Director, Waterfront Project Management

About the Role

The Director of Waterfront Project Management is accountable for delivering the capital improvement programs of the Maritime Division and the Northwest Seaport Alliance. This role provides leadership, management, and strategic direction for the project management department while offering technical expertise to executives, elected officials, project sponsors, and internal and external technical staff. You will support the core leadership teams of both the NWSA and the Port of Seattle operating divisions, providing strategic oversight and supervising teams of project managers, program leaders, and technical staff to achieve departmental goals. Creating an environment that reflects the Port’s values, you will motivate and inspire department personnel. Key duties include balancing workloads, staffing resources, and anticipating operational requirements in a timely manner to meet the organization’s needs. You will also develop, execute, and monitor the department’s operating budget. Staff development is a priority; you will select, promote, and invest in employees by offering training, performance reviews, and extensive mentorship opportunities. Clear and high‑quality communication—through memoranda and presentations—will be maintained with sponsors, managers, executives, and the Commission. The role requires monitoring and managing program performance to ensure that scope, schedule, and budget expectations are met while complying with funding, contracting, regulatory, permitting, operations, customer service, security, and Port policy objectives. You will also guide design, construction, and project‑management technical and policy issues, coordinating with consulting firms, contractors, and governmental agencies. Improving project delivery efficiency across the Port of Seattle and NWSA is a central focus, achieved through the development and implementation of process improvements. The Director will be an integral member of the Maritime Division’s leadership team, influencing strategic direction and change. • Deliver capital improvement programs for the Maritime Division and Northwest Seaport Alliance. • Lead, manage, and provide strategic guidance to the project management department. • Supervise teams of project managers, program leaders, and technical staff. • Balance workloads, allocate resources, and anticipate operational staffing needs. • Develop staff through training, performance reviews, and mentorship. • Create and manage the departmental operating budget. • Coordinate communication with sponsors, executives, and the Commission; produce memoranda and presentations. • Ensure program performance meets scope, schedule, budget, regulatory, and policy requirements. • Advise on design, construction, and project‑management technical and policy issues; liaise with consultants, contractors, and agencies. • Implement process improvements to enhance project delivery efficiency across the Port and NWSA.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸program delivery
• ▸team leadership
• ▸budget management
• ▸stakeholder communication
• ▸performance monitoring
• ▸process improvement

What You Bring

The position demands at least eight years of construction project management experience on complex capital improvement programs and five years of supervisory or management experience leading project‑management staff. Desired qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and certifications such as PMP, CCM, or PE, along with a demonstrated commitment to equity and shared Port values. • Minimum 8 years of construction project management experience on complex capital programs. • At least 5 years of supervisory/management experience leading project‑management staff. • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or Environmental Science (preferred). • Preferred certifications: PMP, CCM, or PE. • Demonstrated ability to lead through change, coach, and mentor staff. • Strategic thinker who aligns initiatives with Port goals and drives departmental change. • Strong problem‑solving and crisis‑management capabilities. • Highly developed written, negotiation, presentation, facilitation, and listening skills.

Requirements

• ▸construction pm
• ▸supervisory
• ▸bachelor's
• ▸pmp
• ▸problem solving
• ▸leadership

Work Environment

Office Full-Time