Deputy Director of Maritime - Port of San Francisco (0953)

City and County of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

2d•$200,538 - $255,996•Onsite

About The Position

The Port of San Francisco is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Deputy Director of Maritime. This executive-level position is responsible for directing the Port's Maritime Division and advancing the Port's role as a vital economic engine, transportation hub, and steward of San Francisco's working waterfront. The Deputy Director of Maritime oversees a diverse portfolio of maritime operations and business lines, including cruise and cargo shipping, commercial and sport fishing, ferry and excursion services, ship repair, harbor services, and maritime industrial uses. The successful candidate will balance operational excellence, business development, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance while helping shape the future of the Port's maritime enterprise. This leader will serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and Port Commission, working closely with tenants, industry partners, government agencies, and community and labor stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives and strengthen the Port's competitive position in regional, national, and international maritime markets. The Deputy Director will champion innovative solutions to complex challenges, including infrastructure investment, waterfront access, maritime business attraction and retention, climate resilience, and evolving transportation and supply chain needs. Through strategic leadership and collaboration, this position will help ensure the continued vitality of San Francisco's maritime industries and waterfront economy.

Requirements

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Six (6) years of experience of port-related or maritime experience, including leading teams comprised of multiple disciplines.
Experience should include business development, assessing operational needs, enhancements to facilities, responding to government and regulatory mandates, and customer service.
All experience must include managerial role with multiple direct reports.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license (to be presented at time of appointment). Employees must be insurable under the Port’s automobile liability insurance. Insurability must be maintained throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

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.
Deep appreciation of the Port’s role as a vital economic engine for jobs and prosperity in the Bay Area.
Embrace and promote the role of being an outstanding community partner.
Verifiable and highly successful career with a record of demonstrated commercial leadership in maritime industries such as cruise and cargo shipping, transportation and logistics, or other closely related executive level positions.
Excellent communication skills – an adept public speaker with experience presenting in a public forum, business writing, and community relations.
Exceptional customer service with varied stakeholders both within the Port and externally, excluding elected officials, regulatory agencies, and port associations.
Contract negotiation and business development skills.
Creative entrepreneurship, effective leadership, business acumen, and management skills; innovative problem solver.
Ability to manage staff, provide leadership and inspire, motivate, and empower staff to achieve established goals.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with an ability to engage in dialogue at all levels of the organization with ease, confidence, and conviction.
Demonstrated leadership complimented by a high level of initiative, cultural sensitivity, creative and flexible problem-solving skills, and excellent internal and external communication skills.
Integrity, intellectual honesty, and belief in the value and necessity of equity and diversity.
Champion of the Port’s commitment to a culture of belonging and inclusion advancing Port operations and opportunities through equitable policies and practices.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director and Port Commission on maritime policy, operations, business development, and long-range planning.
Lead and develop teams responsible for maritime operations, tenant relations, business development, planning, and regulatory compliance.
Foster strong partnerships with other Port divisions, maritime tenants, industry organizations, regulatory agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Advance initiatives that promote economic vitality, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and waterfront resilience.
Direct the allocation of resources and oversee performance to achieve divisional goals and strategic priorities.
Develop and implement marketing and business attraction strategies that support growth in cargo, cruise, ferry, fishing, ship repair, and other maritime industries.
Direct and collaborate on programs that support safe, secure, and efficient maritime operations, including planning for waterfront infrastructure improvements and expansion of active vessel berths.
Oversee maritime tenancies and business relationships across the Port's maritime facilities and ensure effective management of maritime assets.
Develop annual and long-term plans, programs, and budgets; monitor performance and ensure resources are aligned with divisional objectives.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and permitting requirements related to maritime activities, environmental protection, safety, and security.
Represent the Port's interests at industry, governmental, and community forums and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the maritime sector.