Director of Projects

Summary of Job

As Director of Projects, this position provides strategic support to the Executive Director/CEO, overseeing a special combination of technical experience in the planning, design, and construction of port projects to support movement of goods and services related to waterborne commerce.

Candidate Profile

The preferred candidate should have the ability to work well within a fast-paced environment, with tight deadlines and a multitude of projects and changing priorities. The preferred candidate should also possess high-level organizational and planning skills and the ability to set priorities, take initiative, and exercise sound independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Develops and reviews project plans, timelines, and budgets for construction and engineering.
• Oversees in-house and outsourced planning and design projects for capital and maintenance projects.
• Understands and incorporates sound safety and environmental protection principles in design and construction and fosters safety and environmental stewardship in construction projects and other Port activities.
• Coordinates with engineers, consultants, and other specialists.
• Prepares plans, specifications and bid documents for selected projects; directs and supervises production of plans, specifications and bid documents by consultants for assigned projects and ensures uniformity and consistency with standards and procedures.

Strategic Advisor

• Provide project planning guidance to the Deputy Director and Executive Director for engineering and construction projects.
• Prepares correspondence, exhibits, and presentations for Port Commission, staff, working groups, and committee meetings as needed; prepares written reports, letters, and other materials as necessary to support work activities.
• Assists with management of Port dredging with USACE and PPG.
• Assists Director of Security & Vessels development in reviewing and coordination of plans submitted by Port tenants to ensure design standards.
• Evaluates new technology and procedures and incorporates acceptable systems into Port designs.

Contract Negotiation and Compliance

• Manages engineering projects; holds engineers, designers, and contractors accountable to ensure projects are on schedule, on budget, of quality, and meet the overall needs of the Port.
• Coordinates, oversees, and reviews design.
• Participates in selection of professional services consultants and contracts.
• Reviews proposed design of projects to ensure uniformity and consistency in effort and effect.
• Reviews construction documents to ensure they are complete, comprehensive, and technically sound to provide an effective basis for construction and project completion.
• Supports the bidding process, selection of contractors, and provides technical support during construction including coordination of consultant support.
• Prepares and/or reviews contract amendments and change orders; negotiates contractor claims and corrective action measures.
• Oversees annual department facility inspections as required & assists in formulating, compiling projects for inclusion into the Annual Budget.
• Oversees 3rd party dredge material placement area licenses.
• Advocates continuous focus on workflow process improvements.
• Supervises, plans, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned personnel.
• Coaches, mentors, and evaluates performance and provides feedback to assigned personnel.
• Facilitates creative problem solving, collaboration, and productive troubleshooting among the team.

Emergency Response and Risk Management

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement emergency response plans, ensuring readiness to address potential crises and minimize operational disruptions.
• Assess and mitigate legal risks associated with Port operations, proactively identifying areas of concern, and implementing measures to enhance compliance and resilience.

Representation and Advocacy

• Represent the Port on local, state, and national committees and associations, advocating for operational interests and leveraging legal expertise to influence policy decisions and shape industry standards.
• Foster positive relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry partners, and the public, to promote the Port’s reputation and support its strategic objectives.
• Coordinates with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) local and district office staff as required.
• Assists with initiating, monitoring, or performing tasks associated with Development Department goals and objectives of the Port’s Master Plan.
• Coordinates with other Port staff and departments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) during course of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience & Job Knowledge

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in project management preferred.
• Design and project management experience on port, waterfront, construction, and navigation projects.
• Strong multi-disciplined knowledge of engineering techniques and theories.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal codes and requirements.

Technical Skills

• Skilled in the application of planning and engineering concepts.
• Ability to supervise the work of project engineers and technical staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word and Excel, Outlook, TEAMS, AutoCAD, NAVIS, and other related applications.
• Experience in contract administration and negotiation preferred.
• Strong focus on customer service.

Non-Technical Skills

• Facilitates innovative and creative problem-solving.
• Willingly accepts and provides meaningful feedback; is coachable.
• Fosters team collaboration.
• Possess a growth mindset.
• Strong critical thinking skills.

Essential Physical Job Functions

• Ability to perform essential job functions, including but not limited to frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking, or hearing, typing and occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to walk and stand on level and/or inclined, climb stairs, ramps, ladders, and work stands. Must be able to crouch, crawl, grasp/handle objects, use finger dexterity, bend elbow/knee and reach above/below shoulders.
• Ability to work in a general office environment, and on a work site with exposure to adverse weather conditions, fumes and /or air particulates, working in high precarious places, risk of electrical shock and moving mechanical parts, moderate noise levels and working at heights, ability to wear personnel protective equipment, including hard hat, steel toed footwear, eye and hearing protection when performing work functions.
• Communicating verbally, in writing and over devices such as phones and mobile phones. Ability to operate light-weight highway vehicles and standard office equipment and to work the requisite hours to fulfill position objectives, including evenings and/or weekends, as needed.

Starting Salary of $120,000.00 annually plus Benefits (health insurance, life insurance, voluntary benefits, State Parochial Retirement System and 457 plan).