Director of Maritime

Salary : $191,673.00 - $285,286.00 Annually
Location : Port of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 26/27 #00002
Branch: Maritime & Operations Branch
Department: Maritime Operations
Opening Date: 10/01/2026

Description

The Port of San Diego is hiring a Director of Maritime to lead its Maritime line of business. The Director will oversee commercial, operational, and administrative functions related to the Port's cargo and cruise facilities and operations, maritime industrial leaseholds, commercial fishing facilities and operations, as well as operation of the Port's public docks and piers. The ideal candidate will possess a management background in large-scale industrial maritime facilities or transportation/logistics or related operations, and a proven track record in leading collaborative, high-functioning teams from a variety of disciplines. The Director will be responsible for day-to-day operations of maritime facilities as well as short and long-term business and operations planning.

Hiring Range Negotiable Between: $191,673 - $233,841 *DOQ/DOE
Not eligible for hybrid or telecommuting work.

For first consideration, please apply by October 21, 2026.
DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Maritime Department, including maritime trade, business development, cargo and cruise terminal operations, commercial fishing facilities operations, public docks and piers operations, and maritime industrial properties oversight; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with other Port departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among Port departments and with intergovernmental agencies, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Vice President of Maritime in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Vice President of Maritime. Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Maritime Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Vice President of Maritime in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, Port functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Port Commissioners, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering the Port's goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Maritime Department programs, services, and activities, including maritime trade, business development, maritime terminal operations, and revenue generating strategies, initiatives, and projects.

• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of strategic plans, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.

• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments, as necessary.

• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns; provides guidance and direction to maritime managers and staff with regards to terminal operations, business development, and administration.

• Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology, and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.

• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine Port needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.

• Develops and implements short and long-term strategic goals that outline the mission, vision, and high-level goals for the Port of San Diego; develops and implements business development strategies and business plans for the Port's cargo, cruise, maritime industrial, and public docks business lines; oversees contract execution for maritime tenant leases, cargo, and cruise business and trade development and real estate negotiations.

• Recommends infrastructure planning and development for the Port's cargo and cruise businesses, waterfront industrial leaseholds, shipyards and ship building facilities, and public piers and docks.

• Represents the department to other Port departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.

• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

• Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Commissioners and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of maritime trade, business development, and maritime terminal operations.

• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Maritime.

• Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.

• Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.

• Ensures staff observe and comply with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.

• Principles and practices of leadership.

• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

• Principles and practices of budget administration.

• Principles and practices of contract management.

• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.

• Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.

• Functions, authority, and responsibilities of the Board of Port Commissioners.

• Principles and practices of public administration, including public policy and public relations.

• Research methods, technical writing, and analysis techniques.

• Principles, practices, and techniques involved in the operation of a large maritime facilities, including cruise and cargo terminals, shipbuilding/ship repair facilities, and public docks and piers.

• Principles and practices of strategic and long-term business and operations planning.

• Maritime business development, trade lanes, maritime commodity, and geographic markets.

• Procurement practices.

• Principles and practices of public records maintenance.

• Principles and practices of maritime/industrial real property asset management.

• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.

• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

• Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Department.

• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.

• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel and contractors; delegate authority and responsibility.

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.?

• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.

• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

• Present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in public meetings.

• Effectively communicate in critical or crisis management situations exercising tact and discretion.

• Plan, organize, and direct operations of a large, complex maritime facility, including cargo and cruise ship terminals, public piers and docks, and other maritime industrial facilities.

• Effectively represent the Port and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.

• Direct the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nautical science, public administration, transportation, business administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible project, program, or personnel management experience in the operation and maintenance of a large maritime trade facility or a related industry.

Recruitment Information
Hiring