The Port of San Diego is currently going through a class and compensation study. The job title and job duties are subject to change.The Port of San Diego has an exciting opportunity for a creative, forward-thinking marketing and branding professional to manage strategic and innovative marketing programs and content for the Port. The Marketing Brand Manager leads a fun and hard-working content team in developing and executing several business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing campaigns supporting the Port’s mission. The role involves developing strategic creative design, marketing frameworks, branding initiatives, creative/advertising briefs, social media campaigns, and digital integrations, among other projects.
This position is focused primarily on creative content development, branding development and management, and development and execution of strategic marketing campaigns. This includes ensuring brand consistency across all marketing efforts, on various platforms, and to various audiences. In addition to managing the long-term brand strategies, this position oversees all visuals, creative assets, and messaging for the Port’s brand and five sub-brands. This position will have a strong understanding of design principles and visual storytelling as they lead the development and implementation of all marketing content and marketing assets.
This position manages a creative content team including Social Media Principal, Copywriter/Content Specialist, Videographer, Photographer and Graphic Designer. As a leader who leads by example, this position maintains positive working relationships with others on the team and throughout the organization, as well as manage relationships with outside vendors.
The ideal candidate can handle multiple projects concurrently, works collaboratively and communicates effectively with internal and external individuals at varying levels of an organization, has superior writing and presentation skills, and possesses a creative mindset.
GENERAL PURPOSEUnder general policy direction, plans, organizes, controls, integrates and directs San Diego Unified Port District (District) wide marketing and communications efforts; provides expert professional assistance and support to District management and the Board of Commissioners on strategic planning, performance management and measurement, marketing, public relations, communications and community services and related matters; in coordination with the Director, Communications & Community Engagement, manages responses to media inquiries and interacts with the media in wide variety of complex, often controversial and sensitive issues; and performs related duties as assigned. An incumbent also assists in planning and coordinating implementation of the District's strategic and business planning plan and related processes.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSMarketing Brand Manager is responsible for managing and integrating broad, comprehensive marketing, public relations, communications and community programs and services for the District to enhance its image with key stakeholders and the community, be responsive to its publics and promote its economic and financial success. The incumbent provides expert advice and counsel to the Director, Communications & Community Engagement and members of the Board of Port Commissioners regarding marketing, advertising, community outreach and communications with key stakeholders on issues of substantial visibility, impact and sensitivity. Responsibilities require a broad knowledge of operations, programs and activities and the exercise of creativity, initiative, seasoned judgment and exceptional marketing acumen in order to promptly address the issues and concerns of both internal and external stakeholders, often on a moment’s notice or in crisis situations. Responsibilities allow for broad discretion on issues that are complex, interpretive and evaluative in nature.
The 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.
1. Leads, plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the departments; exercises executive responsibility for achieving department business, operational and program results; with subordinate staff, develops, integrates, implements and monitors work programs, policies and processes to achieve division and District mission, strategic and business plans, goals and performance measures; directs development of and monitors performance against the department’s and District’s budget.2. With other members of the management team, exercises leadership and participates in the development of District’s strategic plan and development of key strategic initiatives, business plans and operational/resource priorities to achieve long-term and short-term goals and priorities, in alignment with the District’s core values and guiding principles.3. Provides leadership and works with staff to develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training and day-to-day management practices that support the District’s vision, mission, core values, guiding principles, objectives and service expectations; provides leadership and participates in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive employee relations environment.4. Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; provides compensation and other rewards to recognize performance; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations, District’s Personnel Rules and Regulations, policies and labor contract agreements.5. Directs, manages, plans and oversees implementation and execution of approved marketing, advertising and public relations plans for the overall District including the cruise marketing and sales effort, communications and community services goals, objectives, plans, strategies, policies, standards and messages directed to both internal and external groups; directs, manages, plans and oversees the development and implementation of marketing, public relations, media and special events; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key contacts and potential partners; builds liaison with strategic partners and oversees and manages the identification and implementation of plans to collaborate on marketing, public relations, communications and community services issues; oversees and directs the presentation of concepts, ideas and plans to stakeholders; directs planning and carrying out of a variety of special events.6. Provides expertise, guidance and assistance to staff, senior management, Commissioners, other District personnel, Port tenants and external customers on marketing strategies; analyzes situations, evaluates specialized information and provides strategic decisions and recommendations on a wide array of marketing matters regarding various activities and projects of the District and its tenants; understands, enforces, interprets and explains complex regulations, laws and guidelines.7. Represents the District at a wide variety of high-visibility civic, community, tourism, maritime and cruise line industry events and with professional organizations and associations; communicates District activities and position on issues and activities; identifies and commits to appropriate action/follow-up on behalf of the District; works with District senior management to address issues and requests; as requested by civic or community organizations and others, makes public presentations, including speeches and audiovisual presentations or ensures that District is represented at events.8. Directs the District’s advertising programs; directs and oversees the work of external advertising and marketing firms; directs and oversees the development, negotiation and administration of contracts.OTHER DUTIES
- May act for the department director in that individual's absence
- Directs and oversees the development and implementation of a corporate identity program.
- Directs and oversees administration of the marketing sponsorship agreements and programs.
Knowledge of:- Advanced principles, practices, concepts and techniques used in developing and executing marketing, media and public relations and community outreach plans, programs and strategies.
- Principles and practices of strategic and long-term business planning.
- Advanced methods and techniques for creating effective marketing, particularly the District identity, its stakeholders and interests.
- Effective business communications and correct English usage.
- Industry trends and media practices as they apply to developing and carrying out public relations, marketing and advertising programs.
- District functions and operations and marketing issues.
- Cruise ship and tourism industry trends, operations, sales and marketing.
- Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing and maintenance of public records.
- Research methods and analysis techniques.
- Principles and practices of contract negotiation.
- Practices, methods and techniques in large-scale event planning.
- AAPA Guidelines.
- Basic web technologies, terminology and applications relevant to assigned responsibilities.
- Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
- District human resources Rules and Regulations, policies and labor contract provisions.
Ability to:- Plan, organize, direct and integrate the activities of comprehensive marketing to meet District goals and objectives.
- Plan and direct a broad range of marketing programs and services directed to promoting the District’s identity and image in the community, with business and industry groups and other key stakeholders.
- Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex marketing issues and strategies.
- Develop concepts and design specific methods and techniques to effectively advertise and improve marketing communications.
- Present information, proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in public meetings.
- Represent the District effectively in public settings and with dignitaries and media representatives on a variety of sensitive and complex issues.
- Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials.
- Exercise sound, expert independent judgment and political acumen within general policy guidelines.
- Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with highly sensitive and complex issues.
- Establish and maintain highly effective relationships with District executives and managers, Commissioners, elected and appointed officials of other public agencies, travel and trade industry representatives, representatives of community, professional and business organizations, the public and others encountered in the course of work. Time served as a District Intern will count towards the years of experience.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSEducation, Training and Experience:Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in marketing, public relations, communications, business administration, or a related field; and at least five years of progressively responsible management experience in marketing, communications, administrative management or related field. Time served as a District Intern will count 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.
Hiring Range Negotiable Between: $108,306 - $132,134 DOE/DOQ
The 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 INITIAL ASSESSMENT (40%) AND APPRAISAL PANEL (60%) ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2025.
To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
Placement on Eligible List:
The 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.
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 #: 2025 - 145
Dated: June 6, 2025