Director Of Public Works - Village of Skokie, IL

Director Of Public Works

The Village of Skokie, IL (68,000) - a progressive, diverse community located just north of Chicago is seeking a highly strategic and knowledgeable public works professional who thrives in a dynamic environment to join their dedicated leadership team as their next Director of Public Works. Skokie is committed to uphold the organization's core values to attract, retain, advance, and support a broadly diverse and talented workforce. With over 90 languages spoken in the Village, Skokie is known for its exceptional schools, cultural / recreational activities, highly accessible location, business friendly environment, and stable political climate.

The Public Works Department is focused on providing superior services including in the divisions of Administration, Automotive, Buildings, Civil Engineering, Flood Control, Refuse, Street and Alley, Traffic Engineering, Trees, Water and Sewer and Water Meter. The Public Work's Director position will be integral to the implementation of Skokie's Strategic Plan. Skokie has a commitment to sustainability, improved infrastructure and creative problem solving. The Village purchases water from the City of Evanston and the sanitary sewer system is operated by the Metropolitan Wastewater and Reclamation District (MWRD). This role demands adaptability and teamwork to address routine tasks and emergencies within an interdepartmental setting.

As an integral member of the City's Executive Leadership Team, the Public Works Director will be tasked to support an organizational culture that is highly responsive to the community, elected officials and regional matters. The Director of Public Works reports to the Village Manager and is responsible for a budget of approximately $15 million. The Public Works department is an ambassador for the community as it offers attentive resident services including weekly refuse collection, tree trimming, and leaf collection. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive capital improvement plan focused on enhancing the reliability of the Village's horizontal infrastructure systems, including water distribution, stormwater management, and transportation networks. The Village must complete more than 10,000 lead water service line replacements and has established a $50 million stormwater management improvement plan. The Director is charged with leading and coaching approximately 90 full time staff members.

Qualified individuals will demonstrate and be expected to have :

• A minimum of five years or more of increasing responsibility and experience in the management and leadership of a public works department is desirable.
• 3 years of experience in an executive management leadership role.
• A bachelor's degree in public administration, engineering or other directly related field; additional education, certifications or licensure is desirable (master's degree, PE, ICS, etc.).
• A command of public works operations to ensure effective supervision, innovation and execution of highly complex service provision.
• A highly effective communicator, capable of conveying complex and technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• A forward thinking individual capable of remaining deliberate and focused during emergency response scenarios.
• A collaborative, team-oriented leadership style with knowledge of and practice in modern management leadership concepts.
• A clear understanding of sustainability and resiliency planning and management; who can recommend changes to the organization in a climate of continuous culture shifts and improvements.
• Well-developed interpersonal and oral / written communication skills.
• A creative, self-starter who can readily assess and develop solutions and strategies for dealing with complex problems, public issues and community response.

Salary range is $162,617-$212,733 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. The Village offers a competitive benefit package, including medical, dental, and life insurance, membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), an optional 457 deferred compensation plan, and a generous amount of paid time off commensurate with experience.

Apply online with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by December 5, 2025, for best consideration. This position is open until filled. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Kathleen Rush, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, at Tel : 847-380-3240 x122.