Home Jobs Executive Director - Public Works
Back to Jobs

Executive Director - Public Works - Job Opportunity at El Paso County

Colorado Springs, United States
Full-time
Executive
Posted: May 11, 2025
On-site
USD 185,000 - 210,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package typical of senior government positions
Public service retirement system benefits
Healthcare coverage
Professional development opportunities
Work-life balance with standard government holidays

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership of Public Works Department including Highway, Fleet, Engineering, and Resource Management divisions
Fiscal oversight and budget management of department operations
Development and execution of infrastructure and public works strategies
Stakeholder management including Board of County Commissioners, CDOT, and community groups
Policy development and implementation for public works operations
Staff leadership and organizational development

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Experience

Five years of demonstrated managerial and administrative leadership experience AND Five years of public works, construction, project management, or related experience

Required Skills

Federal Grant management expertise Research and statistical analysis capabilities Public works operations knowledge Business management and planning Legal and regulatory compliance Change management Problem-solving and analysis Leadership and organizational management Communication skills Stakeholder relationship management

Certifications

Valid driver's license required Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Infrastructure modernization initiatives are driving increased demand for public works leadership, particularly in rapidly growing regions like Colorado Springs Sustainability and climate resilience are becoming critical factors in public works planning and execution Digital transformation of public works operations through smart city technologies and data-driven decision making is reshaping the field Growing emphasis on public-private partnerships and alternative funding models for infrastructure projects

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $185,000-$210,000 is competitive for a public sector executive role in this region, falling within the 75th percentile for similar positions. Private sector equivalents typically range from $200,000-$300,000.

Role Significance

Likely oversight of 100+ employees across multiple divisions with an annual budget in the tens of millions
C-suite equivalent position reporting directly to County leadership, with significant influence over regional infrastructure development and public service delivery

Key Projects

Major transportation infrastructure development and maintenance programs Emergency response and disaster preparedness initiatives Long-term capital improvement planning and execution Sustainability and environmental compliance programs Intergovernmental collaboration projects

Success Factors

Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships Proven track record of managing large-scale infrastructure projects and budgets Experience with federal and state funding mechanisms and compliance requirements Strategic vision for infrastructure development and public service delivery Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and modernization efforts

Market Demand

High demand position due to infrastructure spending increases, retirement wave in public sector leadership, and growing complexity of urban development challenges

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Infrastructure Planning and Management: Essential for developing and maintaining county-wide systems Financial Management: Critical for handling large public budgets and securing funding Stakeholder Communication: Vital for managing diverse constituent interests Technical Knowledge: Necessary for overseeing complex infrastructure projects Leadership: Crucial for directing large teams and managing change

Beneficial Skills

Smart City Technology Knowledge: Important for future infrastructure planning Sustainability Expertise: Valuable for environmental compliance and green initiatives Grant Writing: Helpful for securing additional funding Emergency Management: Useful for disaster response coordination Public-Private Partnership Experience: Beneficial for alternative project delivery

Unique Aspects

Role combines traditional public works leadership with modern infrastructure challenges in a rapidly growing region
Position offers significant influence over regional development in one of Colorado's most dynamic areas
Opportunity to shape long-term infrastructure strategy for a major metropolitan region
Balance of technical expertise and political acumen required

Career Growth

Typical tenure in this role is 5-7 years, with progression to larger jurisdictions or higher-level government positions possible within that timeframe

Potential Next Roles

City Manager/County Administrator Regional Infrastructure Director State-level Public Works Executive Private Sector Infrastructure Executive Consulting Practice Leader

Company Overview

El Paso County

El Paso County is one of Colorado's largest and fastest-growing counties, serving a population of over 730,000 residents

Leading regional government entity with significant influence on infrastructure development in the Pikes Peak region
Major employer in Colorado Springs metro area with substantial impact on regional economic development
Professional government environment with emphasis on public service, accountability, and community engagement
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.