Executive Director

Executive Director

Port of Pasco

Pasco, Washington

Salary: $215,000 - $260,000 DOQ

Situated between the Columbia and Snake Rivers in southeastern Washington, the Port of Pasco is located in a vibrant and growing community that enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. The exceptional climate, combined with the area’s inviting waterways, enables residents and visitors alike to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities from water sports and golf, to wine touring and outdoor theater. The Port of Pasco encompasses almost all of Franklin County. The largest city in the port district is Pasco, a thriving waterfront community of 82,000. Pasco, along with the neighboring cities of Richland and Kennewick, comprise the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, with a population of over 311,000.

With a 2025 operating budget of $20.1 million, a capital budget of $59 million, and total assets of $246 million, the Port of Pasco employs approximately 43 FTEs and is primarily split into Port Operations and Airport Operations. Both operations are overseen by the three-member Port Commission and executive staff. The Port is responsible for meeting the essential transportation and economic development needs within the Port district boundaries, as well as the area served by the Columbia and Snake River corridors, the Tri-Cities Airport, and connecting rail and highway routes. The Port’s primary focus is to enhance regional vitality through the development and maintenance of various real estate, facilities, transportation hubs, and service programs. The Port leases industrial and commercial buildings at four different parks, owns and operates the Tri-Cities Airport (the third largest commercial airport in the state), owns and operates a general aviation airfield, owns an intermodal terminal and barge slip on the Columbia River, maintains multiple shared-use rail spurs, and engages in land development to attract new large industry.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Commissioners and serves as the chief executive officer of the Port and is responsible for all Port activities. The primary function of this role is to ensure that the Port operates in an ethical, efficient manner with financial stability to achieve the Port's goals. The Executive Director provides management direction to department directors, lead staff members, and general staff. Additionally, the Executive Director is responsible for fostering strong communication and collaboration with other economic, transportation, and governmental agencies within the region.

Minimum Education & Experience: A combination of education and/or experience that includes financial management, business administration, and organizational leadership sufficient to demonstrate the skills necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Preferred Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Engineering, or an equivalent/related field, or, a minimum of five (5) years of industry experience in Economic Development, Transportation, Finance or Public Sector Leadership. Five (5) years of experience at a director or manager level, and five (5) years of human capital management experience. Thorough knowledge of port operations, real estate and property management principles, economic development concepts, and budgeting and strategic planning principles. Experience and knowledge of working with an elected board. Experience with labor contracts negotiation, airport operations, and environmental compliance. Compliance experience for public records, open public meetings, public works projects, and federal grants.

Benefits include but are not limited to: 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision for employee and dependents; employee long-term disability and life insurance; health expense reimbursement; Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, PERS as determined by employee eligibility; 27 days of PTO per year; 40 hours of frontloaded PTO; 12 paid holidays per year; vehicle stipend of $500 per month; housing/relocation expenses negotiable; a minimal work-from-home/hybrid schedule is available, however, this role primarily takes place in person out of the port/airport offices.

For a complete position profile, full job description, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The Port of Pasco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First review of applications: December 8, 2024 (open until filled).

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• Prothman Company

• (206) 368-0050