Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below:- Application Opening: 09/04/2026
- Application Deadline: 09/21/2026
- Annual Compensation Range A: $228,332 - $291,330
Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt (PEX). Pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Charter, Section 10.104.6. Any person occupying a position under exempt appointment shall not be subject to civil service selection, appointment, and removal procedures. Exempt appointees are considered "at will" and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer.
Port Organizational Structure The Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer will have two key functions of equal importance. The first of these is to provide day-to-day management and tactical oversight for the Port's operating divisions.
The Port of San Francisco is comprised of eight divisions: Executive; Finance and Administration; Real Estate and Development; Maritime; Maintenance; Engineering; Planning and Environment; and the Waterfront Resilience Program. The Executive Director will retain direct management for the Executive and Finance and Administration divisions. The Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer will be charged with overseeing the work program for the operating divisions: Real Estate and Development; Maritime; Maintenance; Engineering; and Planning and Environment. The Deputy Directors for each of these divisions will be direct reports to the Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer. Because the Waterfront Resilience Program is at a key strategic point in its development as it pivots from conceptual planning to design of specific segments of the line of defense, the Executive Director and the Assistant Port Director will share management of this division for a period of time before it eventually transitions to the Assistant Port Director's operating portfolio.
For more information on each of these divisions, please see our website at: https://www.sfport.com/about/divisions-and-staff
The Executive DivisionThe second key function for the Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer is to contribute to the development and management of strategic direction for the full organization as a member of the Executive Division. The Executive Division reports directly to the Port Executive Director and includes the Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer, Communications, Government Affairs, Equity, Inclusion & Diversity, Security, Port Commission Secretary and the Port's General Counsel.
- Communications, Government Affairs and Equity, Inclusion and Diversity develop and execute strategic initiatives in each applicable area.
- Security is responsible for developing, directing, and implementing a comprehensive homeland security program for the Port and its emergency plans and procedures, in preparation for and in response to emergencies and disasters. The team is also charged with ensuring public safety along the waterfront including during major civic events.
- The Port Commission Secretary serves as Secretary to the Port Commission and Executive Assistant to the Port Executive Director. The Port Commission Secretary prepares the agenda for Commission meetings in consultation with the Port Commission President and Port Executive Director; secures all required documentation for agenda items; prepares reports for Commission meetings; compiles and maintains records of proceedings of regular Commission meetings as well as special meetings and arranges for the distribution of the same; supervises the preparation of correspondence for the Commission; ensures that Commission-directed actions are executed by the Port promptly and correctly.
- The General Counsel Team is part of San Francisco's City Attorney's Office, which provides legal consultation and advice to the Port Commission, Executive Director and staff.
Job DescriptionThe Port of San Francisco is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and strategic executive to serve as its next Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this executive-level position serves as the Port's second-in-command and provides executive oversight of the Port's Operating divisions.
As the Port's Chief Operating Officer, this position is responsible for advancing an integrated, enterprise-wide approach to managing one of the nation's most diverse waterfront portfolios. The Assistant Port Director provides strategic leadership over the Port's maritime industries, commercial real estate, waterfront development, and public-private partnerships while ensuring that business operations align with the Port's long-term financial, operational, and public policy objectives.
This executive will help shape the future of San Francisco's waterfront by integrating maritime commerce, real estate development, public access, infrastructure investment, resilience improvements and asset management into a cohesive business strategy. The successful candidate will foster collaboration across divisions, improve organizational effectiveness, identify new business opportunities, and maximize the long-term value of the Port's assets while advancing economic development, environmental stewardship, and public benefit.
Serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and Port Commission, the Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer will work closely with executive leadership, tenants, developers, elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, labor partners, and regional stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives and strengthen the Port's position as a world-class waterfront and economic engine for the City and County of San Francisco.
Key Leadership Responsibilities- Serve as the Executive Director's principal advisor on business strategy, enterprise asset management, waterfront development, maritime commerce, and organizational performance.
- Provide executive leadership and oversight of the Port's operating divisions, ensuring alignment of priorities, resources, and strategic initiatives.
- Foster collaboration across Port divisions to improve business processes, operational efficiency, customer service, and organizational effectiveness.
- Lead enterprise-wide initiatives that maximize the value of the Port's real estate and maritime assets while advancing the Port's strategic goals.
- Represent the Port before the Port Commission, elected officials, governmental agencies, industry organizations, community stakeholders, and business partners.
- Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Core Areas of OversightEnterprise Asset Management: Develop and implement comprehensive strategies that integrate maritime operations, commercial real estate, infrastructure investments, and development opportunities to maximize the long-term value of the Port's diverse asset portfolio.
Business Strategy & Portfolio Management: Identify emerging business opportunities, evaluate market conditions, develop innovative revenue strategies, and guide long-term planning to strengthen the Port's financial sustainability and competitive position.
Real Estate Development & Maritime Integration: Direct the strategic coordination of waterfront development projects, maritime operations, lease negotiations, tenant improvements, and asset management to ensure seamless project delivery from concept through long-term operation.
Organizational Leadership & Operational Excellence: Lead cross-functional teams, improve organizational effectiveness, streamline business processes, establish best practices, and promote collaboration across departments to achieve enterprise objectives.
Financial Planning & Performance Management: Provide executive oversight of business planning, budgeting, performance measurement, capital investment strategies, and return-on-investment analyses to ensure responsible stewardship of public assets.
External Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate productive relationships with tenants, developers, business organizations, labor groups, regulatory agencies, community organizations, elected officials, and regional partners to advance the Port's strategic priorities.
QualificationsEducation Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, finance, urban planning or related field is required.
Experience Six (6) years of increasingly responsible management experience in a municipality, including at least three (3) years at a Division Head or equivalent level.
License Possession of a valid California driver's license (to be presented at time of appointment). Insurability under the Port's automobile liability insurance must be maintained throughout employment.
SubstitutionEducation Substitution: Additional experience as described above may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of two years). One (1) year is equivalent to thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units.
Experience Substitution: Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, public policy, business administration, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
The Ideal CandidateThe Port of San Francisco's next Assistant Port Director/Chief Operating Officer will be an accomplished executive who understands how to balance strategic vision with operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a proven ability to lead complex organizations, align diverse business interests, and maximize the value of public assets while advancing the Port's mission as an economic engine, transportation hub, and steward of San Francisco's iconic waterfront.
The successful candidate will be an enterprise leader capable of bringing together multiple business lines, disciplines, and stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes. They will possess exceptional business acumen, political awareness, and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex public-sector environments while fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
The leader will possess:
- Executive leadership experience overseeing complex organizations with multiple operational and business functions.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational development, and enterprise asset management experience.
- Exceptional financial, business, and commercial acumen, including experience evaluating investments, maximizing asset value, and developing long-term business strategies.
- Experience leading organizational change, improving business processes, and implementing cross-functional initiatives.
- Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and consensus-building skills.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and public communication skills, including experience presenting to governing boards, elected officials, community organizations, and executive leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to develop productive partnerships with tenants, developers, governmental agencies, business organizations, labor representatives, and community stakeholders.
- A collaborative leadership style that empowers staff, builds high-performing teams, and fosters accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, political acumen, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to public service.
- A strong commitment to advancing the Port's values of equity, inclusion, transparency, and environmental stewardship.
Additionally, the
ideal candidate will be a champion of the Port's commitment to a culture of belonging and inclusion advancing Port operations and opportunities through equitable policies and practices.
VerificationPlease make sure it is clear on your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications.Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employm
