Public Works Director

TOWN OF CORNELIUS • Cornelius, NC

4d • $111,000 - $143,000

About The Position

The Town of Cornelius (population 32,632) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Public Works Director to lead critical infrastructure, capital projects, and public services in the Lake Norman region.

Located just north of Charlotte along the shores of Lake Norman, Cornelius offers a unique blend of small-town character and strategic growth. This role is a rare opportunity to help guide that growth—ensuring infrastructure, services, and community assets keep pace with demand while maintaining the Town’s high quality of life.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive experience in public works; preferably with the majority of time served in municipal/county/state infrastructure; experience including utilities is preferred
• Demonstrated supervisory success leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering capital projects
• Strong knowledge of municipal operations, engineering coordination, and regulatory processes
• Strong, public-facing, customer service experience
• Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, public administration, or related field
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Strong communication skills, including public presentations and stakeholder engagement
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build trust across diverse groups
• High integrity, accountability, and attention to detail
• Organized and results-driven with strong follow-through
• Self-starter and highly motivated
• Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Applicants with previous time served in the roles of Assistant Public Works Director, Public Works Director, or any level of Town Manager role specifically overseeing Public Works will be given top consideration
• Master’s degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead a High-Impact Department
• Deliver Projects That Matter
• Oversee Core Community Services
• Steward Resources Responsibly
• Build Strong Regional Partnerships
• Support Emergency Preparedness

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with significant discounts for dependent coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1x annual salary
• Participation in the North Carolina Local Government Retirement System (LGERS)
• 5% employer contribution to 401(k)
• Access to retiree benefits after 20 years of service with the Town of Cornelius
• Paid parental leave
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Vacation leave accrual based on total years of service within NC government

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees