Deputy Director II

Deputy Director Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

The City of Portland, Oregon seeks an experienced leader for the position of Deputy Director in the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS). The Deputy Director is a member of the Bureau's Executive Leadership Team, and is responsible for strategic direction, change management, and operational effectiveness. The BPS Deputy Director performs essential high-level functions including but not limited to :

• Advance Strategy and Culture Assists the Director with strategic planning, setting bureau mission, vision, and culture. Communicates strategy, values, and goals to internal staff and partners.
• Lead Change and Improvement Directs special projects that improve efficiency and impact of our operations. Represents the bureau in citywide organizational and operational initiatives.
• Oversee Operations and Internal Services Develops and implements internal policies, programs, and practices to strengthen operations and customer service. Oversees processes for maintaining and updating bureau administrative rules. Supervises internal service teams (operations, communications, people services, finance, technical services) and liaises with centralized citywide services when applicable.
• Budget and Financial Leadership Supports the Deputy City Administrator and Director during budget development. Ensures the budget reflects program needs and that narratives are accurate. Act as a resource on fund-specific financial forecasting, in coordination with finance and program staff (PCEF and Solid Waste)
• Serve as second-in-command to the Director Supports the Director in answering questions from City executive leadership and members of City Council. Acts as the Director in their absence.
• Supports Governance and External Relations Coordinates with program staff and the Office of Government Relations on the Bureau's state and federal legislative agenda.

Ideal Candidate Profile : The ideal candidate for Deputy Director of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is an experienced and collaborative executive leader with :

About the Bureau : The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is a leader in land use planning, climate action, environmental stewardship, and urban design. BPS centers racial equity in its work and is dedicated to creating a Portland that is more equitable, healthy, prosperous, and resilient. Staff collaborate with partners on comprehensive, neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning. The bureau provides research, policy and technical services to advance sustainable economic development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau oversees a world renowned waste and recycling system, leads the U.S. in its commitment to open data and protecting communities in the application of new technologies, and manages the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.

BPS values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization. Candidates of color, those who can speak a language other than English, and those with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and diverse communities are strongly encouraged to apply. BPS considers lived experience, and transferrable skills as qualifying unless an item is labeled as required. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and the best candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We strongly encourage you to apply.

Virtual Zoom Meet & Greet Opportunity Come meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter! We'll be talking about the position duties and responsibilities, day to day life in the role, review the announcement, discuss how to apply, and answer questions you may have about the position. Wednesday, October 1 at 2 : 00 PM, PDT View Recording

Have a question? Contact Information : Tamela Ressler, Senior Recruiter Tamela.Ressler@portlandoregon.gov

To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position :

Desired Qualifications :

Although not required, you may have one or more of the following preferred qualifications :

The Recruitment Process

STEP 1 : Apply online between September 22, 2025 October 13, 2025

Required Application Materials : Cover letter, Resume, Answer the three (3) Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials : If you wish to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your veteran documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) by the recruitment's closing date.

We have recently updated our veteran preference process. If you make the eligible list and met the eligibility to receive veteran preference, you will no longer need to submit veteran documents for future recruitments.

If you need to update or remove your veteran preference for a specific recruitment or from your master profile, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Application Tips :

Step 2 : Minimum Qualification Evaluation : Week of October 13, 2025