Assistant Director, Waterfront Project Management Group

Port of Seattle

Seattle, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Alliance/Partner Management, Budgeting, Business Administration, Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Capital Project, Cargo/Freight, Collective Bargaining, Conferences, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Projects, Consulting, Cross-Functional, Diversity, Economic Development, Environmental Sciences, Estate Management, Funding, Healthcare, Investment Management, Leadership, Mentoring, Organizational Skills, People Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Professional Engineer, Program Control, Project Management Certification, Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Public Works, Purchasing/Procurement, Real Estate, Regulations, Retirement Plan, Risk Management, Succession Planning, Sustainability, Team Lead/Manager, Time Management, Work From Home
LOCATION
Seattle, WA
POSTED
4 days ago
Some of what you'll be doing:

As an Assistant Director, Waterfront Project Management Group, you will lead all aspects in delivering a portfolio of multiple complex programs comprised of both capital and expense projects, including management of staff and consultants, to ensure the successful delivery of the Waterfront Capital Improvement Plan.

+ You will lead, manage, and mentor multiple Capital Program Leaders and Senior Capital Project Managers who oversee staff and consultant teams delivering programs that may be highly complex, politically sensitive, subject to changing priorities, and require navigation of intricate funding structures and permitting processes.

+ You will coordinate, communicate, anticipate, and resolve problems for capital and expense programs and projects in the assigned programs with senior management, executives, and Port Commission.

+ You will identify and resolve conflicts between competing project goals (scope, schedule, budget), maritime operations, real estate portfolio management, planning, capital programs, project sponsors, and tenants. You will also work through issues related to other goals and requirements (e.g. sustainability, diversity in contracting, workforce development) on individual projects and between projects, including those not directly under the control of the Assistant Director.

+ You will partner with Waterfront Program Controls to monitor, manage, meet procedural and reporting requirements, and lead project performance to ensure internal and external customer, executive, and Port Commission expectations of scope, schedule, and budget are met or exceeded, while also meeting funding, contracting, procurement, and permitting requirements.

+ You will lead department and division efforts to improve project delivery efficiency and effectiveness through development and implementation of process improvements within Waterfront Project Management Group and across Maritime Division, Economic Development, and Corporate.

+ You will be a member of the department leadership team managing the effort to strategically staff and budget for the necessary resources, including both Port and consultant staff to deliver the Waterfront Capital Improvement Plan. You will also be responsible for the development and succession planning for staff in their assigned programs and projects.

+ You will lead programs that utilize public works alternative delivery methods such as Job-Order-Contracting (JOC), Design-Build, and/or General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM).

+ You will provide backup responsibilities as deputy to the department director for industry conferences and committees, public speaking engagements, Port-wide initiatives, and director’s out of office.

Who you are:

+ Experienced – You have eight (8) years of experience in project, program, or construction management, to include four (4) years of experience supervising staff and managing a project management function.

+ Desired – We hope you have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, business administration or environmental science. We hope you are certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), and/or Certified Construction Manager (CCM).

+ Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.

+ Proficient – You have extensive experience leading complex public waterfront design and construction projects, with expertise in project management, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and program controls. You have strong knowledge of Washington public works, maritime capital projects, alternative delivery methods (Design-Build and GC/CM), engineering and construction practices, and organizational leadership. You also have a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with terminal operators, tenants, business partners, and public stakeholders in a dynamic, politically sensitive environment.

+ Efficient Communicator – You communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively, tailoring messages to diverse audiences while maintaining strong coordination with the Department Director. You also build trusted relationships across organizations by understanding diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, expanding strategic partnerships, and developing high-performing teams.

+ Problem-Solver – You effectively resolve complex project issues at the senior management level by collaborating across Port departments and with external stakeholders, including regulatory and funding agencies, terminal operators, tenants, community groups, and joint venture partners. You also anticipate project, process, resource, and operational challenges, proactively implement solutions, and make timely, sound decisions while guiding critical issues through senior leadership and executive review.

+ Highly Organized – You are skilled in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating work of others as a second level manager and can effectively utilize and coordinate skills and resources of staff and consultants.

What else you need to know:

+ Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to work any and all assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays. You may be required to work during emergencies.

+ Work Environment - This work will take place in a hybrid/in-office setting at Management’s discretion.

+ Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.

Why you'll love it here:

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be foundon the Port of Seattle‘s website.If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

+ Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.

+ Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.

+ Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.

+ Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.

+ Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.

+ Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.

+ Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.

+ Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.

+ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.

+ Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.

+ Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle:

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here .

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic development and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity .

Location: Downtown Seattle

Organization: Waterfront Project Management

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Expires: Jul 30, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Minimum Salary: 190,784.00

Midpoint Salary: 258,119.00
Req ID: 004284
The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations and ordinances. To help comply with all state and federal requirements, we appreciate you voluntarily answering the questions below. The information on this form will be kept confidential. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/ethnicity-definitions for definitions and descriptions of the categories referenced below regarding Ethnicity and Race. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/vevraa-information for information and definitions of the categories referenced below regarding Protected Veterans status.

About the Company

P

Port of Seattle