Assistant Director, Savannah Department of Transportation in Savannah, Georgia at City of Savannah

Shape the Future of Transportation in Savannah

Savannah is entering a defining phase of growth. With increasing development, tourism, freight movement, and safety priorities, the City is investing in forward-thinking transportation leadership.

The Assistant Director of Transportation serves as a key executive leader within the Savannah Department of Transportation, helping guide how the city’s transportation network evolves over the next decade. This role provides strategic oversight of major engineering programs while supporting the long-term planning, development, and delivery of transportation infrastructure.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Transportation, the Assistant Director leads critical departmental programs including capital improvement projects, traffic safety initiatives, private development review, right-of-way permitting, construction oversight, and GIS operations.

This is an opportunity to lead complex engineering programs, influence citywide transportation strategy, and deliver projects that directly impact residents, businesses, and visitors.

In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, this position is eligible for enhanced incentives, including:
- Hiring and retention bonus up to $15,000 ($5,000 upon hire, $5,000 at six months, $5,000 at 12 months)
- Up to 40 hours of incentive leave in addition to our leave plan and 12 paid holidays.
- Relocation assistance up to $10,000
- Reimbursement of Professional Engineering License-related expenses up to $2,000

Why This Role Stands Out

• Direct influence on citywide transportation strategy
• Oversight of major infrastructure and traffic safety initiatives
• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams (CIP, traffic engineering, GIS, permitting)
• Executive visibility with City leadership and elected officials
• Potential leadership succession pathway to Senior Director

Savannah offers a unique environment where engineering leaders can see the real-world results of their work, from corridor improvements and safety enhancements to development integration and multimodal planning.

Key Responsibilities

The Assistant Director provides leadership and oversight for major transportation programs and operations, including:

• Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Private development review and coordination
• Right-of-way permitting and construction inspections
• Traffic engineering and safety improvement initiatives
• Special event traffic planning and management
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) operations

Additional responsibilities include:

• Supervising and developing engineering and technical staff
• Reviewing and approving engineering plans and specifications
• Managing consultant contracts and construction projects
• Supporting departmental budget development and financial oversight
• Establishing program goals, priorities, and operational improvements
• Providing technical guidance to developers, engineers, contractors, and the public
• Representing the department with city leadership, agencies, and community stakeholders

The Assistant Director serves as a key advisor to the Senior Director and functions as Department Head in their absence, helping guide both daily operations and long-range planning.

This position is also identified as a potential leadership succession pathway for future departmental leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
• Six (6)+ years of traffic or civil engineering management experience
• Experience supervising staff and managing engineering programs
• Georgia Professional Engineer (PE) License
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history

Additional Requirements:

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen, and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $112,095–$162,539 annually, with placement within the range based on qualifications and experience. Exceptional candidates with extensive executive or transportation leadership experience may be considered for a salary at the upper end of the range.

• Performance-based hiring and retention bonuses
• Public-sector retirement and benefits
• Professional development support

This position offers something different: stability, influence, civic impact, and long-term legacy-building in a growing coastal city.

Who Should Consider This Role

• Senior traffic or civil engineering managers ready for executive-level influence
• Public-sector engineering leaders seeking broader operational authority
• Private-sector professionals looking to transition into strategic municipal leadership
• Current traffic engineers seeking a leadership opportunity

Hiring & Retention Bonus:

• $5,000 upon hire
• $5,000 after six months
• $5,000 after 12 months