Executive Director (Bellingham, WA)

Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals, INC.; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

A public port authority in Bellingham is seeking an Executive Director to guide and transform operations while ensuring responsible management and transparency. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and a proven track record of leading organizations through change. Responsibilities include fostering trust within diverse community stakeholders and balancing operational excellence with public stewardship. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of the Port.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a public or complex organization through change and reorganization.
• Ability to connect long-term goals to practical decisions.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide a complex public organization through change.
• Ensure the Port operates responsibly and transparently.
• Foster trust across diverse audiences, including staff and community members.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship-building skills

Job description

Overview

The Port of Bellingham is seeking an Executive Director. The role requires the ability to connect long-term goals to practical decisions, guide a complex public organization through change, and ensure the Port operates responsibly, transparently, and in the public interest. This role demands a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who can balance operational excellence with innovation and public stewardship.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator—articulate, transparent, and skilled at fostering trust across diverse audiences including staff, elected officials, community members, and business partners. They will be a confident negotiator with a proven ability to navigate complex agreements, contracts, and partnerships that advance the Port’s mission while ensuring mutual benefit and long term value for the community. The ideal leader will have a background guiding organizations through change and reorganization, bringing steady leadership and clarity of vision during times of transition.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a public or complex organization through change and reorganization.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Track record of balancing operational excellence with innovation and public stewardship.