THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
(This is an at-will position)
Salary DOE/DOQ: $172,840 - $241,977
The Port of Long Beach (POLB), a global leader in sustainable seaport operations and one of the most significant economic drivers in the nation, is seeking a seasoned and strategic communications leader to serve as its next Assistant Director of Communications & Community Relations. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a world-class organization that sets the standard for innovation, environmental stewardship, and public service. Reporting to the Director of Communications & Community Relations, the Assistant Director will help guide a high-performing division responsible for the Port’s public voice. This includes internal and external communications, public outreach, media relations, brand strategy, and community engagement. The Assistant Director will play a critical role in assisting the Director in advancing major initiatives, such as the Green Port 20-Year Campaign, preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, navigating messages for the business community, and shaping messaging around policy changes at the international, federal, state, and local levels. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and politically astute leader with a calm and steady presence, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and embraces creative problem-solving. They will bring strong judgment, deep communications expertise, and a commitment to supporting a culture of trust, transparency, and professional growth within a mission-driven team.
To apply and see the full recruitment brochure visit: https://tinyurl.com/2j4j729b
THE DIVISION
The Communications & Community Relations Division is the steward of the POLB’s public voice, storytelling, and strategic outreach. Led by the Director of Communications & Community Relations, this multifaceted team of 20 dedicated professionals operates with an annual budget of approximately $7.7M (salaries not included), including the management of a significant $3M annual sponsorship program that supports nonprofit and governmental organizations to educate the public about and promote the Port’s mission as a key part of the local, regional, national and international economy.
The division plays a vital role in managing internal and external communications, developing public messaging, translating technical subject matter into accessible content, and ensuring consistency across the POLB’s brand and mission. The team is comprised of communications professionals with expertise in writing, media relations, crisis communications, video production, digital engagement, graphic design, website management, and event coordination — requiring seamless collaboration and shared vision.
Current Key Initiative:As the POLB celebrates the 20th anniversary of its landmark Green Port Policy, the division is leading the Green Port 20-Year Campaign, highlighting its pioneering environmental leadership and commitment to sustainable operations. The team also plays a critical role in shaping the messaging around federal, state, and local administrative policy changes, ensuring that the Port’s resiliency, values, and operations are communicated with clarity and strength to key audiences across the nation.
THE POSITION & IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Assistant Director of Communications & Community Relations is a trusted partner to the Director and a key leader within the Port’s communications ecosystem. With two direct reports and a total of 17 staff under their direction, this role requires someone who is steady, experienced, and deeply committed to the mission and integrity of the organization. Acting as a strategic thought partner, the Assistant Director must operate in tandem with the Director — someone who can be counted on to lead confidently, navigate complexity, and manage sensitive political and public-facing situations with discretion and professionalism.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned communications leader who thrives in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. They must possess a broad understanding of communications disciplines — from branding and media relations to messaging and event strategy — and be able to guide and support a diverse team of specialists with empathy, transparency, and purpose. This individual will be skilled in building strong, collaborative teams, tailoring event staffing based on each person’s strengths, and mentoring staff to grow in their roles and share ideas confidently.
Crucially, this leader must bring strong political acumen and a principled mindset — someone who won’t be swayed by external pressures or changing political landscapes, but instead keeps the focus on fairness, transparency, and advancing the mission.
The selected candidate will also bring…
- Deep experience in strategic communications, public messaging, and stakeholder engagement
- The proven ability to manage crisis communications, especially involving complex or politically sensitive issues
- Expertise translating subject matter expert content into clear, compelling public messaging
- A strong understanding of branding, scriptwriting, and public event communications
- A leadership style grounded in integrity, empathy, and collaboration
- Experience building cohesive, high-performing teams and cultivating talent
See the full recruitment brochure here: https://tinyurl.com/2j4j729b
HOW TO APPLY:For first consideration, apply by May 28, 2025, at: www.tristargovsolutions.com/careers
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or closely related field.
- Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible communication management experience supervising staff dealing with media relations and five years of supervisory experience.
DESIRED
- Education: Master’s degree
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Education may be substituted for lengthy experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
KEY DATES:- CANDIDATE CONNECT (Information Session): To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our voluntary virtual information session on May 19, 2025, @ 5:00 pm PDT via MS 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.
- To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087
- Phone Conference ID: 994 063 369#
- To join the meeting visit: https://tinyurl.com/3377rxes
- INTERVIEWS: Interviews have been firmly scheduled to take place virtually on June 18th and in-person on June 25th. Candidates must be available for both interview dates.
QUESTIONS? Please contact your recruiter, Sam Sackman, with any questions:
