Details
Posted: 10-Jun-22
Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts
Type: Full Time
Required Education: 4 Year Degree
About the Port of New Bedford and New Bedford Port Authority
The New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) is an independent agency created by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to advance the economic development and manage the public resources of the Port of New Bedford--the economic engine of the city and surrounding region--which generates annually more than $11 billion in economic activity.
A historic seaport that once dominated the 19th century global whaling industry, today the Port of New Bedford hosts America’s top commercial fishing fleet, with more than 500 commercial fishing vessels operating from its waterfront. The Port also enjoys rising prominence as an epicenter of the nation’s burgeoning offshore wind energy industry, with America’s first industrial scale offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind, staging from the Port starting in 2023. Working with public and private partners, the Port Authority is committed to ensuring New Bedford’s future as a vital center of maritime activity on the East Coast by maintaining its current dominance in commercial fishing, expanding its existing marine enterprises, and capitalizing on new opportunities in offshore wind, project cargo, aquaculture, tourism, and recreational boating.
Chaired by the mayor of the City of New Bedford, the Port Authority is overseen by seven commissioners, appointed by the mayor, and approved by City Council. The Authority manages all City-owned waterfront property, including Homer’s, Leonard’s, Steamship, Coal Pocket, and Fisherman’s Wharves, as well as a 204-slip recreational marina at Pope’s Island and nearly two dozen waterfront real estate assets. The Authority also assigns moorings and enforces rules regarding use of piers, wharves, and adjacent parking areas under its jurisdiction, and issues permits for harbor events and for use of city-owned waterfront facilities.
For more on the Port of New Bedford and its rich maritime history, visit https://portofnewbedford.org/ and https://www.nps.gov/nebe/learn/historyculture/index.htm
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The New Bedford Port Authority is seeking a qualified, motivated individual to serve as the Executive Director. Under the direction of the NBPA Commission, which is chaired by the mayor and includes six members who are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council, the Executive Director (Director) shall be responsible for the economic development and management of the Port of New Bedford.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implement and as necessary update the Port’s Strategic Plan
- Recommend and implement Commission-approved budgets, annual work plans, operating policies, and development projects
- Provide overall management of port operations, port finances, economic development initiatives, infrastructure projects, grant administration, business and trade development, marketing, policy recommendations, public and government relations, and real estate development.
- Supervise up to 27 administrative, financial, legal, operation/maintenance, grants, and engineering personnel over two NBPA locations.
- Liaise with Local, State, and Federal elected officials on all port issues, including offshore wind permitting, fisheries regulation, business development, grant opportunities, dredging, infrastructure, port policy advocacy.
- Represent the Port’s interests and impact to elected officials; Local, State and Federal agencies; harbor user groups; media and community organizations; industry groups including the American Association of Port Authorities and North Atlantic Ports Association.
- Prepare the NBPA’s annual budget of approximately $3.0M and assume responsibility for all expenditures and the receipt of funds and property in the custody of the NBPA.
Additional duties and responsibilities can be found in the complete job description, available upon request.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Knowledge of:
- Applicable maritime laws and Federal, State and Local rules and regulations pertaining to the operation and development of a port facility, harbor dredging, related harbor activities and environmental resource management, compliance with environmental regulations.
- Public budgeting systems, public procurement, financial planning and budgeting principles and practices.
- Contract administration and lease administration practices and requirements.
- Principles and practices of port operations and management.
- Grant application processes and grant administration.
- Strategic planning and project management practices.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required.
- Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in a management or supervisory capacity involving the operation, maintenance and development of port, municipal operations or similar enterprise is required. Must have at least 5 years in a senior management or executive level role.
- Experience successfully managing the P&L for a business or business unit.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with experience providing complex leadership in a high-profile environment with tact, diplomacy, and a sense of humor.
COMPENSATION
Competitive base salary plus benefits. Relocation assistance will be considered for the ideal candidate.
TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter to Susan Shey Dvonch, Shey-Harding Executive Search. sue@shey-harding.com, www.shey-harding.com, (562) 252-8516.
The initial close date for the search is Friday, July 8, 2022. The Port reserves the right to accept additional submissions after the initial close date.
OTHER
Complete job description is available upon request.
