

Preference given to candidates with

A master’s degree in public administration, business administration, civil engineering, urban planning, transportation planning, or a related field.

Professional Engineer license or other relevant professional certification.

Experience serving in a senior leadership role within a large municipal, county, regional, or state public works, transportation, engineering, or infrastructure organization.

Experience working in a unionized public-sector environment.

Experience managing major capital improvement programs, bond-funded infrastructure programs, transit service contracts, federal or state grants, and large-scale construction projects.

Experience with asset management systems, pavement management systems, work order systems, performance dashboards, Vision Zero implementation, and data-informed service delivery.

Experience presenting to elected officials, boards, commissions, neighborhood groups, media, and community stakeholders.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us – Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off

Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays—with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning

City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life’s Big Moments

Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance

Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses—invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection

Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided

City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave

Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?

Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City’s Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.

Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans’ points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during “wartime” and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code § 4211).