Education
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. 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
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