Oregon Department of Transportation Director

State of Oregon; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays a year

Flexible work schedules

Paid leave

Job summary

State of Oregon seeks an experienced, collaborative leader to serve as the director for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The role requires executive leadership to advance safety, mobility and economic vitality across Oregon’s multimodal transportation system.

The director will shape strategy, oversee operations, programs, and resources, and work with the governor, OTC and legislature to deliver measurable results while upholding public trust and accountability.

Qualifications

• Requires proven executive leadership with strategic vision and the ability to drive results.
• Strong collaboration with the governor, OTC, and legislature is essential.
• Experience guiding a large, complex public agency with accountability and governance.

Responsibilities

• Set vision and direction for Oregon’s multimodal transportation system.
• Lead ~4,800 employees with focus on accountability and performance.
• Oversee budget development and implementation of a $6.1 billion biennial plan.
• Represent the agency with elected officials, partners and the public.
• Build strong relationships with local, tribal, state and federal partners.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic vision

Stakeholder relations

Public administration

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

The role

The Governor’s Office is recruiting an experienced, collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the director for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) - one of Oregon’s largest and most consequential state agencies. This is an opportunity to lead an agency with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce who are committed to a statewide mission that touches the daily lives of every Oregonian. ODOT plans, builds, operates and maintains a multimodal transportation system that connects people and communities, supports Oregon’s economy, and moves people and commerce safely and efficiently throughout the state. As the chief executive of this award-winning agency with a $6.1 billion biennial budget, and approximately 4,800 employees working across Oregon, ODOT is a complex organization with a broad and highly visible public mission. The agency’s workforce operates in communities of all sizes - from regional offices in Oregon’s metropolitan areas to maintenance stations serving mountain passes, forests, coastal communities and the high desert. The director will be responsible for creating the conditions for this workforce to succeed while ensuring strong organizational performance, responsible stewardship of public resources and effective delivery of services.

A Leadership Opportunity with Statewide Impact

Oregon’s transportation system is essential to the state’s quality of life, economic vitality and future. As director, you will help shape that future by: establishing clear strategic priorities and ensuring the effective administration of Oregon’s multimodal transportation system. providing executive leadership for the agency’s operations, programs, budget and resources, with a strong focus on accountability, performance and results. working closely with the governor, Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) and legislature to advance transportation priorities and implement state policy. building strong, productive relationships with local governments, tribes, transportation partners, federal and state agencies, industry, community organizations and other stakeholders. representing ODOT with credibility, transparency and accountability before elected officials, partners and the public. leading long-term planning and innovation to ensure Oregon’s transportation system is safe, reliable, efficient, resilient and sustainable. fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, continuous improvement and service throughout the organization.

Lead ODOT into Its Next Chapter

Oregon is changing, and so are the transportation needs of its residents, businesses and communities. The next director will have the opportunity to build on ODOT’s strengths while helping the agency respond to evolving expectations around safety, mobility, climate resilience, infrastructure investment, technology, fiscal stewardship and customer service. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated executive leadership experience, sound judgment and a commitment to public service. Just as important will be the ability to listen, build trust across differing perspectives, communicate clearly about difficult issues and bring people together around shared goals. This is a role for a leader who understands that transportation is about more than roads, bridges and infrastructure. It is about connecting OREGONIAN to jobs, education, health care, family and opportunity - and ensuring that Oregon can continue to thrive. Over 4 million people call Oregon home, and millions more visit our beautiful state each year. As director, you will establish priorities and ensure the effective administration of Oregon’s integrated, multimodal transportation system that supports our citizens and visitors. You will lead the agency in advancing its long-term vision and ensure the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of people and commerce throughout Oregon.

Minimum qualifications

• Twelve years of management experience in a public or private organization which included responsibility for each of the following: a) development of program rules and policies, b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans, c) program evaluation, and d) budget preparation.
• Nine years of management experience in a public or private organization which included responsibility for each of the following: a) development of program rules and policies, b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans, c) program evaluation, and d) budget preparation.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Special qualifications

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What we’d like to see

• Professional license, certification or other advanced credential relevant to transportation, engineering, public administration, business, finance or other field directly related to the position.
• Proven track record as an exceptional executive leader with strategic vision and the collaborative leadership skills needed to manage a complex and high-profile public agency.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust with the public and high-level stakeholders such as federal and state agencies, Oregon legislators and members of congress and executive offices.
• Experience navigating complex political environments with competing priorities, fiscal constraints, and diverse stakeholder interests through thoughtful collaboration, transparency and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of transportation industry and the key issues, trends and challenges shaping the sector at the state and federal levels.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate a compelling vision and inspire confidence through openness, accountability and measurable results.

What’s in it for you

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more.
• Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range.
• Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!
• Salary Range: $15,834 - $24,553

A day in the life

• Strategic Leadership – Set the vision and direction for Oregon’s transportation system, establishing priorities that advance safety, mobility, equity, sustainability and economic vitality while aligning with state law, the governor’s priorities and the policy direction of the Oregon Transportation Commission.
• Organizational Leadership and Performance – Lead approximately 4,800 employees across Oregon, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and public service. Ensure the organization has the leadership, workforce, systems and resources needed to deliver results.
• Transportation System Leadership – Oversee the safe, reliable and efficient operation, maintenance and improvement of Oregon’s multimodal transportation system, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term investments and statewide priorities.
• Policy and Compliance Oversight – Ensure adherence to state and federal transportation laws, regulations and policies while promoting transparency and accountability, sound governance and public trust.
• Budget and Resource Management – Oversee development and implementation of a $6.1 billion biennial budget, steward public resources responsibly, pursue funding opportunities and ensure effective delivery of major transportation investments and capital projects.
• Legislative and Government Relations – Serve as a trusted partner to the governor, legislators and Oregon Transportation Commission, providing clear information and recommendations on complex transportation issues and working to implement state transportation policy.
• Community Partners Engagement – Build and maintain strong relationships with local, tribal, state and federal partners, community organizations, industry and the public to advance collaborative solutions and ensure diverse perspectives inform the agency’s work.
• Communication and Public Leadership – Represent ODOT before elected officials, transportation partners, the media and the public. Communicate clearly and candidly about challenges, investments, priorities, results, particularly on issues that are complex or highly visible.
• Emergency and Critical Incident Leadership – Provide executive leadership during major transportation disruptions, emergencies and other critical incidents, working across agencies and with local, tribal and federal partners to protect public safety and maintain essential transportation connections.

We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions. Our first application screening is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying. Before applying, visit the Oregon Job Opportunities website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”