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): * 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. * A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials. * 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.