Anywhere Salary : $128,007.78 – $176,703.63 Annually
Location : Bellevue, WA
Job Type: Regular
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 23-00021
Department: Utilities
Division: UT RMCS
Opening Date: 11/09/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Come Join the City of Bellevue!
Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the “Hiring Process” section below to learn more.
Job Summary
The City of Bellevue Utilities Department is seeking an experienced Assistant Director to lead its Resource Management and Customer Service Division. The Assistant Director is a member of the Bellevue Utilities executive team and co-leads the department in achieving its strategic, operational, and financial goals. This position oversees an annual operating budget of $190 million and is responsible for ensuring the department exercises fiscal stewardship, is positioned for long-term sustainability, customers are provided a high level of service, and technology systems are in place to support the successful operations of the department.
The Assistant Director collaborates with the Utilities Director, two Deputy Directors, and the Engineering Division and Operations and Maintenance Division Assistant Directors to plan, develop, and implement programs to achieve strategic outcomes. This position contributes to the development of department policies and recommends policy options for department and city management, and city council. Additionally, the Assistant Director oversees the development and implementation of the department’s biennial operating and capital budgets and rates and provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range financial plans.
The Assistant Director provides leadership to staff in 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. This position also provides guidance on the department’s business systems planning, implementation, and support and oversees management of the City’s collection vendor contract for garbage, recycling, and composting services.
Recruitment Brochure
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Priorities
- Partner with the Deputy Director on the Smart Water Meters Program and new Customer Portal. Support the successful installation of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure and implementation of the Customer Information Billing System ensuring seamless integration of both systems.
- 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 these initiatives.
- As a member of Utilities executive leadership, actively engage and support the 2025-2026 budget development process. Provide leadership and effective decision-making that support Bellevue Utilities ability to continue delivering daily essentials to the community.
- Oversee the implementation of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors rate assistance program. Ensure the new Customer Information Billing System allows community members to make donations in support of Bellevue Utilities rate relief programs designed for customers in need of financial assistance.
- Collaborate 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.
- 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.
- Co-lead the department as part of the Utilities Leadership Team consisting of the manager, supervisors, and independent contributors.
The Successful Candidate
The Assistant Director is a strategic thinker with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The successful candidate is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented leader who leverages new and innovative approaches to ensure current and future generations continue to have high-quality, essential services. The Assistant Director multi-tasks with ease, shifting gears quickly to prioritize and balance workloads and resource needs to meet project demands.
The Assistant Director appreciates the role of public utilities and takes pride in ensuring services are safe, reliable, and affordable. With a customer-centered lens, the Assistant Director is an active listener who values the diversity of thought and experiences of others to deliver solutions and achieve desired results. Listening, balancing, and respecting a variety of views during the decision-making process is essential. The successful candidate is a highly effective communicator who ensures clear and transparent communication throughout the organization.
With strong financial acumen, the Assistant Director will build a deep understanding of the financial needs of Bellevue Utilities in order to provide strategic and innovative solutions. The ideal candidate brings experience developing and administering modern, complex budgets and long-term financial strategies that support the financial health of the utilities. The Assistant Director demonstrates an adaptive approach to change management and places a high value on customer service.
The Assistant 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 Assistant Director brings their own set of diverse experiences that add value and perspective while complementing and supporting a highly effective and engaged team. They employ a leadership style that invites participation, supports collaboration, and gathers input from their talented Resource Management and Customer Service team.
Qualifications
Eight or more years of progressively responsible leadership and financial management experience is required. Experience with a public utility or public works environment is essential. Prior experience leading large teams is required. Strong customer service coupled with leadership experience in utility billing and rate structures is 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.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at 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 Assistant Director, Financial and Resource Management position, please contact Heather Gantz at .
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.
HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.
- Answer the Questions when requested and can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
- We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
- Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
- All positions the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
- Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
- Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.
At the City of Bellevue, you’ll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The five essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: exceptional public service, stewardship, committeed to employees, integrity, and innovation. You’ll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It’s what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.
Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office at 425-452-6838 or If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.
The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.
** Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.**
The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!
Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.
The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:
Medical
Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the City’s self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).
Dental
Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.
Vision
Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.
Retirement Plans – Employees are offered three retirement plans:
- Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
- City of Bellevue Municipal Employee’s Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
- Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.
Other benefits include:
More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Survivor Income
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
- An ORCA Card bus pass
- On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
- Career development and training programs
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Paydays – The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).
Please note that the City does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program, and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan. Any social security benefits earned at other places of employment may be reduced because they are subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset.
NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the City’s non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.