The Village of Glen Ellyn is a vibrant community seeking experienced, team-oriented, and collaborative candidates for the position of Public Works Director. Join a dedicated team of over 300 employees serving this progressive community of 28,000 residents. Located 20 miles west of Chicago in DuPage County, Glen Ellyn is recognized for its excellent library, park district, top-rated schools, and the College of DuPage. The Village combines beautiful neighborhoods, open spaces, and a thriving commercial sector, including a historic downtown with diverse restaurants and specialty shops.
DESCRIPTION:
The Public Works Director is a senior executive position and a key member of the Village’s leadership team. This role is responsible for providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and executive management of the Public Works Department, which encompasses Administration/Engineering, Operations (including Water, Sewer, Streets, and Forestry), Plant Operations, Fleet Services, Facilities, and oversight of the Glenbard Wastewater Authority. The Director plays a critical role in aligning departmental priorities with Village-wide strategic initiatives, supporting a culture of service excellence, and ensuring responsive, high-quality service delivery to residents, businesses, and the broader community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide strategic and tactical leadership across all divisions of Public Works, including engineering, water and sewer utilities, streets, forestry, fleet services, and facilities.
- Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, and policies; establish service levels and performance benchmarks.
- Prepare and administer the department's annual budget, goals, and objectives, monitor expenditures and operational efficiency.
- Serve as a primary liaison to the Village Board, Capital Improvement Commission, Glenbard Wastewater Authority, and other agencies.
- Responds to emergency situations as needed; may serve in a lead role at the Emergency Operations Center or Incident Command Post specific to public works-related functions; provides coordination and support for emergency response efforts related to weather events, infrastructure issues, and other incidents, in collaboration with other departments and agencies.
- Review development plans, engineering designs, and service contracts; manage consultant relationships and major infrastructure projects.
- Oversee personnel, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and labor relations; promote team development and accountability.
- Engage with residents and community stakeholders to resolve concerns and communicate departmental initiatives.
- Foster a safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all applicable safety regulations and protocols.
- Champion the Village’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives through leadership practices and service delivery.
- Represent the Village with professionalism in intergovernmental relations and external partnerships.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
- At least seven (7) years of experience in public works, operations management, or engineering, including at least three (3) years in a managerial role; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
- ICS/NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, and 700 certifications.
- Strong working knowledge of municipal infrastructure, engineering methods, public sector budgeting, and emergency management operations.
- Demonstrated success in managing teams, union labor relations, and delivering high-quality services in a public works environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to foster collaboration and build trust.
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with evening meetings as necessary.
Ability to perform job duties in an office environment, including using standard office equipment, sitting for extended periods, and communicating effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means. Tasks may occasionally involve lifting or carrying items weighing up to 10 pounds, as well as reading printed materials and viewing digital screens.
SALARY/BENEFITS:
This is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a defined benefit retirement plan. Our comprehensive benefits package also includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life/AD&D coverage, flexible spending, transit, a 457 deferred compensation plan, paid time off, a wellness incentive program, and tuition reimbursement. Actual starting salary is negotiable, and will be dependent upon qualifications, experience, and professional achievement. The current salary range for this position is $133,811 to $187,336 (Grade W). Anticipated starting salary is +/- $160,573.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter, and employment application (click here) to applicants@glenellyn.org. Hard copies (faxed, mailed, hand-delivered) of resumes will be declined.
- Applicants must indicate (Job ID: #30-25 Public Works Director) in the subject line of their e-mail.
- Selected finalists will be required to successfully pass a comprehensive pre-employment background and reference check. The successful candidate will also be required to pass a post-offer medical exam, which will include a drug screen, as a condition of employment.
- To be considered for the first round of interviews, applications must be received by Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm. The position is open until filled. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Human Resources at 630-469-5000.
Village of Glen Ellyn www.glenellyn.org
