Executive Director

Duluth Seaway Port Authority   Duluth, MN   Full-time     Science
Posted on January 23, 2025

The Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority provides leadership, strategic and tactical direction for staff and resources of the Port toward the accomplishment of the organization’s mission, personifies the public image of the DSPA, and insures the continued sound financial status of the DSPA.

 

Compensation Range  $185,124 -  $247,680

Benefit Summary          
Health: $80/month family or $40/month single  
Dental: 80% coverage up to $3,750 per year  
Life Insurance:  Two (2) times annual salary up to a maximum of $350,000  Short Term Disability  Long Term Disability  Public Employees Retirement Association  
457 Plan:  Match Plan  
Other: Cafeteria Plan, Health Care Savings Plan (upon qualified retirement) and Sick Days  

This is language lifted out of employee handbook:

  • Bereavement Leave
  • Cafeteria Plan
  • Deferred Compensation Plan (457b)  Defined Benefit Plan (PERA)
  • Dental Reimbursement Plan
  • Disability Plan
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Health Insurance
  • Holidays
  • Paid Jury Duty/Witness Under Subpoena
  • Life Insurance
  • Military Leave
  • Parental Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Training and Growth
  • Vacations  Training Program  As Required Career Advancement  Limited                      

Required Qualifications  

  • Bachelor’s degree in a business related field, logistics or economics. If non-related degree, experience in public or private transportation and economic development.  
  • Executive strategic leadership and management to facilitate multiple teams including internal as well as public and private sector teams.  Proven ability to work through leadership teams to accomplish strategic and tactical activities.  
  • Knowledge and/or previous experience in the velocity of the domestic and international transportation/logistics industry and has worked closely with the maritime seaport industry including ports.  Must have good working knowledge of maritime transportation and familiarity with intermodal relationships between marine, rail, truck and air transportation.  
  • Ability to market and sell to domestic and international customers transportation ideas to increase economic development for Duluth and the Great Lakes.  
  • Past experience and or expertise in managing complex private and/or public operations.
  • Creative ideas to impact and advance economic development within the Great Lakes area working with all public and private sectors for success.  
  • Financial acumen, knowledge of principles and practices of financing, budget development and administration.  Large, complex organization financial management.  
  • Proven project management skills including project definition, solutions and execution and team management.  
  • Exceptional communications and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with staff, board members as well as external constituents (including government entities).    
  • Demonstrate leadership at a local, state and national level.
  • Demonstrated experience identifying, developing and managing major investment projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop a strategic vision and comprehensive plans and objectives.
  • The Executive Director occupies a position of public trust; therefore, the successful candidate must have a stellar record with respect to personal and professional conduct, ethics and behavior.  
  • Analytical and Decision Making Skills  
  • Willingness to travel 15% - 35%                          

Other Qualifications  

  • Polished and poised presence; personable.  
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, at various levels in the organization as well as with public and private entities.  
  • Presentation skills (at executive level).  
  • Proven ability to build and maintain trust and confidence (both internal and external).  
  • Ability to continue the current financial stability and economic development success while actively exploring new and additional opportunities for DSPA.  
  • Ability to operate and make decisions in complex environment.  
  • Strategic thinker and planner      
  • Common sense and practical in approach to business  
  • Growth oriented  
  • Team oriented, both inside division and with other divisions  
  • Results and goal oriented