Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operations Officer

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) oversees the day-to-day management and performance of the Port's operational divisions, including Aviation, Facilities, and Maritime. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the COO ensures that Port operations are aligned with the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to serving the community. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, operational expertise, and collaborative leadership.

Essential Functions

1. Provide oversight, direction, and support to department directors and managers in Aviation, Facilities, and Maritime.
2. Monitor performance metrics and ensure divisional operations are effective, efficient, and fiscally responsible.
3. Lead cross-divisional initiatives to improve coordination, service delivery, and project outcomes.
4. Collaborate with and support the Executive Director and Commissioners on the development and execution of strategic goals and policies.
5. Collaborate with centralized service departments including Finance, Human Resources, Communications, Planning, and Economic Development.
6. Translate strategic vision into operational plans, priorities, and measurable results.
7. Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in Port services and infrastructure.
8. Oversee divisional budgets, ensuring financial accountability and adherence to Port policies.
9. Support long-term capital planning, investment strategies, and funding approaches.
10. Ensure compliance with federal, state, tribal, and local regulations affecting Port operations.
11. Represent the Port in regional, state, and national forums, building relationships, with key stakeholders, agencies, and community partners.
12. Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and customer service within Port operations.
13. Advise the Executive Director and Commission on operational matters, risks, and opportunities.
14. Provide mentorship and guidance to division leaders, encouraging professional growth and high performance.
15. Model inclusive, ethical leadership and uphold the Port's values in all decision-making.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible senior-level leadership experience in public sector administration, port management, transportation, or related industries.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex operations, budgets, and capital projects.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a public sector environment.
• Master's degree in public administration, business administration, operations management, or a related field.

Licenses Required

• Valid Washington State driver's license is required.
• Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification after hire.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of port operations, facilities, maritime commerce, and aviation.
• Demonstrates strong self-awareness, including insight into personal strengths and growth areas, and actively seek feedback for continuous improvement.
• Approaches challenges with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset, focusing on problem-solving and constructive outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and diverse operational divisions.
• Excellent organizational, financial management, and project oversight skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision and short-term operational demands.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with elected officials, community members, and business leaders.
• Commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community service.

Level of Authority

High level of authority responsible for departmental operations, including supervision of others, and economic development at the Port. Decision making could have a major impact on the Port, Port employees, and the public.

Work Environment

Dirt

Fumes

Smoke

Water

Noise

Vibration

Grease, Oil

Contaminants: pollutants, gases, dust, odors

Very hot (above 90) or cold temperatures (below 32)

Extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions

Confined spaces

High places

Hazardous conditions: high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives, chemicals

Hazardous equipment: saws, machinery with moving parts, near vehicular traffic

Exposed to diseases or infections

Uneven, slippery surfaces

Never - 1x/year +, not monthly - 1x/month +, not weekly - 1x/week +, but not daily - Daily

Work indoors (climate controlled)

Work indoors (not climate controlled)

Work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Work outdoors under cover

Work overtime

Physical Demands

Never0%0 hrs. - Seldom1-10% 0-1 hr. - Occasional11-33% 1-3 hrs. - Frequent34-66% 3-6 hrs. - Constant67-100%6+ hrs.

Sit

Stand

Perform work on a ladder

Climb ladder

Twist

Bend/Stoop

Squat/kneel

Crawl

Reach

Work above shoulders

Keyboard

Wrist (flexion/extension)

Grasp (forceful)

Fine manipulation

Lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 lbs.

Lift/carry/push/pull up to 20 lbs.

Lift/carry/push/pull up to 30 lbs.

Lift/carry/push/pull up to 40 lbs.

Lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs. or more

At its sole discretion, the Port of Bellingham may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Salary Information

The Port typically hires new employees within the first half of the salary range, with starting pay based on the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience. See the salary range under Job Details below.

Benefit Information

Benefits include medical & prescription plans, dental, vision, orthodontia plans, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, basic and additional life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, voluntary long-term care, vacation accrual starting at 28 days off per year, Washington paid sick leave, Washington State pension plans including PERS 2 or 3, deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays, and education assistance. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Port provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, citizenship status, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify.