Career Center

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Commission Relations

Port of Olympia

Olympia, Washington

Salary:  $104,481 - $156,720

Headquartered in Olympia, Washington, the Port of Olympia serves the Thurston County community in a variety of ways, leading and participating in many of the area’s economic development efforts. Olympia is the state capital, the Thurston County seat, and is the southern gateway to Puget Sound’s metropolitan region. It is home to a wide variety of industries, including state government, health care, retail, military, education, construction, farming, fishing, and logging, and has an active arts community. With an economic engine fueled to a great extent by state government, as well as three higher education institutions, Olympia enjoys the benefits of a stable workforce, an engaged and educated community, and a well-supported school system.

The Port of Olympia is currently governed by three elected commissioners who appoint the Port’s Executive Director. The Port operates with 49 FTEs utilizing 2023 budgeted operating revenues of $15,889,591 and a capital budget of $2,571,576. The Port’s departments and business units include Operations (Marine Terminal, Airport, Swantown Marina & Boatworks, and Maintenance), Business Development & Real Estate, Executive Services (Communications, Marketing & Government Affairs, and Planning & Environmental), Human Resources & Administrative Services, Finance & Contracting, and the newly formed Strategic Initiatives & Commission Relations.

In consultation with the Executive Director, the Director of Strategic Initiatives & Commission Relations coordinates and monitors the implementation of the Port’s Strategic Plan, oversees selected priority projects, and provides policy analysis and research in support of the Port Commission as directed by the Executive Director. This position monitors Commission and Leadership meetings to ensure timely and effective follow-up, and provides guidance and direction to the Executive Director and other department directors to ensure deliverables support the Port’s Strategic Plan. As a part of the Executive Team, this position works to ensure that the goals set forth in the Strategic Plan are met. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position assists with the implementation of Port Commission priorities, as well as the day-to-day administration and operations of Commission functions. Major responsibilities include coordinating the execution of strategic initiatives, consulting with and advising the Executive Director on policy matters, and enacting complex policies and programs to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Port.

Education & experience: A bachelor’s degree is required, with an emphasis in general business, finance, and transportation; marketing or international trade preferred. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree. Ten (10) years of progressive leadership level experience is required. Experience in the maritime/port or public sector is preferred. Experience must include extensive management of a department, unit, or team.

For a complete position profile, full job description, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The Port of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by April 2, 2023. (Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as submitted.)