DIRECTOR - PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Job Description:

DIRECTOR - PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $192,025.49 - $268,836.52

ABOUT US

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

THE TEAM

One of the six unique divisions of the Engineering Bureau is our Program Management Division. The Program Management Division has the high calling of managing what is consistently one of the most extensive capital programs of any port in the nation, and our Project Management Office (PMO). The work of the division includes short- and long-range planning and studies to define and program infrastructure needs both internally and with trade-related stakeholders and other agencies; the management of both individual projects and extensive programs from beginning to end; advocacy for authorizations, legislation, and funding with State and federal partners; and managing the Bureau’s continuous improvement processes related to project/program delivery.

THE ROLE

Under the direction of the Chief Harbor Engineer of the Engineering Services Bureau, the Director of Program Management oversees and directs division staff and is responsible for the overall management and execution of the Port’s capital program and Project Management Office. This includes the management of all Port engineering projects and programs from initiation through closeout on budget, on schedule, and to the highest standards established by the Port. It includes continuously improving the consistency, quality, and efficiency of project/program delivery, as well as defining the standards, tools, and techniques used. It includes the assessment of project/program delivery performance and management of the Bureau’s risk assessment, quality assurance, sustainability, and continuous improvement programs.

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 Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST via Microsoft 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. Click here to join the meeting.

To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 376 449 489# Please note that the PowerPoint presentation will not be visible to participants joining the audio-only meeting.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Oversees program management functions for the Port's Capital Program, including dredging, wharf, building, railroad, bridge, security, roadway, and utility projects.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and strategic direction to staff responsible for managing the Port's Capital Program to ensure alignment with services and overall mission of the organization.
• Ensures organization’s policies and procedures are maintained by developing and updating administrative directives regularly.
• Directs the development of the Port’s Capital Program, including project and scope definition, project and program budgets, and schedules for delivery of projects.
• Oversees the Program Management Division’s compliance with SBE/VSBE and Contract Compliance goals, policies, and procedures.
• Directs the work of and manages a staff of professionals and administrators whose duties include consultant selection and supervision, interaction with tenants (customers), project definition, budgeting and scheduling, preliminary and detailed design, specifications and bid document development, bid and award, support during construction, cost controls, project funding, contracts, and insurance.
• Reviews work of outside design consultants, working with the Engineering Design Division to ensure designs prepared by Port Consultants meet strict design standards.
• Oversees the Program Management Division’s Project Management Office (PMO). Responsibilities include capturing, logging, and disseminating lessons learned during project execution throughout the Bureau to ensure continuous improvement of project/program delivery.
• Consults with bureau and division directors to determine their short and long-term needs, and provides program management services that will be responsive to those needs; provides direction, information, and support to directors on program management matters that affect their respective organizations.
• Supplies expert assistance on program management-related issues for the Port.
• Supports the Port’s commitment to creating and cultivating an equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Directs the planning, supervising, and allocation of Program Management Division resources and yearly budget.
• In conjunction with the Project Controls Division, forecasts cash flow for existing and potential projects and programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s in civil engineering and must be a registered PE (professional engineer) in the State of California. A master’s degree or advanced coursework in a discipline related to program management and professional certifications are desired.

• Experience Requirements: A minimum of 10 years of management experience in private or public sector program management, along with a minimum of 5 years of direct supervisory experience, is required. Strong leadership/ management experience, having served in a Senior Leadership role, in a complex, similarly situated organization with comparable challenges and structure, is expected. Familiarity with dredging, wharf, building, railroad, bridge, security, roadway, and utility projects, as well as the principles of sustainable development, is expected.
  

DESIRABLE:

• A Master’s degree in a discipline related to Program Management; advanced coursework in a discipline related to Program Management; or professional certifications in Program Management
• Possession of the following professional certifications is favorable: Program or Project Management Professional (PgMP or PMP), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP)
• Knowledge of maritime, construction, government, and engineering terminology a plus.
• Experience in contracting with and managing consultants is preferred.
• Experience with program management software, such as Primavera Unifier, is desired
• Prior Port, public transportation agency, or municipality experience is desired

You will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relation skills, and exceptional 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 in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

SELECTION PROCEDURE

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 Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. 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 further evaluate their qualifications. First and second-round panel interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (virtual) and Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (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 in order 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 $192,025.49 - $268,836.52 (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 contributions are 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 contributes up to 5% 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 into cash credits 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 the death or critical illness of an 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

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally. As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% @55 for "Classic" members and 2%@62 for new members as defined by PEPRA. Subject to employee contribution. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.
• Health and Dental Insurance: The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.
• Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance: City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Management Physical: Annual City-paid physical examination.
• Vacation: Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.
• Executive Leave: Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.
• Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.
• Holidays: Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Transportation Allowance: Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;
  • Department Head $650.00
  • Deputy Director/Manager $550.00
  • Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA: $450.00
  • Executive Support Staff: $300.00
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation). City contributes 1% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) plan; effective September 30, 2022, the City will contribute 2% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) account. Employees may opt to contribute up to the IRS annual limits as well.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.
• Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule: Available (subject to City Manager approval).
• Paid Parental Leave: After six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Management positions - Refer to the Job Posting brochure included in the job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 10/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$192,025.49 - $268,836.52 Annually