The City of Champaign is pleased to announce that the recruitment for a new Public Works Director has moved into the application phase and potential candidates can learn more about this exciting public service career opportunity by visiting champaignil.gov/pwdirector. For full consideration, applications must be received by November 5, 2021. City Manager Dorothy Ann David anticipates making a hiring decision before the end of the year.
“The Public Works Director is a critical member of my leadership team and I expect we will receive a number of applications from highly-qualified candidates who are ready to take the next step in their careers by working for the City of Champaign,” said City Manager Dorothy Ann David. “Champaign is a wonderful place in which to live, work, and raise a family, and I look forward to identifying the right individual to lead our well-respected Public Works Department. Our next Public Works Director will have the opportunity to lead a team of highly-skilled women and men as they develop new projects that will transform our community for generations to come.”
Prior to opening up the application phase, the City gathered input from the public regarding the priorities, qualities, and characteristics the City Manager should look for in its next Public Works Director. That information was reviewed and incorporated into the job recruitment profile. The City has also secured the services of Baker Tilly US, LLP, a recruitment consulting firm, to help manage a nationwide search to identify potential candidates and encourage them to apply.
Previous Public Works Director Dennis Schmidt retired from the City on July 10, 2020, after more than 16 years as Director and 23 combined years of service to the City of Champaign. The recruitment process was subsequently delayed due to a hiring freeze related to the COVID-19 pandemic. City Engineer Dave Clark has served as Acting Public Works Director since Schmidt’s retirement. Clark has announced that he will not be a candidate for the Director position.