Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DBA VIRGINIA PORT A•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

The VPA is one of four authorities in the Virginia state government responsible for increasing the state’s jobs and the tax base. The Authority is mission-empowered to carry out these responsibilities by way of an international, national, and regional/local sales/marketing program directed toward attracting, expanding, and retaining foreign and domestic importers, exporters, and ship owners to locate new offices and/or move their cargoes and vessels through the ports of Virginia to produce operating revenues at state-owned cargo terminals; toward promoting the relocation of industries to Virginia to create jobs; toward developing new markets for Virginia products shipped as cargoes; and toward retaining the current cargo base. These activities are not only vital in scope to the mission of the Authority but are also essential as they impact the long-term viability and economic well-being of the state. The Port is conducting an international search for a highly respected executive to lead and direct the broad programmatic areas of business/relationship development and growth, strategic marketing, finance, security and operations of Virginia’s seaports and the VPA-owned marine terminal facilities located in the Norfolk Harbor and inland terminal facilities in Warren County and Richmond, Virginia. Reporting to the Board of Commissioners, this individual will provide strategic vision and innovation in the physical development of facilities ensuring capacity for current and future growth; lead the Port in an efficient and financially sound manner; develop and nurture domestic and international relationships in the maritime and shipper communities; and create an atmosphere and unified culture of leadership, innovation, and empowerment amongst representation located worldwide including Virginia, New Jersey, Brazil, Korea, Hong Kong, and India. A critical component of the CEO/Executive Director role is to ensure the efficient operation of the port through Virginia International Terminals, LLC and its subsidiaries. VPA’s CEO/Executive Director will oversee officers for finance, operations, sales, marketing & growth, government affairs, marketing, economic development, port security and administration. A detailed position brief, including instructions on how to apply, please reach out to Freddy Movshovich at [email protected] [[email protected]]. The CEO/Executive Director must have demonstrated ability to be a visionary and outside-the-box thinker in growing a maritime or related organization of a similar size and complexity. A key responsibility is to further develop The Port of Virginia as the leading deep-water port of the US East Coast and economic development engine of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The ability to travel domestically and internationally and have an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures is an integral part of this position. A detailed position brief, including instructions on how to apply, please reach out to Freddy Movshovich at [email protected].

Requirements

Candidates for this role must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a focus in business administration, economics, transportation, law, or an equally related discipline
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a management function is required with broad functional and span-of-control responsibilities
To thrive in this position, one must have a strong sense for what it takes to succeed in a public sector/political environment and effectively develop relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Visionary and strategic focus
Proven track record of strong leadership necessary to make the organization’s mission a success
Strong business savvy with attention to detail
Understanding of economic development and intermodal issues
Results oriented
Customer focused in providing solutions with impact
Demonstrated commitment to continued professional growth and development
Strength in team-building and ability to train, mentor, motivate colleagues as well as younger professionals
Ability to see the big picture
Excellent interpersonal skills
Outstanding communication and presentation skills
Decisive and calm under pressure
Transparent and accountability oriented
Exhibits emotional intelligence and balanced judgment, maintaining composure and objectivity in high-stakes environments Experience in succeeding in a diverse, international environment and in partnering with a diverse Board
Possess outstanding listening skills
Industry reputation for unquestioned ethics and fair dealing

Nice To Haves

An MBA or related advanced degree is a plus.
Prior seaport/maritime experience, while highly desirable, is not an absolute requirement.

Responsibilities

Deliver the economic development and growth as established by the mission and governing laws of The Port of Virginia as supported by the VPA Board of Commissioners
Create long-term strategies and business plans aligned with the company’s mission, vision and objectives
Provide visionary leadership and guidance to all employees, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and operational & safety excellence
Develop short and long-range goals for cargo movement and port expansion to ensure Virginia’s ports are the best and most efficient in the nation
Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate challenges
Lead and motivate high-performing senior leaders and align their efforts towards achieving organizational goals
Lead the overall growth efforts of the organization with a global perspective by developing and enhancing the necessary commercial relationships with ship owners/operators, shippers, railroads, 3PLs (third-party logistics), and other entities that can add value and promote the financial success of the port and ensuring that the brand of the port is enhanced and protected
Administer the broad programmatic areas of marketing, economic development, infrastructure development, finance, operations, safety, and promotion of Virginia’s marine terminal facilities located in the Norfolk Harbor and inland terminals
Communicate clearly and effectively with the supervisory VPA Board of Commissioners
Direct the overall administration and operation of the Authority’s staff of approximately 204 personnel and provide assistance to the port’s operating company, Virginia International Terminals, LLC, and its subsidiaries of approximately 275 personnel
Oversee annual budget preparations for board approval and submission with appropriate state authorities
Direct the negotiation, preparation, and execution of all contracts and agreements entered into by the Authority and any matters under review by various legislative or regulatory bodies, both state and federal
Uphold corporate governance and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
Understand and manage the Authority’s risk profile
Act as chief communicator to the Office of the Governor of Virginia, Secretary of Transportation, other state agencies, federal government, and related maritime and development agencies, local governments, community organizations, and shippers
Maintain liaison with these officials on matters pertaining to the maritime industry to support, preserve, and enhance the important contribution of the port to the economic vitality of the state
Develop and enhance customers and customer relations around the world and in conjunction with VIT, and
Serve as a member of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Board of Directors.