Director Strategic Development
: Job Details :

Director Strategic Development

Are you ready to think about the future and dream big? At Port Houston, we're seeking individuals who are eager to tackle the most significant challenges of their careers. For over a century, we've been driven by vision and scale, delivering impactful initiatives that shape Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success hinge on attracting, retaining, and nurturing exceptional talent.When you join Port Houston, you're embarking on a journey towards a fulfilling career path. Take the first step in the right direction—are you READY?

Position Summary:The Director of Strategic Development is responsible for leading the development and execution of corporate strategies, sustainability initiatives, and grant funding opportunities to advance Port Houston's mission. This role provides executive-level oversight of long-term strategic planning, environmental and social sustainability, and external funding efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

Corporate Strategy

• Leads developing and periodically updating Port Houston's strategic plan; oversee and coordinate development of all strategic planning documents, to include mission, vision, strategic goals and objectives
• Provide definition of organizational developments required to support implementation of the strategic plan, and management of rollout communications regarding the plan
• Facilitate sessions with Port Houston leadership team in strategic planning and strategic thinking, and provision of tools to assist with these activities
• Facilitate and coordinate strategy sessions, to obtain input and engagement from a broad range of contributors across the organization and to align the leadership and staff around the strategic plan
• In collaboration with leadership, define annual targets and priorities, and communicate progress throughout the year
• Align annual goals and priorities with Port Houston's incentive Plan and other rewards and recognition programsSustainability
• Develop and oversee the execution of sustainability strategies including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
• Monitor compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Lead stakeholder engagement related to climate resilience, emissions reductions, and community impact initiatives.
• Support sustainable port operations, clean energy projects, and reporting (e.g., GRI, CDP).

Grants & External Funding

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue federal, state, and regional grant opportunities aligned with port priorities.
• Coordinate grant proposal development, submission, and compliance in collaboration with Finance and Legal.
• Track and report on active grants, including budget and performance metrics.
• Serve as liaison with funding agencies, consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Participate as a member of the Port Houston senior management team, to include leadership of initiatives to support achievement of the Port Houston Strategic Plan, development of assigned staff, and promotion of a positive organizational culture
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform other duties as required

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, or related field from a public or accredited private academic institution required. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 –10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainability, and grant administration.
• Experience working in or with public sector agencies, port authorities, or transportation infrastructure entities preferred.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks and government grant systems (e.g., FEMA, DOT, MARAD, EPA).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

• Knowledge of project management
• Knowledge of port industry
• Ability to influence others.
• Ability to drive strategic direction
• Strategic mindset and visionary skills
• Communication, presentation and writing skills
• Integrative listening and information monitoring skills
• Ability to translate high-level goals into achievable objectives and action plans
• Ability to build strategic working relationships, alliances, and partnerships

Key Competencies Required:

• Ability to drive strategic direction
• Aligning Performance for Success
• Building Strategic Working Relationships
• Energy and Enthusiasm
• Facilitating Change
• Leadership Presence
• Strategic Decision Making

Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.Disclaimer:The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job.It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.