The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity focused on bringing the joys and benefits of boating to Chicagoland youth. Two years ago, the Foundation minted a new strategic plan, calling for significant growth of the organization and a meaningful positive impact on the lives of thousands of Chicagoland youth. To that end, the Foundation aims to engage in four key activities.
- Introduction of boating to thousands of Chicago youth each year;
- Induction of interested youth by exposing them to meaningful programming designed to teach them about boating and related skills;
- Development of our youth who are interesting in furthering their boating knowledge; and
- Inspiration of our youth by exposing them to role models and offering them scholarship opportunities to enhance their lives.
In the past three years, the Foundation has dramatically expanded its programming in all four of these areas, thanks to the support of our professional Program Manager and Community Sailing Manager, and the support of over 300 donors. Now, the Foundation is ready to continue its growth by hiring its inaugural Executive Director. This role will require a strong visionary leader who shares our vision and passion for exposing youth to our sport, and who is prepared to bring their knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm to Chicago and lead the Foundation’s efforts in the future.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Develop a series of programs designed to introduce large numbers of Chicagoland’s children to boating, both on the lakefront at Chicago Yacht Club’s facilities at Monroe and Belmont Harbors.
- Launch a new initiative to build high school sailing teams in underserved high schools in Chicagoland.
- Develop a series of programs designed to develop boating skills in Chicagoland youth from underserved areas and groups, including support of the Sea Scout Ship Privateer.
- Oversee the development of community engagement programs designed to provide interested Chicagoland kids the opportunity to learn about boating in a series of intensive multi-day camps in Chicago and elsewhere around the Great Lakes.
- Oversee the Foundation’s marketing efforts, including building out of the Foundation’s social media presence and curation of the Foundation’s website and photo galleries.
- Expand relationships with community partners, including various social service agencies and schools.
- Lead the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, including the development of new revenue streams.
- Work closely with the Foundation’s partner, the Chicago Yacht Club, to manage a number of joint ventures and initiatives.
- Oversee the Foundation’s Competition Fund, designed to support high level sailors from the Chicagoland area on the national and world stage.
- Oversee the Foundation’s new InSPIRE scholarship program, which provides college and trade school scholarships to youth who have participated in Foundation programs.
- Mentor and coach employees and contractors of the Foundation.
The successful candidate will have a strong interest in boating and community outreach, will excel in working collaboratively with many different groups of stakeholders, including volunteers, community partners, Club members, and Foundation donors, and enjoy developing creative and innovative solutions. Strong team leadership, communication, organizational skills, and an ability to connect with and mentor youth sailors is required. Must be physically fit and able to participate in sailing activities. Must be available to work weekends during peak sailing season.
Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience. This is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to make a difference. We encourage you to visit www.chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation.
The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter. Materials should be submitted via e-mail and be addressed to:
Greg Miarecki
President
Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
400 East Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
programs@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply no later than October 11, 2024 to receive full consideration.