Managing Director, Economic Development

Some of what you'll be doing :

This position is considered critical and essential, at-will, and is appointed by the Executive Director.

The Port of Seattle is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader for its Managing Director, Economic Development position. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Managing Director, Economic Development drives economic development activities at the Port of Seattle to maximize opportunities available to the Port as provided by Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 53 while making Seattle’s gateways for international travel and commerce competitive and successful.

Supports Port of Seattle's growth and enables the attainment of Port goals and strategies through strategic real estate development, innovative economic development activities, and strategic partnerships regionally, nationally, and internationally, including a partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance.

Leads efforts to collaborate within Washington state and between cities within King County on business attraction strategies that support Port development.

Directs efforts to expand opportunity equitably through a focus on expanding Diversity in Contracting. Participates as a member of the Port's executive team and serves as an executive sponsor for actions that expand economic opportunity.

The Managing Director, Economic Development will provide exemplary leadership to the organization in advising the Executive Director on Economic Development efforts.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Set a vision : Envision and demonstrate the potential for economic development efforts tied to strategies across operating divisions, equity, and sustainability in partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
• Expand economic opportunity : Proactively explore and create initiatives, programs, and development opportunities to expand Port's economic activity and future business strategies.
• Develop real estate : Lead real estate development efforts and strategies on Port properties in partnership with operating divisions and Northwest Seaport Alliance leaders.
• Acquire real estate : Identify available properties that may be acquired and developed for use consistent with Port strategies, assess the potential impact, and make recommendations to purchase appropriate additional properties for the Port's real estate portfolio.
• Northwest Seaport Alliance : Support business development and operational objectives of the Northwest Seaport Alliance through real estate development projects.
• Partnerships : Develop strategic partnership opportunities that expand economic activity and economic opportunity. Work in alignment with Maritime and Aviation divisions, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and External Relations.

Include partnerships based on funding opportunities, in-kind partnerships, initiatives, or development opportunities.

Who you are :

This position is open until filled. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you are considered for this position.

Candidates selected for interview will be contacted by Jorgenson Consulting.

For consideration, please submit a résumé and cover letter to Todd Jorgenson at

Experience : Ten (10) years of economic development experience leading an organization’s economic development activities and directing economic development strategy, including experience in one of the following topical areas : economic development, real estate development, real estate management, tourism, small business development, and / or innovation.

Five (5) years of senior leadership experience managing economic development functions.

What else you need to know :

Work Schedule Your normal work schedule will be Monday Friday, 8 : 00 : 00 (40 hours per week). You may be required to work any and all assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays.

You may be required to work during emergencies.

• Work Environment This work will take place in a hybrid / in-office setting at Management’s discretion.
• Washington State Residency Requirement Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle.

If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.

Security Requirements As the successful candidate, you will / must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a

Why you'll love it here :

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port s mission.

In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Paid Sick Leave At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension / Retirement Plans A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
• Parental Leave Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees regardless of race, gender, and other identities succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle :

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world.

With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more .

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region.

Find out more about how RAISE us up and our .