Washington Public Ports Association
Director of Transportation and Economic Development Policy
Washington Public Ports Association, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502
Overview
Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) is a nonprofit trade association that represents seventy-five public port districts that drive economic development in communities around Washington state. Our members operate a wide array of facilities, from international container terminals to small community marinas. They are united by their role as economic drivers in every community they serve – and by the creativity with which they approach their statutorily-directed role in the state’s economy. For our members, we act as their lead advocate in Olympia, as an educational entity providing relevant trainings and policy briefs for members, and as a convener of ports and a communicator of the good work of ports. WPPA is an Olympia-based association that serves as advocate and liaison for port districts to the state legislature, state executive agencies, and the governor’s office. The WPPA also provides educational and support services for its members, including materials, seminars, and conferences that keep port officials and staff up-to-date with evolving public policy issues. Essential Functions
Is the association's primary policy lead on all issues related to transportation, aviation, trade, economic development, and tax policy Is the primary liaison to state and federal transportation agencies and other agencies relevant to the policy portfolio described above, including the Washington State Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, the Department of Revenue, and more Staffs the association's Trade and Transportation Committee; Aviation Committee; and Economic Development Committees Provides staff support to various working groups that cross into the policy areas referenced (i.e. Energy Supply and Grid Reliability Work Group, issue-depending) Acts as the association's primary legislative lead on transportation, aviation, trade, economic development, and tax policy. Develops, implements, and executes legislative strategies that advance these issues to the shared benefit of WPPA members. Is the primary liaison with stakeholder groups representing the issues within the portfolio, including but not limited to: trucking and railroad companies and trade associations; aviation-related trade associations; economic development partners such as Associate Development Organizations and the Washington Economic Development Association, and more Works with the Executive Director and other WPPA staff as a key part of planning and managing association meetings and seminars Maintains a pro-active awareness of local, state, and federal transportation, aviation, trade, economic development, and tax policy issues—with an eye on opportunities and threats—as they relate to Washington ports Regularly communicates with member ports to understand opportunities or obstacles in each issue area; informs and educates them on opportunities and how to be successful players, including through regular communication with Standing Committee members Develops a communication strategy in each issue area to foster and ensure engagement with a variety of stakeholders Develops recommendations for the Executive Director and the Executive Committee on policy questions that arise in the policy portfolio described Must be recognized and respected for personal and business ethics Must be curious and informed about matters related to trade and transportation and creative in recommending ways Washington ports can best utilize opportunities; must be a respected and influential subject expert Must have or be able to quickly acquire broad port and general business knowledge and wisdom including a strong understanding of the external environment (competitors, global market, etc.) Must be a team player who actively shares their trade, transportation, and economic development knowledge with other port staff and member ports Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills and a professional/personal style that allows them to maintain respected and influential relationships with elected officials Working Environment and Responsibilities
All association staff report directly to the Executive Director. Functionally, given the small nature of the WPPA team, they may take direction from, and give direction to, staff colleagues on projects. As a member of the legislative team, this position will also take direction directly from the staff member designated as lead on the WPPA Legislative Committee. This position primarily works indoors in a normal office setting where there is no physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, noise and the like. May travel outdoors to other ports and to and from different legislative offices. Because of WPPA’s mission and role in government affairs, it is essential that WPPA employees understand the sensitive nature of their employment and conduct themselves accordingly. All employees must not engage in any activity which could be characterized as lobbying unless it is part of their duties as an employee of WPPA. Expected Hours of Work
Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while the Washington State Legislature is in session, with the expectation that the hours during legislative session be sufficient to cover the work required of this position. Outside of session, hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Travel
This position will require travel, including some out-of-area and overnight travel tied to member service in their home districts, and to conference attendance. Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
Completion of related BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university Five to seven years of transportation policy, economic development policy, and other related experience Preferred Education and Experience
Completion of a BA or BS degree plus a Master’s degree Four or more years of port/public sector and legislative relations experience Other Duties
Manage or participate in carrying out tasks related to meetings, workshops, trainings, events and conferences. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities and activities to this job at any time with or without notice. Necessary Special Requirements
Ability to handle physical requirements of the position. Valid Washington State driver’s license. Salary and Benefits
Salary range is $9,000 - $11,500 per month ($108,000-$138,000 per year), DOQ. This position includes a full benefit package including medical and dental insurance, retirement contribution, paid vacation, and medical leave time. Opening and Closing Dates
Position will remain open until filled. FIRST RESUME REVIEW will take place on November 14, 2025. Application Materials
Please send a resumé and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to: washington.ports@washingtonports.org Washington Public Ports Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Company Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Management and Manufacturing Industries: Government Relations Note: This refined description preserves the original content while ensuring proper HTML structure and readability, and excludes boilerplate tracking info.
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Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) is a nonprofit trade association that represents seventy-five public port districts that drive economic development in communities around Washington state. Our members operate a wide array of facilities, from international container terminals to small community marinas. They are united by their role as economic drivers in every community they serve – and by the creativity with which they approach their statutorily-directed role in the state’s economy. For our members, we act as their lead advocate in Olympia, as an educational entity providing relevant trainings and policy briefs for members, and as a convener of ports and a communicator of the good work of ports. WPPA is an Olympia-based association that serves as advocate and liaison for port districts to the state legislature, state executive agencies, and the governor’s office. The WPPA also provides educational and support services for its members, including materials, seminars, and conferences that keep port officials and staff up-to-date with evolving public policy issues. Essential Functions
Is the association's primary policy lead on all issues related to transportation, aviation, trade, economic development, and tax policy Is the primary liaison to state and federal transportation agencies and other agencies relevant to the policy portfolio described above, including the Washington State Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, the Department of Revenue, and more Staffs the association's Trade and Transportation Committee; Aviation Committee; and Economic Development Committees Provides staff support to various working groups that cross into the policy areas referenced (i.e. Energy Supply and Grid Reliability Work Group, issue-depending) Acts as the association's primary legislative lead on transportation, aviation, trade, economic development, and tax policy. Develops, implements, and executes legislative strategies that advance these issues to the shared benefit of WPPA members. Is the primary liaison with stakeholder groups representing the issues within the portfolio, including but not limited to: trucking and railroad companies and trade associations; aviation-related trade associations; economic development partners such as Associate Development Organizations and the Washington Economic Development Association, and more Works with the Executive Director and other WPPA staff as a key part of planning and managing association meetings and seminars Maintains a pro-active awareness of local, state, and federal transportation, aviation, trade, economic development, and tax policy issues—with an eye on opportunities and threats—as they relate to Washington ports Regularly communicates with member ports to understand opportunities or obstacles in each issue area; informs and educates them on opportunities and how to be successful players, including through regular communication with Standing Committee members Develops a communication strategy in each issue area to foster and ensure engagement with a variety of stakeholders Develops recommendations for the Executive Director and the Executive Committee on policy questions that arise in the policy portfolio described Must be recognized and respected for personal and business ethics Must be curious and informed about matters related to trade and transportation and creative in recommending ways Washington ports can best utilize opportunities; must be a respected and influential subject expert Must have or be able to quickly acquire broad port and general business knowledge and wisdom including a strong understanding of the external environment (competitors, global market, etc.) Must be a team player who actively shares their trade, transportation, and economic development knowledge with other port staff and member ports Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills and a professional/personal style that allows them to maintain respected and influential relationships with elected officials Working Environment and Responsibilities
All association staff report directly to the Executive Director. Functionally, given the small nature of the WPPA team, they may take direction from, and give direction to, staff colleagues on projects. As a member of the legislative team, this position will also take direction directly from the staff member designated as lead on the WPPA Legislative Committee. This position primarily works indoors in a normal office setting where there is no physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, noise and the like. May travel outdoors to other ports and to and from different legislative offices. Because of WPPA’s mission and role in government affairs, it is essential that WPPA employees understand the sensitive nature of their employment and conduct themselves accordingly. All employees must not engage in any activity which could be characterized as lobbying unless it is part of their duties as an employee of WPPA. Expected Hours of Work
Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while the Washington State Legislature is in session, with the expectation that the hours during legislative session be sufficient to cover the work required of this position. Outside of session, hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Travel
This position will require travel, including some out-of-area and overnight travel tied to member service in their home districts, and to conference attendance. Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
Completion of related BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university Five to seven years of transportation policy, economic development policy, and other related experience Preferred Education and Experience
Completion of a BA or BS degree plus a Master’s degree Four or more years of port/public sector and legislative relations experience Other Duties
Manage or participate in carrying out tasks related to meetings, workshops, trainings, events and conferences. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities and activities to this job at any time with or without notice. Necessary Special Requirements
Ability to handle physical requirements of the position. Valid Washington State driver’s license. Salary and Benefits
Salary range is $9,000 - $11,500 per month ($108,000-$138,000 per year), DOQ. This position includes a full benefit package including medical and dental insurance, retirement contribution, paid vacation, and medical leave time. Opening and Closing Dates
Position will remain open until filled. FIRST RESUME REVIEW will take place on November 14, 2025. Application Materials
Please send a resumé and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to: washington.ports@washingtonports.org Washington Public Ports Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Company Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Management and Manufacturing Industries: Government Relations Note: This refined description preserves the original content while ensuring proper HTML structure and readability, and excludes boilerplate tracking info.
#J-18808-Ljbffr