1801 Roeder Ave STE 100, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
Job Description Posted Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM
About the Port of Bellingham The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.
Cover letter and resume required. First review of applications will take place on March 6, 2026.
JOB SUMMARY Under the general direction of the Director of Real Estate the Property Manager is responsible for the management of assigned commercial properties to maximize the Port’s strategic mission and to create economic benefit for tenants, consumers and the community. Negotiate and administer all aspects of assigned lease documents and related agreements to meet the tenants’ business objectives within Port policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the Port’s expected financial rate of return, rental revenue standards, and legal and regulatory compliance. Responsible for coordinating necessary maintenance and repair and capital improvements to Port-owned facilities as may be required. Accept and effectively respond to tenant related after-hour callouts as may be required.
The Property Manager will provide the highest level of customer service to their tenant portfolio, including responding to all tenant calls and correspondence in a timely and effective manner. The Property Manager will use good judgment when interacting with Port tenants and will recruit tenants for lease of port properties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Negotiates, prepares and enforces leases and associated documents, pursuant to Port policy. Administers lease terms, conditions and requirements, including, but not limited to, insurance, bonds, and other requirements and notices in connection with the lease documents and associated agreements.
In a timely manner, initiates negotiations and performs research necessary to compose lease renewals, modifications, assignments and other documents as necessary for new and existing Port tenants in assigned portfolio. Coordinates default proceedings, including, but not limited to, serving default notices, monitoring cure periods, working with tenants in the curing of defaults, collecting financial security to cure defaults, and when necessary, preparing lease terminations. In concert with the Director of Real Estate, works with legal counsel as necessary.
Coordinates with the Finance and Administration Division regarding proper billing instructions and collections to ensure payment according to lease terms. Monitors tenant payment history and takes the initiative to work actively with tenants to assure timely payments. Under the direction of the Director of Real Estate may negotiate payment plans with tenants to bring past due accounts current.
Coordinate with other Port divisions as needed on operational, negotiations, and default issues.
Prepares correspondence and documentation as necessary for tenant portfolio, including timely communication of Port operations, construction and maintenance work, and capital improvement projects that may impact tenant operations. Orients new tenants to port real estate facilities and procedures. Fosters good tenant relationships and provides superb customer service to Port tenants.
Coordinates with Director of Real Estate in the preparation of Commission Agenda Action Items. Presents tenant business transactions to the Commission.
Communicates with Director of Real Estate in monitoring marketplace conditions and developing real estate trends. Shows vacant properties to prospective tenants to keep occupancy levels high and may work with existing tenants related to expansion of Port property.
Act as Port liaison to area business associations as appropriate.
Administers the Port Management Agreement with DNR and monitors use thereof consistently with said agreement.
Communicates with the Director of Real Estate on all expired leases, defaults, potential vacancies or terminated leases.
Relative to Lease Terminations, coordinates with the Environmental Division to assess whether a leasehold requires an environmental assessment, cleanup or mitigation, if any.
Has a thorough understanding of all Port assets within portfolio and coordinates with the Accounting Department in developing a complete asset inventory system.
Estimates portfolio revenues and develops maintenance expenses and needs as part of the annual budget process. Consistently explores new ideas for controlling expenses and enhancing Port revenues.
Working knowledge of building and ground maintenance sets for assigned portfolio to manage work orders for maintaining real estate assets. Working knowledge related to the lease document for which the Port is responsible for maintenance and for which the tenant is contractually responsible for maintenance associated with the lease. Coordinates tenant facility maintenance pursuant to the lease terms with Facilities and Maintenance Divisions.
Coordinates with Facilities Division and Director of Real Estate to prepare vacant properties for occupancy.
Monitor maintenance schedule and repairs for cost efficiency and coordinate maintenance schedule with tenant.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Required:
Minimum of 3 years’ real estate experience required.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or related field.
Additional 2 to 3 years of experience may be substituted for a college degree.
Preferred:
Commercial property management experience is preferred.
LICENSES REQUIRED
Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification after hire.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The ability to draft legal documents related to real estate transactions.
Must have excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to adapt communication style to suit audience.
Ability to create and give presentations to tenants, the public, and the Commission.
Possess leadership skills and ability to work with a diverse group and develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with all stakeholders (internal and external).
Action oriented; ability to follow up on feedback to ensure positive outcomes.
Proficient in MS Office suite.
Ability to generate and analyze statistical reports.
Must be able to work in a rapidly changing environment and able to prioritize needs and be flexible to adapt to changes.
LEVEL OF AUTHORITY Position does not supervise others. Position operates with a moderate amount of independence with impacts to Port and Port employees.
WORK ENVIRONMENT Never
0%
0 hrs.
Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr.
Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs.
Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs.
Constant 67-100%
6+ hrs.
Dirt
☐
☐
☐
☐
Fumes
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
Water
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
Vibration
☐
☐
☐
☐
Grease, Oil
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
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 (not climate controlled)
☐
☐
☐
☐
Work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
☐
☐
☐
☐
Work outdoors under cover
☐
☐
☐
☐
Work overtime
☐
☐
☐
☐
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Never
0%
0 hrs.
Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr.
Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs.
Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs.
Constant 67-100%
6+ hrs.
Sit
☐
☐
☐
☐
Stand
☐
☐
☐
☐
Perform work on a ladder
☐
☐
☐
☐
Climb ladder
☐
☐
☐
☐
Twist
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
Squat/kneel
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
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
☐
☐
☐
☐
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 18 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. 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. The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify. 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.
1801 Roeder Ave STE 100, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description Posted Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM
About the Port of Bellingham The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.
Cover letter and resume required. First review of applications will take place on March 6, 2026.
JOB SUMMARY Under the general direction of the Director of Real Estate the Property Manager is responsible for the management of assigned commercial properties to maximize the Port’s strategic mission and to create economic benefit for tenants, consumers and the community. Negotiate and administer all aspects of assigned lease documents and related agreements to meet the tenants’ business objectives within Port policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the Port’s expected financial rate of return, rental revenue standards, and legal and regulatory compliance. Responsible for coordinating necessary maintenance and repair and capital improvements to Port-owned facilities as may be required. Accept and effectively respond to tenant related after-hour callouts as may be required.
The Property Manager will provide the highest level of customer service to their tenant portfolio, including responding to all tenant calls and correspondence in a timely and effective manner. The Property Manager will use good judgment when interacting with Port tenants and will recruit tenants for lease of port properties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Negotiates, prepares and enforces leases and associated documents, pursuant to Port policy. Administers lease terms, conditions and requirements, including, but not limited to, insurance, bonds, and other requirements and notices in connection with the lease documents and associated agreements.
In a timely manner, initiates negotiations and performs research necessary to compose lease renewals, modifications, assignments and other documents as necessary for new and existing Port tenants in assigned portfolio. Coordinates default proceedings, including, but not limited to, serving default notices, monitoring cure periods, working with tenants in the curing of defaults, collecting financial security to cure defaults, and when necessary, preparing lease terminations. In concert with the Director of Real Estate, works with legal counsel as necessary.
Coordinates with the Finance and Administration Division regarding proper billing instructions and collections to ensure payment according to lease terms. Monitors tenant payment history and takes the initiative to work actively with tenants to assure timely payments. Under the direction of the Director of Real Estate may negotiate payment plans with tenants to bring past due accounts current.
Coordinate with other Port divisions as needed on operational, negotiations, and default issues.
Prepares correspondence and documentation as necessary for tenant portfolio, including timely communication of Port operations, construction and maintenance work, and capital improvement projects that may impact tenant operations. Orients new tenants to port real estate facilities and procedures. Fosters good tenant relationships and provides superb customer service to Port tenants.
Coordinates with Director of Real Estate in the preparation of Commission Agenda Action Items. Presents tenant business transactions to the Commission.
Communicates with Director of Real Estate in monitoring marketplace conditions and developing real estate trends. Shows vacant properties to prospective tenants to keep occupancy levels high and may work with existing tenants related to expansion of Port property.
Act as Port liaison to area business associations as appropriate.
Administers the Port Management Agreement with DNR and monitors use thereof consistently with said agreement.
Communicates with the Director of Real Estate on all expired leases, defaults, potential vacancies or terminated leases.
Relative to Lease Terminations, coordinates with the Environmental Division to assess whether a leasehold requires an environmental assessment, cleanup or mitigation, if any.
Has a thorough understanding of all Port assets within portfolio and coordinates with the Accounting Department in developing a complete asset inventory system.
Estimates portfolio revenues and develops maintenance expenses and needs as part of the annual budget process. Consistently explores new ideas for controlling expenses and enhancing Port revenues.
Working knowledge of building and ground maintenance sets for assigned portfolio to manage work orders for maintaining real estate assets. Working knowledge related to the lease document for which the Port is responsible for maintenance and for which the tenant is contractually responsible for maintenance associated with the lease. Coordinates tenant facility maintenance pursuant to the lease terms with Facilities and Maintenance Divisions.
Coordinates with Facilities Division and Director of Real Estate to prepare vacant properties for occupancy.
Monitor maintenance schedule and repairs for cost efficiency and coordinate maintenance schedule with tenant.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Required:
Minimum of 3 years’ real estate experience required.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or related field.
Additional 2 to 3 years of experience may be substituted for a college degree.
Preferred:
Commercial property management experience is preferred.
LICENSES REQUIRED
Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification after hire.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The ability to draft legal documents related to real estate transactions.
Must have excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to adapt communication style to suit audience.
Ability to create and give presentations to tenants, the public, and the Commission.
Possess leadership skills and ability to work with a diverse group and develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with all stakeholders (internal and external).
Action oriented; ability to follow up on feedback to ensure positive outcomes.
Proficient in MS Office suite.
Ability to generate and analyze statistical reports.
Must be able to work in a rapidly changing environment and able to prioritize needs and be flexible to adapt to changes.
LEVEL OF AUTHORITY Position does not supervise others. Position operates with a moderate amount of independence with impacts to Port and Port employees.
WORK ENVIRONMENT Never
0%
0 hrs.
Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr.
Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs.
Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs.
Constant 67-100%
6+ hrs.
Dirt
☐
☐
☐
☐
Fumes
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
Water
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
Vibration
☐
☐
☐
☐
Grease, Oil
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
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 (not climate controlled)
☐
☐
☐
☐
Work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
☐
☐
☐
☐
Work outdoors under cover
☐
☐
☐
☐
Work overtime
☐
☐
☐
☐
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Never
0%
0 hrs.
Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr.
Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs.
Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs.
Constant 67-100%
6+ hrs.
Sit
☐
☐
☐
☐
Stand
☐
☐
☐
☐
Perform work on a ladder
☐
☐
☐
☐
Climb ladder
☐
☐
☐
☐
Twist
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
Squat/kneel
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
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
☐
☐
☐
☐
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 18 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. 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. The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify. 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.
1801 Roeder Ave STE 100, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
#J-18808-Ljbffr