Waterfront Program Manager

The Waterfront Program Manager oversees a suite of waterfront programs that provide inspirational, recreational, and transformative maritime experiences for youth and adults: from small boat sailing lessons to public tours on a 40’ power catamaran. Our Learn to Sail programs have evolved over 20 years and are continuing to grow with a passionate crew of seasonal staff. Utilizing our successes, we have added new boats and new programming to expand the offerings that add to the vibrancy of our waterfront Port Townsend campus. Use your extensive on the water experience and use your knowledge as a base for management, program oversight, and teaching.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Implementation, Innovation, & Development

• Manage the Adult Maritime Skills programs including US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification, cruising classes, and maritime skills classes, both in-person and online
• Oversee and support the Youth Summer programs including the High School Sailing Team, and youth summer programs
• Manage the state-of-the-art Pilothouse simulator, our 40’ catamaran floating classroom the Admiral Jack, and our 40’ Gartside yawl La Vie en Rose
• In collaboration with the Program Director, identify new program ideas, revenue opportunities, and develop for internal vetting

Business Performance

• Accountable for the business performance of the Waterfront programs, including: Budget development; Revenue and expense accountability; Pricing and market analysis, including awareness of competitor programs
• As part of the Programs team, define, measure, and communicate program impact
• Collaborate with the Communications and Registration departments on program marketing and participant communication
• Assist in developing grant proposals that are in direct support of Waterfront programs
• Oversee and report on the implementation of deliverables described in grants that are in direct support of Waterfront programs

Staffing & Management

• Create and manage an annual hiring plan for recruiting and hiring seasonal staff, with support and collaboration from the Program Director and HR Manager
• Manage seasonal staff in support of the above programs, including a Summer Program Coordinator, 6-10 Summer Dock Attendants, and summer crew for Admiral Jack and La Vie en Rose
• Oversee seasonal staff orientation, training, and performance reviews

Operations

• Provide direct instruction in relevant programs as needed
• Efficiently manage seasonal staff hours against business results and program needs
• Coordinate dock and fleet use in collaboration with the Program Operations Manager
• Ensure the safe operations of the Waterfront programs, both on-water and off, in alignment with risk management policies
• Ensure the proper use and care of all program gear and boats in collaboration with Program Operations Manager
• Develop, update, and implement relevant Program Manuals, as needed
• Support for the Wooden Boat Festival and other organizational events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

GENERAL OPERATIONS

While this position’s primary responsibility is in program management, the Waterfront Programs Manager will work as part of the NWMC team to ensure smooth operations for the organization as a whole. This could include providing information to visitors to the Maritime Center and helping out in projects and events that require all-hands-on-deck, to helping tie up a vessel coming into our dock because you happen to be standing there. We all pitch in for the heavy lifting now and then—sometimes this is metaphoric; occasionally we all have to actually help lift something heavy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of safe boating practices
• 2 years in program management or equivalent management experience · USCG license - OUPV or larger with a sail endorsement
• Current CPR & First Aid certification
• Responsible, detail oriented, proactive, and able to represent the NWMC in a friendly and enthusiastic manner
• Excellent communications skills
• Previous experience with the full Google Suite
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as a part of a team
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test, all USCG licensed personnel are enrolled in our Maritime Consortium random drug testing program as a continued condition of employment, as per USCG regulations

HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years relevant instruction or education experience
• US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification or equivalent experience
• US Sailing Basic Cruising Certification Knowledge of local sailing community and culture

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Submit resume and cover letter

WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE

• Position requires consistent onsite work on our Port Townsend campus

• Main NWMC Offices are located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368
• Position is full-time, 40 hours/week

WHY YOU WANT TO WORK HERE

There are rare moments when organizations have the combination of a talented and motivated staff, an engaged board, a healthy and productive work culture, are executing well on existing programs but still innovating and looking for the next step—we’re in that moment, and it’s exciting.

The NWMC is dynamic, making a difference in our community, and taking an increasing role in the region. We serve individual students and program participants, but we also work to help solve community problems like systemic improvements in our public schools, economic development, job training, and working regionally to pair the opportunities in the maritime industry with the need to address systemic oppression in communities of color. Plus, all of the fun stuff like kids’ programs, festivals, and adventure races. Our waterfront campus is vibrant with a multitude of compelling activities, and all of them done to meet or advance industry best practices. In the words of a board member: “We don’t do B work.”

On top of it all, you’d get to work on the water in Port Townsend: natural beauty, heritage buildings, arts community, wooden boats, zero traffic jams. The Northwest Maritime Center’s relative scale to our small town means that the effects of our success can be observed in the success of our community. You’ll be doing meaningful work for the place you live and your efforts will make a tangible difference.

Right team, right moment, the right momentum, and the chance to move the needle for the prosperity of an entire community: That’s why we get excited to come to work in the morning, and that’s why we think you should want to be here too.

The Northwest Maritime Center is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages individuals of all cultures and communities to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

COVID-19 considerations:
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Following all local, state, and federal guidelines to keep everyone safe. All staff working in an educational setting are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or medically exempt, verification is required

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Port Townsend, WA 98368: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Please tell us a little bit about why you are interested in this position and how your skills fit the requirements.

Experience:

• Basic Keelboat Sailing: 1 year (Preferred)
• instruction: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• USCG License - OUPV or larger (Preferred)

Work Location: One location