Job Abstract

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS (MANAGER OF PROGRAMS)

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $140,000 - $185,000

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $200 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the entire country.

THE TEAM

The primary objective of the Communications & Community Relations Division team is to cultivate and bolster a positive perception of the Port. This involves fostering awareness and understanding of Port operations across diverse audiences, including the international maritime industry, port complex stakeholders, local and regional communities, as well as Port employees. The team is dedicated to delivering strategic communication services, refining messaging, managing media relations, elevating brand awareness, and implementing community and education programs. Their responsibilities extend to addressing both anticipated and unforeseen communications challenges and opportunities.

THE ROLE

Under limited supervision of the Communications Director and Assistant Director, the Manager of Programs plays a pivotal role in the strategic development and day-to-day management of various programs within the Communications Division. This encompasses oversight of community sponsorships, outreach initiatives, educational programs, and administrative strategies. The Manager functions as a crucial point of contact for a spectrum of stakeholders, including businesses, educational institutions, non-profits, and community partners. In this capacity, the Manager nurtures partnerships, addresses educational programs, and tackles budget and administrative needs. Additionally, active participation in community events and meetings, along with representing the Port at external partner and in-person events, is integral to the role.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Thursday, May 2, 2024, @ 5:00 pm PDT via MS Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 375 903 991# Click here to join the meeting.

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Act as a primary point of contact for regional entities such as businesses, industry partners, institutions, residents, and community organizations. This includes fostering relationships with educational programs, elementary education providers, nonprofits, associations, local chambers of commerce, and neighborhood associations.
• Proactively identify and support collaboration opportunities between POLB and its education partners and centers, engaging them in Port-related issues, workforce landscape changes, and educational needs. Address future development concerns in line with the principles of social justice and racial equity, utilizing the framework of POLB’s Strategic Plan and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
• Work closely with the Director of Communications and Assistant Director on matters related to innovation, economic development, and education programs. Seek opportunities for mutually beneficial initiatives that complement and support each other.

• Act as a primary liaison for logistics concerning sponsorships and partnerships with nonprofit and community partners, ensuring effective coordination and support.
• Attend meetings regularly with neighborhood associations, education partners, chambers of commerce, and other key regional associations. Represent POLB at external partner events to maintain a strong and visible presence.
• Partner closely with other communications officers to share information and news, collaboratively maximizing awareness and communications of POLB’s work underway, including the use of social media and other methods of communication.
• Support special projects as assigned by management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required in the preferred fields of public administration, business management, communications, and public relations. Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the position’s duties may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Five or more years of recent progressively responsible professional-level work experience in public administration, community engagement, communications, public relations, or grant management programs with three years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and astutely navigate sensitive issues.
• Must be a proficient communicator both orally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Must have previous experience managing projects and budgets with excellent organizational skills to multi-task a variety of programs.
• Willingness to work an irregular schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel to work-related events, including off-site meetings and conferences.

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• It is essential that you possess the ability to establish and maintain working relationships across functional lines.

DESIRABLE:

• A self-starter who is patient about engaging with the community.
• Port, City, public agency, or community management experience is desirable.
• Experience working in sponsorships/grants programs is desirable.
• Experience contracting with consultants and managing budgets is desirable.
• Experience working for or with higher education and community programs is desirable.

You will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relation skills, and public speaking/presentation skills to thrive. You must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.

If you require accommodation because of a disability to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com.

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/.

The final filing date for this recruitment is Wednesday, May 8, 2024 @ 4:30 pm PDT.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application in PDF format. Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

Individuals who are most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment to evaluate candidate qualifications further. First and second-round panel interviews are scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 2024 (virtual) and Wednesday, May 29, 2024 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check.

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $140,000 - $185,000 (placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of executive-level benefits is also included, with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States. The Port’s generous benefits package includes:

• Auto Allowance – $550.00 per month
• Executive Leave – 40 hours per year.
• Retirement – CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for social security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance – Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation – The City matches up to 2% of the base salary for all qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance – Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance – City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance – City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation – Vacation is accrued at 3.7 hours per pay period to begin, which is equivalent to two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service.
• Sick Leave – Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave – After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays – 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Bereavement Leave – 5 days for death or critical illness of immediate family member.
• Education Reimbursement – Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical – Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness – As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan – The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university – or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com