Oregon Department of Transportation Director

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

4d•$15,834 - $24,553•Onsite

About The Position

The Governor’s Office is recruiting an experienced, collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the director for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) – one of Oregon’s largest and most consequential state agencies. This is an opportunity to lead an agency with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce who are committed to a statewide mission that touches the daily lives of every Oregonian. ODOT plans, builds, operates and maintains a multimodal transportation system that connects people and communities, supports Oregon’s economy, and moves people and commerce safely and efficiently throughout the state. As the chief executive of this award-winning agency with a $6.1 billion biennial budget, and approximately 4,800 employees working across Oregon, ODOT is a complex organization with a broad and highly visible public mission. The agency’s workforce operates in communities of all sizes—from regional offices in Oregon’s metropolitan areas to maintenance stations serving mountain passes, forests, coastal communities and the high desert. The director will be responsible for creating the conditions for this workforce to succeed while ensuring strong organizational performance, responsible stewardship of public resources and effective delivery of services. Oregon’s transportation system is essential to the state’s quality of life, economic vitality and future. As director, you will help shape that future by establishing clear strategic priorities and ensuring the effective administration of Oregon’s multimodal transportation system, providing executive leadership for the agency’s operations, programs, budget and resources, with a strong focus on accountability, performance and results. You will work closely with the governor, Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) and legislature to advance transportation priorities and implement state policy. You will build strong, productive relationships with local governments, tribes, transportation partners, federal and state agencies, industry, community organizations and other stakeholders. You will represent ODOT with credibility, transparency and accountability before elected officials, partners and the public. You will lead long-term planning and innovation to ensure Oregon’s transportation system is safe, reliable, efficient, resilient and sustainable. You will foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, continuous improvement and service throughout the organization. ODOT has a strong record of innovation and leadership, including nationally recognized programs such as OReGO. The agency also actively manages an extensive portfolio of critical infrastructure and transportation investments, including the Interstate Bridge Replacement program in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Oregon is changing, and so are the transportation needs of its residents, businesses and communities. The next director will have the opportunity to build on ODOT’s strengths while helping the agency respond to evolving expectations around safety, mobility, climate resilience, infrastructure investment, technology, fiscal stewardship and customer service. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated executive leadership experience, sound judgment and a commitment to public service. Just as important will be the ability to listen, build trust across differing perspectives, communicate clearly about difficult issues and bring people together around shared goals. This is a role for a leader who understands that transportation is about more than roads, bridges and infrastructure. It is about connecting Oregonians to jobs, education, health care, family and opportunity—and ensuring that Oregon can continue to thrive. Over 4 million people call Oregon home, and millions more visit our beautiful state each year. As director, you will establish priorities and ensure the effective administration of Oregon’s integrated, multimodal transportation system that supports our citizens and visitors. You will lead the agency in advancing its long-term vision and ensure the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of people and commerce throughout Oregon. If you are an accomplished executive who is ready to lead a complex public organization, engage Oregon’s diverse communities and partners, and make a lasting statewide impact, apply today. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

Requirements

Twelve years of management experience in a public or private organization which included responsibility for each of the following: a) development of program rules and policies, b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans, c) program evaluation, and d) budget preparation.
OR Nine years of management experience in a public or private organization which included responsibility for each of the following: a) development of program rules and policies, b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans, c) program evaluation, and d) budget preparation.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record.
Ability to listen, build trust across differing perspectives, communicate clearly about difficult issues and bring people together around shared goals.
Demonstrated executive leadership experience.
Sound judgment and a commitment to public service.

Nice To Haves

Professional license, certification or other advanced credential relevant to transportation, engineering, public administration, business, finance or other field directly related to the position.
Proven track record as an exceptional executive leader with strategic vision and the collaborative leadership skills needed to manage a complex and high-profile public agency.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust with the public and high-level stakeholders such as federal and state agencies, Oregon legislators and members of congress and executive offices.
Experience navigating complex political environments with competing priorities, fiscal constraints, and diverse stakeholder interests through thoughtful collaboration, transparency and sound judgment.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of transportation industry and the key issues, trends and challenges shaping the sector at the state and federal levels.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate a compelling vision and inspire confidence through openness, accountability and measurable results.

Responsibilities

Establishing clear strategic priorities and ensuring the effective administration of Oregon’s multimodal transportation system.
Providing executive leadership for the agency’s operations, programs, budget and resources, with a strong focus on accountability, performance and results.
Working closely with the governor, Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) and legislature to advance transportation priorities and implement state policy.
Building strong, productive relationships with local governments, tribes, transportation partners, federal and state agencies, industry, community organizations and other stakeholders.
Representing ODOT with credibility, transparency and accountability before elected officials, partners and the public.
Leading long-term planning and innovation to ensure Oregon’s transportation system is safe, reliable, efficient, resilient and sustainable.
Fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, continuous improvement and service throughout the organization.
Set the vision and direction for Oregon’s transportation system, establishing priorities that advance safety, mobility, equity, sustainability and economic vitality while aligning with state law, the governor’s priorities and the policy direction of the Oregon Transportation Commission.
Lead approximately 4,800 employees across Oregon, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and public service. Ensure the organization has the leadership, workforce, systems and resources needed to deliver results.
Oversee the safe, reliable and efficient operation, maintenance and improvement of Oregon’s multimodal transportation system, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term investments and statewide priorities.
Ensure adherence to state and federal transportation laws, regulations and policies while promoting transparency and accountability, sound governance and public trust.
Oversee development and implementation of a $6.1 billion biennial budget, steward public resources responsibly, pursue funding opportunities and ensure effective delivery of major transportation investments and capital projects.
Serve as a trusted partner to the governor, legislators and Oregon Transportation Commission, providing clear information and recommendations on complex transportation issues and working to implement state transportation policy.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, tribal, state and federal partners, community organizations, industry and the public to advance collaborative solutions and ensure diverse perspectives inform the agency’s work.
Represent ODOT before elected officials, transportation partners, the media and the public. Communicate clearly and candidly about challenges, investments, priorities, results, particularly on issues that are complex or highly visible.
Provide executive leadership during major transportation disruptions, emergencies and other critical incidents, working across agencies and with local, tribal and federal partners to protect public safety and maintain essential transportation connections.