Port Director

Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience aligned with job requirements.

Primary Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of this position is to provide senior leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight of the municipality’s port and marine infrastructure including the harbor system, Marine Haul Out and Shipyard Facility, and Marine Service Center as well as coordination of seaplane base and airport terminal operations.

The Port Director directly supervises two or more employees, including the Harbormaster and the Airport Terminal Manager, and is responsible for the supervision of all department staff when delegated to other managers or supervisors. This position serves as the municipality’s primary liaison to the Port and Harbor Commission and other marine or transportation-related boards, commissions, and committees.

The Port Director is a management employee who assists and acts in a confidential capacity to the Municipal Administrator, Assembly, Municipal Attorney, and other department heads who formulates, determines, or effectuates management policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides senior leadership and administrative oversight for all operations, projects, and activities within the Port and Harbors Department, including harbor facilities, the marine haul-out and shipyard facility, the marine service center, commercial port infrastructure, and coordination of airport and seaplane base operations in collaboration with the Airport Terminal Manager.
• Directly supervises the Harbormaster and Airport Terminal Manager and holds final authority, subject to review by the Municipal Administrator, on all departmental personnel actions and disciplinary decisions. Oversees the performance of all other department staff through those in supervisory roles; assigns work, sets priorities, motivates employees, and evaluates staff performance to ensure accountability and excellence.
• Leads the preparation and implementation of strategic planning, including long-term development and capital improvement planning for port, harbor, and marine-related infrastructure. Develops and implements sustainable financing and asset management strategies that align with municipal goals.
• Manages large-scale capital and infrastructure projects while simultaneously overseeing day-to-day departmental operations to ensure compliance, effectiveness, and service continuity.
• Develops, implements, and enforces policies and procedures to ensure legal, financial, technical, and operational compliance with local ordinances and state and federal regulations related to marine and aviation operations. Coordinates with engineers, legal counsel, consultants, and permitting agencies on contracts, regulatory approvals, and risk mitigation.
• Manages the negotiation, development, execution, administration, and compliance of departmental contracts and leases, including tenant agreements and subleases within the airport terminal building, ensuring alignment with municipal code, regulatory requirements, and operational objectives.
• Prepares, recommends, and provides operational justification for the department’s annual budget to the Municipal Administrator and Assembly. Approves and monitors expenditures to ensure they remain within the parameters of the adopted budget and reflect established priorities.
• Coordinates departmental activities and resources with various municipal departments, the Assembly, community boards and commissions (including the Port and Harbor Commission), contractors, consultants, and members of the public.
• Serves as the primary liaison with marine industry stakeholders, including cruise lines, freight carriers, commercial users, and service providers, to support effective, safe, and responsible use of port and harbor facilities.
• Pursues grants, alternative funding opportunities, and partnerships to enhance infrastructure investment, expand services, and support department priorities.
• Identifies, analyzes, and resolves complex issues within the department and between departments, external agencies, and community partners. Provides guidance and answers to technical, regulatory, and operational questions.
• Advises the Municipal Administrator and Assembly on departmental matters, including legal obligations, ongoing initiatives, operational issues, and notable accomplishments.
• Responds to operational and weather-related emergencies affecting port, harbor, or airport terminal operations and represents the municipality during public events, ceremonial functions, and high-profile marine or aviation activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Port and harbor operations, shipyard management, and marine logistics
• Maritime construction and maintenance practices
• Public sector budgeting, procurement, and capital improvement planning
• FAA and TSA regulations, airport terminal operations, and seaplane base logistics
• Marine industries, including commercial fishing, freight, and cruise ship operations
• Emergency preparedness in both marine and aviation settings
• Laws and regulations applicable to marine and airport operations
• Functions of public boards, commissions, and advisory bodies

Skills in:

• Operating a personal computer using standard software, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other customized industry standard software
• Researching current best policies, procedures, and practices related to port and harbor management
• Strategic planning and coordination across departments
• Fiscal oversight and enterprise fund management
• Supervising complex, multi-modal operations and infrastructure
• Meeting facilitation, public speaking, and stakeholder communication
• Coordinating regulatory compliance with multiple agencies
• Conflict resolution and consensus building
• Grant writing and funding development

Ability to:

• Lead integrated airport and marine facility operations
• Build strong working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, regulators, other government agencies, industry partners, and the public
• Communicate technical and policy information clearly and persuasively
• Analyze operational needs and prioritize infrastructure projects
• Remain calm and decisive during emergencies
• Navigate political and regulatory environments with professionalism
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge

Minimum Qualifications & Other Job Requirements/Expectations:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; and
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in port, harbor, airport, or shipyard operations, including supervisory and administrative experience; and
• Experience working with boards, commissions, or elected officials preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work

Other Job Requirements or Expectations

• Possession of or ability to obtain within 90 days:
o Valid Alaska driver’s license
• Possession of or ability to obtain within six (6) months:
o Facility Security Officer Certification under 33 CFR 105 guidelines
o Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
o Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge
o HAZWOPER-24 certification
o First Aid/CPR certification
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend board and commission meetings or respond to emergencies
• Attendance at relevant Assembly and other public meetings as assigned

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Working Conditions:

• Duties are performed primarily in an office environment with occasional field work
• Field work includes site visits and inspections at harbor facilities, the marine haul out and shipyard facility, the marine service center, and the seaplane base
• Outdoor work may expose the employee to harsh weather conditions typical of Southeast Alaska, including rain, wind, snow, and icy surfaces
• Field sites may involve proximity to moving vessels, cranes, forklifts, heavy equipment, aircraft, water hazards, and loud noise levels
• Occasional travel may be required for training, conferences, or coordination with regional and federal partners

Specific Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand at a desk or in meetings for extended periods using a computer or other office equipment.
• Frequent physical movement required, including walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, and navigating uneven, slippery, or confined spaces such as docks, gangways, vessel decks, or mechanical rooms.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to twenty (20) pounds, with or without assistance, particularly during inspections or emergency response.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment, field radios, tablets, or handheld devices.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as high-visibility vests, safety footwear, hard hats, hearing protection, or life jackets when required at field sites.

General Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to communicate effectively with staff, contractors, and the public in person, over the phone, and via radio.
• Sufficient vision to review written documents, inspect facilities, observe hazards, and operate vehicles or equipment safely in both daylight and low-light conditions.
• Sufficient personal mobility and reflexes to respond to emergencies, climb ladders or gangways, board vessels, and move efficiently throughout port and marine environments.