ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – PUBLIC WORKS (EXE LEV) – Chief of Staff-Houston Public Works-The City of Houston

Salary

$165,000.00 - $227,864.00 Annually

Location 

Houston

Job Type

Executive Level

Job Number

34696

Department

Houston Public Works

Division

Director's Office

Opening Date

08/11/2024

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

PN# 34696 Assistant Director - Public Works (Exe Lev) - Chief of Staff

Houston Public Works Department | Director's Office 

611 Walker St., Houston, TX 77002

Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm*
*Subject to changeSenior Assistant Director – Chief of Staff

Overview
The Houston Public Works Department (HPW) is the largest and most diverse public works organization in the country. The department is responsible for streets, drainage, producing and distributing water, collecting and treating wastewater, and permitting and regulation of construction. Accredited by the American Public Works Association, our over 4,000 dedicated public servants work together to create a strong foundation for Houston to thrive.

To continue this trajectory, we’re searching for a highly qualified chief of staff to work closely with our executive team. From Day 1, this person will have an immediate impact on our productivity by streamlining strategic initiatives, overseeing program management, and communicating objectives to departments. The ideal candidate will have proven success in a business management role, with a special focus on executive-level advising and interdepartmental collaboration.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
An ideal candidate will be a progressive, collaborative leader who has a customer-centric perspective.  A self-starter who is technology savvy and possesses strong oral and written communication skills and analytical aptitude to meet the immediate and long-range needs of the organization and service lines.

As the Chief of Staff, you will oversee strategic business initiatives, from development through successful execution, under the guidance of senior leadership. Assist and communicate with both departmental and external City of Houston executives in decision-making, program management, and initiative implementation.  Review, design, and execute improvements to organizational structure; find knowledge and skills gaps and help address them.  Improve current processes and optimize organizational procedures for efficiency and productivity.

Key Priorities align with the Department’s core values including, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Planning:
  • Lead and collaborate with City/Department coalitions on efforts to improve and streamline processes
  • Implement, measure, and assess key performance indicators
  • Assist in planning, coordination, and execution of business initiatives
• Continuous Improvement: 
• Serve as liaison with staff, executives and senior leaders regarding department climate, employee well-being, project updates, proposals, and planning
• Serve as a subject-matter expert, handling inquiries, developing action plans, and assisting with preparation and dissemination of communications
• Internal Operations:
  • Develop, implement, and assess internal controls and operations to align with strategic goals and streamlined processes
  • Assist the human resources department with new hires, including documentation and onboarding, and collaborate to address and resolve all employee concerns
  • Develop and build on relationships with all employees for increased efficiency and responsiveness of existing operations, and help define new operational strategies by working with other executives on special projects
• Problem Solving:
  • Track and respond to all important actionable items for handling and review
  • Direct, manage, and conduct special and ad hoc information requests. Reports results of findings to immediate, middle, and senior management.
• Communication & Representation: 
  • Work closely with each service line on committees and internal/external meetings to maintain efficient and effective progress toward goals and objectives
  • Participate, facilitate, and interpret operating results that include, but are not limited to, budget goals, cost reduction efforts, department initiatives and other identified opportunities for improvement

WORKING CONDITIONS 

This is not a remote working position. The office environment is physically comfortable and has no major sources of discomfort; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are occasional periods of stooping, bending, and be able to lift 40 pounds.
 
This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL
Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline would normally be obtained through a formal 4-year degree from a college or university and a professional certification/licensing is required.

EXPERIENCE
More than ten years of experience is required.

PREFERENCES

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in business administration or similar field
• Experience in data analysis and budget management
• Consulting experience, with a focus on operations management
• Proven success in a project coordination role
• Nimble business mind, focused on developing creative solutions
• Strong project-reporting skills, with focus on interdepartmental communications
• Seven or more years of experience in local government, business management or executive role
• Experience in organizing and directing multiple teams and departments
• Experience in planning and leading strategic initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Versatile abilities and extreme dedication to efficient productivity

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
None; however, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.
 
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION        Yes        
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
SALARY INFORMATION                     
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.  
 
Pay Grade 34
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
 
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6027.
 
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6027. (TTY 7-1-1)
 
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
 
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
 
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
 
EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.