Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Waste Prevention and Environmental Services Department at Metro is seeking a visionary leader for the role of Regional Facilities Planning and Development Director. In this position you will drive strategic implementation of capital infrastructure projects and programs outlined in the plan (Download PDF reader) adopted by Metro Council in March 2025.  

 The plan charts a course to invest in facilities and services that increase access to reuse, recycling and garbage services and facilities to reduce the amount of materials sent to landfill and to modernize equipment and infrastructure for efficiency and resilience. You will be responsible for overseeing the planning, financing, execution and management of large-scale infrastructure or facility improvement projects. This role requires a combination of technical, managerial, and financial skills.

In this role, you will manage a team to ensure the efficient planning, development, construction and operation of all related projects, working in close coordination with Metros’ Financial and Regulatory Services Department to plan for and issue a series of bonds to finance the infrastructure projects identified in the plan over the next 20 years.  

Your success in this role will rely heavily on building and maintaining relationships and collaborative partnerships with department staff; cross-departmental work teams; regional local governments; Oregon DEQ and other public agencies; non-governmental groups; community organizations; and business, industry and trade associations to support implementation of the plan.

As the Regional Facilities Planning and Development Director you will:

• Oversee the planning, organization, and direction of infrastructure projects outlined in the plan, including building a network of community drop-off depots throughout the region. 
• Build and lead a team that will deliver on projects in the plan, with responsibilities for hiring, promoting, transferring, assigning, evaluating performance, initiating salary actions, handling grievances, disciplining, and discharging employees. 
• Oversee project timelines, ensuring adherence to schedule and budget. 
• Work with other governments, private agencies, businesses, and citizens to identify and obtain outside approval for site plans and operational impacts, as needed.
• Inform communication strategies to include and inform stakeholders in various stages of project development.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a community and tribal engagement strategy as part of plan implementation. 
• Lead the program’s efforts to comply with Metro policy and investments in public art, green energy and sustainable design, construction workforce diversity, and diversity in contracting. 
• Manage funding, grants, and reports on project completion and success, including the development and assessment of measurable indicators of plan success. 
• Develop positive, collaborative working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and partners, Metro departments, Metro staff, appropriate local government staff, elected officials, and community organizations. 
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and performance standards to assure the efficiency and effectiveness of activities, ensuring compliance with Metro code and policies established by the Metro Council. 
• Provide executive leadership and alignment of the program with the Metro Council and Metro executive leadership team. Respond to inquiries, complaints, problems, or emergencies affecting plan implementation.

Attributes for success

• Experience planning and constructing modern garbage and recycling facilities, or similar experience overseeing development of large-scale public utility projects.
• Knowledge of construction processes, materials and methods including the ability to work with project managers, engineers and architects.
• Understand project financing options – including bonding -  and budget management; ability to assess financial feasibility of projects and provide financial reporting to leadership, including forecasting project costs, managing budgets and ensuring cost-efficiency.
• Visionary and innovative mindset to lead and motivate team members, from project managers to contractors, ensuring ongoing alignment with project goals
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and experience leading diverse teams, including the ability to lead strategically and manage effectively in a diverse and political environment. 
• Integrity and ethical behavior in handling public funds. 
• Commitment to waste reduction, materials management and resource conservation, 

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications

• Seven to ten years of specialized experience or operational management in the relevant area, including budgetary experience and direct management of professional staff, and
• A Bachelor's degree in the assigned program area or a related field, or
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.