Assistant Director - Financial and Resource Management

City of Bellevue, WA

Salary : $150,439.73 - $207,598.33 Annually

Location : Bellevue, WA

Job Type: Regular

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 26-00015

Department: Utilities

Division: UT DirectorsOffice

Opening Date: 01/13/2026

Closing Date: 2/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: NONAFF

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.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

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 on-line application.

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 $246 million and is responsible for ensuring the department exercises fiscal stewardship, is positioned for long-term sustainability, customers are provided with a high level of service, and technology systems are in place to support successful department operations.

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-term 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 bill and tax assistance, and technology systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Priorities

  • As a member of Utilities executive leadership team, actively engage and support the 2027-2028 budget development process. Provide leadership and effective decision-making that support Bellevue Utilities' ability to continue delivering daily essential services to the community.
  • Partner with the Deputy Director and department staff to achieve optimal system and operational performance for the Customer Information Billing System and Customer Portal, including ongoing Advanced Metering Infrastructure implementation.
  • Develop and further define projects to effectively transition the organization from bi-monthly to monthly billing, emphasizing financial equity, sustainability, and affordability as the team moves initiatives forward to completion.
  • Partner with the Deputy Director, fiscal and solid waste teams to ensure effective procurement and implementation of the next solid waste contract.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of an enhanced Utility Bill Assistance Program, leveraging policy and process refinements as well as technology solutions to provide expanded financial assistance to customers in need.
  • Ensure Utilities' financial policies and procedures are consistent with the City's Comprehensive Financial Policies, statutory requirements, and industry-best practice.
  • 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Celebrate diversity as a strength and support Bellevue's effort 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 managers, supervisors, and independent contributors.

Qualifications

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 capable leader as well as timely and highly effective communicator, ensuring clear and transparent communication throughout the organization.

With a strong financial acumen, the Assistant Director will build a deep understanding of the financial needs of Bellevue Utilities to provide strategic and innovative solutions. The ideal candidate brings experience in 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.

All positions must complete a criminal background check as well as reference checks, including at least one prior supervisor.

Supplemental Information

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

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 Supplemental Questions when requested which 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 require 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 six 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, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. 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: The City of Bellevue 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.

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.

01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in business, finance, or a related field?

  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or above

02

How many years of experience do you have of progressively responsible leadership and financial management?

  • Less than 4 years of experience
  • 4-6 years of experience
  • 6-8 years of experience
  • 8-10 years of experience
  • 10 or more years of experience

03

Do you have experience with a public utility or public works environment?

  • Yes
  • No

04

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please describe your specific experience with a public utility or public works environment (limit response to 200 words).

05

Do you have experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams (e.g., managers, supervisors, and professional staff)?

  • Yes
  • No

06

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please describe your specific experience leading large teams (limit response to 200 words).

07

Do you have experience in customer service?

  • Yes
  • No

08

Which best describes your experience with utility billing and rate structures?

  • Extensive leadership experience (design, approval, implementation)
  • Moderate experience (oversight or significant contribution)
  • Limited experience
  • No experience

09

What is your level of experience with customer information systems (CIS) or utility billing platforms?

  • Led implementation or major system modernization
  • Oversaw system operations and enhancements
  • Used systems but did not manage them
  • No direct experience

10

Which best describes your experience serving on an executive or senior leadership team?

  • Regular member of an executive leadership team
  • Occasional participant or advisor
  • Limited exposure
  • No experience

11

Please describe your professional background, emphasizing progressive leadership and financial management experience (limit response to 200 words).

12

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

  • Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
  • No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question

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