Principal Economist

DescriptionThe Port of San Diego is seeking a highly intuitive and forward-thinking Principal Economist professional to serve as the organization’s senior expert on complex economic and financial issues. This pivotal role leads advanced economic forecasting, revenue and market analysis, and the development of high-impact analytical models that inform executive leadership and the Board of Port Commissioners. As a trusted advisor, the Principal Economist provides independent, data-driven insight that shapes strategic priorities, supports regulatory and financial decision making, and advances the Port’s mission to promote economic vitality, public benefit, and environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate is a seasoned economist with exceptional analytical skills, a deep understanding of public-sector economics, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations. This is an exciting opportunity to help guide the long-term economic direction of one of California’s most dynamic and diverse waterfront agencies.This position will report to the Chief Financial Officer and hybrid remote work is an option.GENERAL PURPOSEUnder general direction of a Director or Assistant Vice President, supervises the work of professional and technical staff and oversees multiple aspects of the District's economic and policy initiatives, including but not limited to: long-range transportation and maritime planning, energy rates and conservation, economic impact reports, policy, environmental protection, business operations, budget administration, contract management, and other administrative responsibilities; acts as a complement and substitute for a Director or Assistant Vice President; facilitates the resolution of issues between key stakeholders; monitors and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations of regulatory agencies and District policies, represents the District; and acts as a liaison in high-level interactions, and performs other duties as assigned.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSPrincipal, Economics & Policy is a management level position working under a Director or Assistant Vice President. The incumbent is responsible for leading a team and implementing and executing team-level or department-level operational goals and objectives. Responsibilities require independent judgment on issues that are complex, interpretive, and evaluative in nature. Responsibilities and assignments require a thorough understanding of District and department policies, practices and procedures, and involve significant accountability and high-level decision making. The incumbent plans and formulates detailed work plans and budgets, directs and manages the development of annual work programs and objectives, and monitors and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The incumbent is assigned highly complex and specialized responsibilities requiring advanced professional-level knowledge of the goals, objectives and technical requirements of maritime policy and economics, utility rate setting and/or tariff setting, economic impact assessments and transportation planning.The Principal, Economics & Policy is distinguished from other management and supervisory classes in that incumbents serve as top finance, budget and administrative leaders for a team or department and require a high degree of administrative discretion to carry out significant department policies and programs.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesThe following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.Leads, coordinates, directs, plans, manages, supervises, provides leadership, and evaluates key strategic initiatives of an assigned team, department or division; analyzes, implements and monitors work plans to achieve the District mission, goals and performance measures; monitors performance against a team's, department's, or division's budget; leads economic and initiatives and programs for the District; develops and implements plans, policies, systems and procedures applicable to team, department, or division responsibilities. Directs, analyzes, and evaluates the performance of team, department, or division staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; prepares performance evaluations and reviews individual evaluations with staff; recommends merit increases and other rewards to recognize performance; recommends disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the District's Personnel Rules and Regulations and labor contract provisions. Provides leadership and support to team, department, or division staff and develops and retains highly competent, service-oriented staff through selection, training and day-to-day management in support of the District's mission, objectives and service expectations; oversees and administers ongoing team, department, or division training; provides leadership and participates in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive environment for employee relations. Serves as a District representative and acts as a liaison in interactions with other industry and governmental agencies, tenants, District member cities, professional organizations, community groups and elected officials on program issues; plans, organizes, facilitates and manages planning activities with other governmental agencies; serves as District's representative on local, regional and national associations of interest to the District's mission; participates in meetings, conferences, conventions and other professional forums to keep abreast of regional/national economic and policy trends and emerging strategies for ports. Directs, plans, develops, analyzes, and conducts program outreach and promotional activities for assigned programs; develops or directs development of information, outreach and educational materials; directs team, department, or division staff to plan, organize and implement effective public relations goals and strategies; oversees staff presentations to tenants and community, neighborhood, business and school groups; plans initiatives to encourage public participation in division programs. Leads, develops, directs, writes, analyzes, reviews and presents a variety of technical and professional reports, documents, correspondence and records related to assigned programs; drafts correspondence to other District departments and state and federal regulatory agencies; drafts Board of Port Commissioners agenda items and memos; oversees maintenance of accurate and complete records.Additionally, the incumbent may also be responsible for overseeing one or more of the following specialized departmental division areas:Analyzes and reports data that helps to explain and forecast economic and financial trends. Makes recommendations on economic equations used in forecasting models and/or bank stress testing. Uses knowledge of regional economies to assist in forecasting regional economic activity and helps produce regional economic reports. Partners with various business groups (i.e. internal business intelligence and data analytic teams within the team and across the groups) to collaborate on projects. Delivers presentations on economic issues to internal and external audiences. Directs, manages, develops, negotiates, and administers consultant contracts; drafts contract language; awards or recommends awarding of contracts, selecting appropriate consultants; monitors and evaluates contract compliance, including contract invoices. Assesses, identifies and facilitates economic reports that are necessary for grant applications. Researches and identifies potential sources for, secures and administers grant and loan funding from governmental agencies, foundations and other funding sources. Maintains and grows existing and new business lines. Leads departmental policy development and analysis involving transportation industry competition and antitrust issues; leads reviews of benefit-cost analyses for transportation infrastructure projects under departmental grant programs; leads the development of the analyses of economic impacts of transportation security measures; and, leads work that improves the quality of economic data and analytical methodologies available for transportation policymaking.OTHER DUTIESActs as the Director or Assistant Vice President in that individual's absence. Directs and manages program managers and other staff to assess and identify project/program needs and plans to verify project scope and expectations.QualificationsKnowledge of:Advanced principles, practices, concepts and techniques used in developing and executing public administration, budget and financial planning, contracting and maintenance of public records.Theories, advanced principles, laws, practices and statistical techniques related to use of economic tools/mathematical models for forecasting market trends.Advanced policy, political, economic, and/or environmental issues influencing transportation planning program/project development and imple­mentation.Advanced research methods and analysis techniques.Advanced principles and practices of effective human resource management and supervision.Principles and practices of effective business communications.District Personnel Rules and Regulations, policies and labor contract provisions.Principles and practices of strategic and long-term business planning.Ability to:Plan, organize, manage and direct a variety of complex work programs, financial functions and operations programs and activities.Manage multiple projects and programs that implement the division work plan, vision and goals.Analyze, evaluate and make sound recommendations on complex financial data and department operations.Define complex issues, perform difficult and complex analysis and research, evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.Understand and apply District, local, state, and federal policies, laws and regulations and court decisions applicable to areas of responsibility.Apply creativity and flexibility in problem solving to complex and/or sensitive issues and problems.Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in public meetings.Represent the District and department effectively on a variety of issues; negotiate effectively on behalf of the District.Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive projects, assignments, reports, correspondence, studies, policy and other written materials.Exercise sound, expert independent judgment and political acumen within general policy guidelines.Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.Establish and maintain effective working relationships providing leadership and direction with all levels of District management, employees, the public, government officials, tenants, contractors, suppliers, businesses, agencies, labor unions and others.Provides expertise, guidance and assistance to executives, senior staff, the Board of Port Commissioners, other staff, tenants and external customers.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSEducation, Training And ExperienceGraduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public policy, government, or economics degree, or a closely related field; and a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience involving implementation of related professional programs of similar complexity and scope in private or public agencies.Experience assessing, preparing, and presenting economic analyses of public policy alternatives to assist policy decision makers or equivalent decision makers as a regular and recurring part of employment.Preferred experience independently developing, formulating, and guiding analyses of infrastructure investment and finance, industry structure and performance, or regulations and enforcement in transportation, safety, environment, trade, or related fields utilizing econometric, statistical, and economic models, methods, and techniques.Experience in a public agency is preferred. Time served as a District Intern counts towards the years of experience.Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: Certain assignments may require a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program. This position may be subject to a pre-employment background check. The District will conduct a California Department of Justice/FBI fingerprint and criminal history check; felony convictions may be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recently they occurred. Criminal arrests and convictions during employment may result in termination or limitations in job duties if no reasonable accommodations can be made.Recruitment InformationThe application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section. THE ASSESSMENT (40%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025 AND THE APPRAISAL PANEL (60%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026. To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd If applicable, please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application will be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.Placement On Eligible ListThe Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.UNCLASSIFIED SERVICEThis position meets one or more of the criteria for the unclassified service as outlined in San Diego Unified Port District Act Section 72.5(b), and as such is exempted from the classified service.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDSPersons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.Resolution #: 2018 – 117Dated: June 12, 2018