Utilities Deputy Director

The City of Bellevue Utilities Department is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Deputy Director to help lead a dynamic team that provides high-quality drinking water, wastewater, storm and surface water, and solid waste services. This newly created position serves as a member of the Bellevue Utilities executive team and co-leads the department in achieving its strategic, operational, and financial goals.

Reporting to the Utilities Director, the Deputy Director provides direction and leadership for the Department's business and corporate functions, helping to ensure that utility services are managed for the benefit of Bellevue's ratepayers and the community as a whole. Specifically, this position provides oversight and direct supervision of the Assistant Director for the Resource Management and Customer Service Division which includes customer service and billing, budget and finance, utility rate and tax assistance, technology systems, and solid waste management. The Deputy Director also provides leadership and oversight over the following corporate functions: smart water and technology, performance management, workforce development, communications, and intergovernmental relations.

In collaboration with the Utilities Director and peer Deputy Director, the Deputy Director provides executive-level oversight on the Utilities budget and rate-making process and provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range financial plans. The Deputy Director actively collaborates in the development and implementation of key strategic initiatives and partners with staff to prepare annual workplans.

The Deputy Director establishes strong working relationships and positively represents Bellevue Utilities to the community, City Council, City Manager, other City departments, and outside agencies and serves as the liaison to the City's Environmental Services Commission. This position also represents the Department at professional and governmental meetings, citizen advisory committees, regional agencies, and to the media.

Recruitment Brochure

The Priorities

• Collaborate with the Utilities Director and peer Deputy Director to develop and implement the 2023-2029 Utilities Department strategic plan. Ensure alignment with the Capital Investment Program that supports renewal and replacement of aging infrastructure, capacity for growth, environmental preservation, and operational efficiencies.
• Serve as executive sponsor for the Smart Water Meters Program and new Customer Portal. Provide leadership to support the successful installation of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure and implementation of the Customer Information Billing System ensuring seamless integration of both systems.
• Partner with Utilities executive leadership to support a shared vision and positively contribute to the organizational health of Bellevue Utilities. Value shared leadership, foster trust, effectively communicate, and support innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on excellent customer service and cost-effective service delivery.
• Collaborate with staff to develop and further define projects that will transition the organization to monthly utility billing and lay the groundwork for the next Solid Waste contract.
• Apply an equitable, sustainable, reliable, and financial lens as the team brings reality to the initiatives listed above.
• As a member of Utilities executive leadership, actively engage and support the 2025-2026 budget development process and implementation of the 2024 budget. Provide thought leadership and effective decision-making that support Bellevue Utilities ability to continue delivering daily essentials to the community.
• Build effective partnerships with City colleagues. Collaborate and identify opportunities to share knowledge that support an integrated approach and align with the City's strategic priorities.
• Actively champion the City's ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Celebrate diversity as a strength and support Bellevue's efforts to continue growing as a culturally competent organization, city, and economy.

The Successful Candidate

The Deputy Director is a strategic systems thinker who possesses strong executive leadership skills necessary for managing in a large, complex environment. The successful candidate easily sees the big picture and long-term vision for Bellevue Utilities and uses the information to anticipate internal and external needs. With a successful track record of producing results-oriented outcomes, the Deputy Director is excited by the opportunity to successfully contribute to both the immediate and long-term needs of the utilities infrastructure.

The Deputy Director appreciates the role of public utilities and takes pride in ensuring services are safe, reliable, and affordable. A strong supporter of high-performing organizations, the Deputy Director values diversity of thought and encourages cross-departmental collaboration in support of broader organizational alignment. The ideal candidate is a natural convener and collaborator who recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels. They navigate political, community, and multi-sector relationships with ease and contribute to positive interactions with City Council, City leadership, Utilities colleagues, board and commissions, advisory committees, and regional agencies. The Deputy Director is a responsive and transparent communicator who enjoys representing the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Utilities at all times.

The successful candidate is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented leader who leverages new and innovative approaches and best practices to ensure current and future generations continue to have high-quality, essential services. With an eye toward the future, the Deputy Director stays abreast of trends and innovations in the field of utilities and public works and brings a modern perspective to projects and initiatives across the utilities. The Deputy Director multi-tasks with ease, shifting gears quickly to prioritize and balance workloads and resource needs to meet project demands. The ideal candidate easily identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements best practices to drive necessary change.

The Deputy Director embodies Bellevue's core values and embraces the City's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The successful candidate actively contributes to the organizational health of Bellevue Utilities and supports the department's positive culture. The Deputy Director is an active listener and effective communicator who believes in transparency and keeping others well informed. They are a visible leader known for actively supporting staff and removing barriers to enable success while maintaining a commitment to high-quality, customer-centered work. The Deputy Director fosters a welcoming and collaborative team environment that empowers staff to bring forward fresh ideas, develop innovative strategies, and provide creative solutions to deliver the best outcomes for customers.

Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in a management capacity within public utilities and/or public works is desired. Managerial experience in business, finance, and/or operations in a utility or related setting is essential. Prior experience as a director, high-level manager, assistant director, or equivalent position is ideal. Strong financial expertise with direct budget and accounting knowledge are essential. Excellent communication skills coupled with the ability to navigate dynamic and changing priorities are ideal.

A bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field is required. A master's degree is preferred. Any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with first review of applications beginning Monday, December 4, 2023.

For more information or questions regarding the City of Bellevue or the Utilities Deputy Director position, please contact Heather Gantz at hgantz@raftelis.com.
Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Raftelis Office at 513-221-0500 or email jsalyer@raftelis.com. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify the Search Manager before you are scheduled for an interview.Employment Type: Regular