Director of Marketing And Business Development

Director of Business Development & Marketing Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Business Development & Marketing leads the Port’s industrial recruitment, commercial expansion, and market positioning efforts.

This newly established leadership position is responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive new business opportunities, attract large-scale industrial investment, and strengthen the Port’s competitive standing in regional, national, and international markets.

The Director must be a highly motivated self-starter capable of building structure, systems, and momentum with limited direction. This role requires initiative, independent judgment, and the ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable business development plans that produce measurable results.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with the Port’s long-term infrastructure and industrial growth objectives.
• Build and manage a structured, data-driven business intelligence and prospect tracking system to support executive decision-making.
• Identify, prioritize, and pursue strategic industrial and logistics recruitment targets.
• Develop and maintain relationships with site selection consultants, corporate decision-makers, and economic development partners.
• Lead preparation of proposals, recruitment packages, and site presentations in coordination with executive leadership.
• Support retention and expansion strategies for existing customers.
• Manage and enhance the Port’s website, branding, digital presence, and marketing materials to ensure accurate and compelling representation of the Port’s assets and capabilities.
• Represent the Port at economic development, logistics, maritime, energy, and industrial conferences and events.
• Provide regular reporting and strategic updates to the Executive Director and Port Commission.

Success in this role will be measured by the development of a qualified project pipeline, strengthened engagement with site selection consultants, increased recruitment activity, and sustained commercial growth.

This is a high-responsibility position requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in a growth-oriented public environment.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience in business development, industrial recruitment, economic development, logistics, energy, maritime, or related sectors.
• Proven ability to cultivate high-level industry relationships and generate qualified project opportunities.
• Strong expertise in information management systems, CRM/database development, and data-driven business strategy.
• Experience with marketing systems, digital platforms, media relations, and preparation of public-facing communications.
• Familiarity with public agency governance and board operations preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation ability.
• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience building systems, processes, or programs from the ground up.
• Supervisory or contractor management experience preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, public administration, economic development, or a related field required.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in business development, economic development, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Ability to pass a federal background check.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Willingness to complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of professional development annually.
• May perform other essential and marginal functions assigned.