Maritime Economist

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.

From the Hiring Manager : "The primary function of this position is to help ensure the Port's success in quality and reliability of data, information, knowledge, and strategy in maritime, trade, public policy, and operations. Entails forecasting business outlook and developing strategies, using quantitative methods as well as information on plans for shippers, carriers, and others within and external to the Port. Manages projects and conducts 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.

Research, Analysis, & Strategy Development

• 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.

Subject Matter Expertise & Business Impact

• 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.

Business Intelligence & Forecasting

• 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.

Data Tracking, Methodologies & Performance Measurement

• 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.

Project & Contract Management

• 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.

Education and Experience

• 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.

Abilities & Competencies

• Maritime Industry Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of global, national, and local maritime industry operations, datasets, stakeholders, and economic impacts. (Advanced)
• International Trade & Transportation Data : Advanced understanding of international trade flows, transportation data sources, and analytical methodologies. (Advanced)
• Data Manipulation : Expertise in handling complex, large datasets to identify industry trends and business opportunities. (Advanced)
• Communication : Strong written, graphical, and oral communication skills tailored to varied audiences. (Advanced)
• Statistical Techniques : Working knowledge of survey methods, market research, and statistical analysis. (Intermediate)
• Data Interpretation : Ability to understand numbers, determine when quantification is valid, and draw logical conclusions. (Intermediate)
• Problem Solving : Identify issues, develop alternatives, and propose solutions. (Intermediate)

Demonstrated Skills (Advanced)

• Work independently across departments without detailed guidance.
• Manage shifting priorities and multiple assignments.
• Translate operational needs into analytical or financial contexts.
• Organize, prioritize, and complete work accurately and on time.
• Build relationships and collaborate across diverse groups.
• Effectively present recommendations, strategies, and findings.
• Anticipate internal and external customer needs and take appropriateaction.

Selection Process: (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of the education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of June 8th.
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials.
3. Our goal is to schedule the virtual first round of interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation on June 22nd. Panel Interviews will be held July 1st and 2nd.

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have - our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them - to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region's success. With YOUR help - together with our partners, customers, and community - we'll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job?

Contact us: View email address on click.appcast.io

Safety: The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran's preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other