Director of Planning & Governmental Affairs

Director Of Planning & Governmental Affairs

The Director of Planning & Governmental Affairs is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the Port's strategic growth, infrastructure development, and long-term economic sustainability. This position is primarily responsible for the identification, pursuit, acquisition, and administration of local, state, and federal grants, which comprise the majority of the role.

The Director leads the Port's funding strategy by aligning capital improvement needs with available grant opportunities and legislative priorities. This position works closely with executive leadership, government agencies, consultants, and internal departments to secure funding and deliver projects that maximize the Port's assets, operational efficiency, and regional economic impact.

Essential Job Functions

• Grants & Funding: As directed by the Executive Director
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize federal, state, and local grant opportunities applicable to Port infrastructure and operations.
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of competitive grant applications (e.g., USDOT, MARAD, FEMA, FDOT, and other funding agencies).
• Manage the full life cycle of grants including application development, budgeting, compliance, reporting, and closeout.
• Coordinate with engineering, finance, operations, and external consultants to develop grant-ready capital projects.
• Monitor federal and state legislative activity to identify emerging funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, including procurement, reporting, and audit standards.
• Track grant performance metrics and ensure timely submission of required documentation and deliverables.
• Present grant-funded initiatives and planning efforts to the Board, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Coordinate with tenants and partners to assess operational needs and growth opportunities.

• Planning & Development: As directed by the Executive Director
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans to support Port growth and infrastructure expansion.
• Analyze land use, facility capacity, and infrastructure needs to support future development.
• Review development proposals, site plans, and infrastructure improvements for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.
• Prepare feasibility studies, economic impact analysis, and business case evaluations.
• Support the development and prioritization of the Port's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Prepare reports, and analysis related to cargo trends, financial performance, and infrastructure utilization.

• Governmental Affairs: As directed by the Executive Director
• Serve as the liaison with funding agencies and maintain strong governmental relationships.
• Represent the Port at legislative meetings, committee hearings, and industry events.
• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, policies, and regulatory changes that may impact Port operations, funding opportunities, and development initiatives.
• Track Legislation that affects Ports both State and Federal.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Advanced grant writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong financial, economic, and strategic analysis capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation to executive leadership and public bodies.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to work across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with GIS and/or CAD preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, stakeholders, and partners.
• Strong knowledge of transportation, maritime, or infrastructure funding programs.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related field
• 5+ years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of and established relationships with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), particularly related to grant funding programs and project coordination, are highly desirable.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Port is an equal opportunity employer. The Port is committed to the spirit and letter of all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to equal opportunity. To this end, the Port does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or other protected status. This Policy extends to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, as well as the use of all Port facilities. No form of unlawful discrimination, including unlawful harassment, will be tolerated.

Security background check, drug, alcohol, and health screenings are required as condition of promotion or employment **Potential candidates must complete an application and forward completed application to the Port's Human Resources Department**