Director of Communications

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.

To be reviewed, applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a completed sample work product .

Please complete the following sample work product as part of your application for the Communications Director role.

Application packets that do not include this item will not be considered . Prepare a concise strategic communications plan for the Port of Bellingham that demonstrates your ability to align messaging with organizational priorities, engage diverse stakeholders, and enhance public understanding of the Port's economic, environmental, and community impact. Your plan should identify key audiences, core messages, communication channels, and measurable objectives, while also addressing opportunities and challenges relevant to a public port authority. Include a brief situational overview, recommended strategies and tactics, and how you would evaluate success. Submissions for this prompt should not exceed 4 pages, 1.0 spacing.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Communications leads the Port of Bellingham's Communications and Outreach division, shaping and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the Port's mission and long-term vision. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role oversees internal and external communications, public affairs, media relations, and crisis communications ensuring clear, consistent, and high-impact messaging across all audiences.

As a key member of the Port's leadership team, the Director of Communications elevates the Port's visibility and credibility while strengthening relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders. This position plays a critical role in fostering trust, transparency, and engagement, while also leading effective internal communications that keep staff informed, aligned, and connected to the Port's strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the Port's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Ensure consistency of messaging across all platforms and communication channels.
Enhance the Port's brand awareness and reputation, building trust with community members, stakeholders, and partners.
Serve as the primary advisor to the Executive Director and Commission on communication strategies.
Lead the Port's public affairs efforts, including media relations, stakeholder outreach, and community engagement.
Prepare and oversee press releases, public statements, and official Port communications.
Coordinate with the Port Commission, department directors, and external agencies to align messaging and ensure transparency.
Represent the Port at public events, forums, and community meetings as appropriate.
Serve as the lead for crisis communications, developing and executing timely strategies to protect and reinforce the Port's reputation.
Coordinate messaging with executive leadership, legal counsel, and relevant departments during emergencies or high-profile issues.
Train Port staff and leaders in media relations and crisis communications protocols.
Develop and implement internal communication strategies and practices to foster transparency, consistency, inclusivity, collaboration, and employee engagement.
Support Port leadership in sharing organizational goals, initiatives, and updates with employees.
Promote a culture of openness and shared purpose through clear, consistent communication.
Oversee the Communications and Community Outreach division, Governmental Affairs Administrator, including staff, budget, and resources.
Ensure communication initiatives are measurable, data-driven, and aligned with strategic objectives.
Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for division staff.
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations.
3-5 years in a leadership role.
Preferred:

Experience in public sector, port, transportation, or government communications preferred.
Master's degree 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

Proven ability to develop and lead comprehensive communications strategies.
Strong understanding of public affairs, media relations, and crisis communication.
Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, from elected officials to community stakeholders and employees.
Demonstrated success in managing teams and coordinating cross-departmental communication.
High degree of judgment, discretion, and political acumen.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY

High level of authority responsible for departmental operations, including supervision of others, and economic development at the Port. Decision making could have a major impact on the Port, Port employees, and the public.

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

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

Smoke

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

Water

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

Noise

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

Vibration

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

Grease, Oil

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

Contaminants: pollutants, gases, dust, odors

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

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 (climate controlled)

☐

☐

☐

☐

☒

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

☐

☒

☐

☐

☐

Bend/Stoop

☐

☒

☐

☐

☐

Squat/kneel

☐

☒

☐

☐

☐

Crawl

☐

☒

☐

☐

☐

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 28 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.