Maritime Economist

Port of Portland•Portland 97218, OR

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Port of Portland is hiring a Maritime Economist. The Maritime Economist helps ensure the Port’s success in quality and reliability of data, information, knowledge, and strategy in maritime, trade, public policy, and operations. This role entails forecasting business outlook and developing strategies, using quantitative methods as well as information on plans of shippers, carriers, and others within and external to the Port. You will be responsible for managing projects and conducting analyses for Directors and Senior Managers, as well as on behalf of external partners. We offer a flexible hybrid schedule to support both work-life balance and team collaboration. This role CANNOT be performed remotely.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, Urban Planning, Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Six (6)+ years of maritime-oriented, international trade, or transportation analysis experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of global, national, and local maritime industry operations, datasets, stakeholders, and economic impacts. (Advanced)
Advanced understanding of international trade flows, transportation data sources, and analytical methodologies. (Advanced)
Expertise in handling complex, large datasets to identify industry trends and business opportunities. (Advanced)
Strong written, graphical, and oral communication skills tailored to varied audiences. (Advanced)
Working knowledge of survey methods, market research, and statistical analysis. (Intermediate)
Ability to understand numbers, determine when quantification is valid, and draw logical conclusions. (Intermediate)
Identify issues, develop alternatives, and propose solutions. (Intermediate)
Work independently across departments without detailed guidance. (Advanced)
Manage shifting priorities and multiple assignments. (Advanced)
Translate operational needs into analytical or financial contexts. (Advanced)
Organize, prioritize, and complete work accurately and on time. (Advanced)
Build relationships and collaborate across diverse groups. (Advanced)
Effectively present recommendations, strategies, and findings. (Advanced)
Anticipate internal and external customer needs and take appropriate action. (Advanced)

Responsibilities

Conduct complex research and statistical, economic, transportation, and policy analyses using appropriate, defensible data sources, methodologies, tools, and analytical contexts.
Translate complex business and policy problems into clear, compelling frameworks, narratives, and strategic recommendations.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop credible and persuasive research supporting marine operations and international trade objectives.
Serve as a subject matter expert to drive results aligned with the Port’s bottom line and strategic objectives.
Represent the Port on industry boards, panels, and technical advisory committees.
Educate internal stakeholders and external partners on maritime and international trade issues.
Represent senior managers as needed at industry, community, and customer events.
Influence national data collection and reporting standards and leverage relationships with federal and private-sector data providers.
Apply expertise to support and inform business development strategies.
Coach staff across the Port on context-sensitive research, statistical methodologies, and data analysis.
Produce reports, presentations, and communications on the maritime industry and international trade.
Monitor and forecast marine and trade activity for diverse internal and external audiences.
Prepare and deliver presentations to Port management, Commission, customers, and partners.
Regularly report findings at internal and external forums.
Develop, recommend and implement methodologies to track marine cargo data.
Collaborate with Finance and Performance & Analytics on measuring asset performance.
Track grant performance and communicate results to Directors, Executives, Commission, and elected officials.
Lead complex inter-agency maritime, transportation, and trade-related economic projects.
Manage internal and external project sponsors throughout the full project lifecycle.
Negotiate contracts, manage consultant performance, and oversee project budgets.
Ensure data quality from vendors and take corrective action when necessary.
Present project outcomes on behalf of sponsors.