The City of San Diego is a dynamic coastal community with more than 1.4 million residents, making it the eighth-largest city in the United States and the second-largest city in California. Known for its exceptional quality of life, diverse neighborhoods, strong economy, world-class educational institutions, and iconic natural beauty, San Diego offers an unmatched environment to live, work, and serve. With miles of beaches, thriving commercial districts, vibrant communities, and nationally recognized attractions, San Diego continues to be one of the most desirable cities in the nation. Residents value responsive public services, well-maintained infrastructure, and a local government committed to innovation, equity, and community partnership.
The City’s mission, “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City,” reflects its commitment to delivering excellent services for every San Diegan. Guided by the vision of “Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan,” the City employs nearly 13,000 dedicated employees and manages a combined Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budget of approximately $6.42 billion. The next Director of Transportation will have the opportunity to lead critical infrastructure initiatives that directly impact the daily lives of residents and shape the future of one of America’s most vibrant cities.
The Director of Transportation serves as the executive leader responsible for advancing the Department’s mission through strategic planning, operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, and exceptional customer service. This highly visible position provides leadership for one of the City’s most essential departments and ensures that transportation systems and infrastructure are effectively maintained, improved, and positioned to support the needs of San Diego’s growing communities. While experience in transportation infrastructure is desirable, the City places strong emphasis on leadership ability, communication skills, accountability, and the ability to successfully navigate complex organizational challenges. The ideal candidate will be a trusted and approachable leader who fosters collaboration, empowers employees, and balances day-to-day operational demands with long-term strategic goals. They will bring the vision and leadership necessary to advance the Transportation Department’s mission and support the continued growth and success of the City of San Diego.
The annual salary for the Director of Transportation position is $289,058; placement within this range is dependent on qualifications and experience. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms. Stacey Stevensen at (916) 784-9080.
Filing Deadline: September 20, 2026