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Department Director Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

City of Racine

Communication Director

Racine, WI · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The Communications Director holds a leadership position within the Department of Customer Service and reports directly to the Director of Customer Service/City Clerk. The position serves as the City ...

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FLORAL/DEPT LEADER

Kenosha, WI

Plan, organize, direct and control the activities of the Floral Department. * Direct the receiving, storing, pricing, and merchandising of all floral products. * Order properly to maintain adequate ...

Metro Market

FLORAL/DEPT LEADER

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

Plan, organize, direct and control the activities of the Floral Department. * Direct the receiving, storing, pricing, and merchandising of all floral products. * Order properly to maintain adequate ...

Galloway Senior Living

Executive Director

Wadsworth, IL · On-site

$105K/yr

Consults with department directors regarding the operation of their departments; assists in eliminating/correcting problem areas and/or improvement of service as necessary. * Ensures proper coverage ...

Lotus Senior Living LLC

Executive Director

Wadsworth, IL · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Consults with department directors regarding the operation of their departments; assists in eliminating/correcting problem areas and/or improvement of service as necessary. * Ensures proper coverage ...

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Department Director information

See Racine, WI salary details

$49.7K

$87.5K

$150K

How much do department director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for department director in Racine, WI is $87,482.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a department director?

Department Directors are senior leaders responsible for managing and overseeing a specific department or division within an organization. They develop strategies, set goals, and ensure that departmental operations align with the organization's overall objectives. Department Directors supervise managers and staff, allocate budgets and resources, and report on performance to executive leadership. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficiency, fostering innovation, and achieving departmental and organizational success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a department director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Department Director, you need strong leadership abilities, deep industry knowledge, and typically a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management tools, budgeting software, and compliance systems is often required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution skills enable a Department Director to effectively guide teams and influence stakeholders. These skills are crucial for driving departmental performance, aligning with organizational goals, and ensuring smooth operations.

How does a department director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

A Department Director often works closely with peers leading other departments to align strategies, share resources, and ensure initiatives support the broader organizational vision. This collaboration may involve participating in cross-functional meetings, contributing to company-wide projects, and resolving interdepartmental challenges. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are crucial, as directors need to balance their department's needs with overall company priorities. Successful collaboration helps drive efficiency, innovation, and achievement of shared objectives.

What is the difference between Department Director vs Department Manager?

AspectDepartment DirectorDepartment Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree typically required; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, high-level decision making, overseeing multiple teamsSupervising daily operations, managing staff, implementing policies
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations across various industriesPrevalent in organizations of all sizes, often reporting to Directors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, career progressionOperational responsibilities, team management

The main difference between a Department Director and a Department Manager lies in their scope and focus. Department Directors typically handle strategic planning and oversee multiple teams or divisions, while Department Managers focus on daily operations and team supervision. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but Directors usually operate at a higher strategic level within organizations.

What does a department director do?

A department director oversees the operations, staff, and strategic planning of a specific department within an organization. They set goals, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and coordinate with other departments to achieve organizational objectives. Strong leadership, communication skills, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Department jobs in Racine, WI?

The most popular types of Department jobs in Racine, WI are:

Department Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Director job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,482 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Transportation Engineering Department Director

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Terra Engineering Ltd
Civil Engineering Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Terra Engineering Ltdexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Summary/Objective

Responsible for overall department growth and performance. Ensures the Transportation department maintains coordination with other departments and alignment with Company protocols and procedures. Accountable for overall client satisfaction of the department, financial forecasting and performance, and Quality Control/Quality Assurance. Conducts strategic marketing and business development activities for the department and contributes to firm-wide strategic planning. Directs staff planning, recruiting efforts, department and staff performance and development, and conflict resolution processes.


Essential Functions

  • Oversee the department’s proposal development and interviews for a range of project sizes and types
  • Lead and direct the department’s business development and other strategic growth initiatives; actively participate in industry, networking, and professional organizations events and activities
  • Review and execute project agreements.
  • Responsible for ensuring projects and teams are equipped with appropriate resources necessary to meet contractual obligations
  • Ensure that the process for initiating projects with the accounting department is adhering to established guidelines and standards 
  • Monitor the management and engineering of projects to ensure the highest quality of documentation and professionalism, with a focus on client communication and satisfaction; proactively address deficiencies 
  • Ensure that all department personnel are properly trained and supervised
  • Provide leadership and direction to the department on client and stakeholder presentations with an emphasis on client advocacy, identifying and balancing client expectations with contractual obligations, project goals, and client satisfaction
  • Ensure projects meet Quality Control/Quality Assurance requirements
  • Monitor project financial performance and proactively coordinate with managers to ensure achievement of goals and address areas of concern
  • Oversee monthly invoicing of projects and tracking accounts’ receivables; ensure the department is responsive to all requests and direction 
  • Provide leadership and direction to the department on strategizing successful project delivery, financial performance, and risk mitigation
  • Guide and support the department in resolving issues, disputes, and disagreements affecting projects and/or internal collaboration
  • Ensure staff complete internal and external close-out processes
  • Maintain highly effective working relationships with team members and clients
  • Oversee staff performance, development, and conflicts; proactively consult with HR on situations of concern, or potential concern, or are more complex in nature 
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with all TERRA standards, guidelines, and policies 
  • Provide operating policies and procedures unique to the department to ensure activities are accomplished within scope, schedule, and budget
  • Oversee staff and resource planning, recruiting efforts, candidate selection, and onboarding
  • Create and advance the growth strategy of the department, defining goals and objectives
  • Ensure consistent thought process within the department and alignment with company values and procedures
  • Monitor and address noncompliance issues pertaining to administrative policies and procedures such as timesheet recording and submission, expense reports, purchase orders, and client coordination
  • Coordinate with other Discipline Department Directors to ensure Disciplines are coordinated
  • Perform other duties as required

 

Education/Experience 

  • B.S. in civil engineering or related field strongly preferred
  • 15+ years of applicable engineering experience
  • 10+ years in leadership/management role
  • Strong background with IDOT and Illinois Tollway projects
  • Professional Engineer Licensure required
  • Additional credentials preferred (e.g., CFM, CPESC, ENV SP, LEED AP, etc.)
  • PMP certification a plus
  • Valid driver's license required for field work


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Highly skilled in leading and guiding teams across multiple disciplines to achieve department and firm goals 
  • Expert in motivating and influencing teams to produce excellent results 
  • Adept in developing and maintaining strong and dependable client relationships 
  • Strong ability to conduct business development and project pursuit activities
  • Highly proficient in verbal and written communication
  • Working proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, and other Windows-based and engineering software 
  • Highly proficient in general documentation software such as Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Bluebeam 
  • Advanced knowledge of project management software and tools for financial management, reporting, and resource utilization
  • Strong understanding of business and operations analytics and reporting
  • Accomplished public speaker, presenter, and leader 
  • Strong understanding of industry and construction practices, methodologies, and best engineering practices and leverages that understanding to effectively lead the department
  • Excellent understanding of the differences in how individuals are motivated and can effectively adjust management and leadership style to develop and maintain a highly effective and functioning department
  • Able to conduct site visits as needed, may require a valid driver's license
  • Effectively maintains office and field health & safety requirements and protocols
  • Maintains a work schedule conducive to team collaboration and project-specific requirements

 

Physical Requirements

  • Involves sitting a considerable amount of the time, but requires the ability to inspect work and supervise project teams on a construction site or other field location
  • May exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force to move objects
  • Occasionally lifts and carries up to 30 pounds
  • Considerable time may be spent at a workstation using a computer and using various forms of communication (telephone, email, messaging, etc.)
  • Field work includes exposure to outside weather conditions and various environmental conditions depending on the site
  • Physical activities include walking and occasional stooping and crouching


This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties and/or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

Please note that sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this position.
 

About TERRA Engineering

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. was founded by Karen Steingraber and Jamil Bou-Saab in 1992, beginning their journey building strong relationships with clients. In 2000, Senior Vice President George Ghareeb joined the team and began overseeing operations in a then-newly opened office in Peoria, Illinois. Since then, TERRA has continued expanding our reach to broaden our markets and serve additional communities, adding offices in St. Louis (2011), Milwaukee (2013), and Bolingbrook, Illinois (2025).

We are proud of our 115+ employees who contribute their talent and skills to TERRA’s success. As we continue to grow, we maintain a strong focus on the development of our team members through mentorship, collaboration, and the continual refining of our collective body of knowledge. At TERRA Engineering, our mission of enhancing communities starts from within.


TERRA Provides:

  • Competitive compensation packages including bonus program, paid holidays and paid time off
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits
  • Retirement plan options with safe harbor match and profit sharing
  • Hybrid/Flexible work arrangements for most positions
  • A warm culture that is conducive to growth and professional development
  • And more!

In accordance with local law, the estimated salary range is applicable to the position and location associated with this posting. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.


The employment policy of TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is to provide equal opportunity to all persons. Our company, therefore, has made a commitment to equal employment opportunity through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  will recruit, hire, train and promote qualified individuals in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

 

Notice to Third Party Agencies

TERRA does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to TERRA in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where TERRA has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of TERRA and TERRA will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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