Port Director

Thank you for considering employment with the City and Borough of Sitka. The following information is provided to give potential applicants awareness regarding the job.

If a range of pay is advertised, starting pay dependent on experience and qualifications aligned with job requirements.

## Primary Purpose of Job and Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Primary Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of this position is to provide senior leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight of the municipalitys 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 municipalitys 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-relatedinfrastructure. 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 departments 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, i cluding 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, and 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 und