Assistant Director of Planning and Public Works

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Pierce County is seeking a dedicated Assistant Director of Planning and Public Works with deep knowledge of strategic and operational planning, complex budget oversight, and the laws and regulations governing public sector operations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in process improvement and change management, and be skilled in building and leading multi-disciplinary teams, streamlining workflows, and delivering clear, high-impact messaging to internal teams, elected officials, and community stakeholders. This role involves providing direct executive team support and high-level leadership in executing the vision and mission of the department, and increasing collaboration and relationship building both internally and externally. The position is committed to building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation while fostering a workplace where employees feel valued and heard. The strategic leader will focus on continuous improvement, fostering a growth mindset, life-long learning, data-driven decision-making, consideration for customer perspectives and impacts, collaboration across large, diverse work environments, ensuring equity and inclusion, policy and guideline development, and championing process streamlining for positive change.

Requirements

Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in public sector administration, operational management, organizational development, planning, transportation, utilities management, or related field.
Three (3) years of responsible supervisory experience managing a department, division or cross-functional team.
Postsecondary education in engineering, planning, public administration, business, or closely related field.
A valid Washington State driver’s license or the ability to otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.

Nice To Haves

Deep knowledge of strategic and operational planning.
Complex budget oversight.
Knowledge of laws and regulations governing public sector operations.
Strong expertise in process improvement and change management.

Responsibilities

Provide direct executive team support and high-level leadership in executing the vision and mission of the department.
Increase collaboration and relationship building both internally and externally with elected officials, department leaders, and community partners.
Build and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
Streamline workflows.
Deliver clear, high-impact messaging to internal teams, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Focus on continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations.
Foster a growth mindset and life-long learning.
Utilize data-driven decision-making.
Consider customer perspectives and impacts.
Promote collaboration across large, diverse work environments.
Ensure equity and inclusion in all facets of work.
Develop policies and guidelines, turning ideas into action.
Champion the streamlining of processes to create positive change.