Sailing Director for Gig Harbor Junior Sailing

Ignite your passion in the Pacific Northwest

Grow with Gig Harbor Junior Sailing as our new Sailing Director! GHJS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to providing inclusive sailing programs that foster youth development in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. GHJS started in 2010 as a small summer camp program with 30 registered students. Fast forward, and today we’re serving almost 700 area youth in summer sail camps and 60 kids on our race teams. We’ve become one of the largest youth sailing programs in Washington State, and a successful candidate for this position will help us continue to meet demand for programs in this area for years to come. This position will provide opportunities for excellent professional growth, and superior quality of life in the heart of the Puget Sound. Salary range offered is $71,000 - $80,000 depending on experience. Benefits include a signing bonus up to $6,000.

We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic leader to join our team to oversee our exceptional sailing programs and help us to achieve long-term organizational goals. GHJS is supported by year-round and seasonal staff, a passionate and responsive Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers and amazing race team sailors and their families. 

We operate our programs at the West Shore Marina in picturesque Gig Harbor, and run the Tacoma Yacht Club Junior Sailing Camps on nearby Wollochet Bay. Our race teams operate out of both locations from February through October. The GHJS fleet consists of 9 safety boats (3 purchased since 2018), 2 keelboats, and 46 dinghies with over half purchased new in the last 5 years. TYC also provides a fleet of powerboats and dinghies for racing and LTS programs.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The Sailing Director provides the overall management of GHJS and reports to the Board. Expect frequent local travel as well as occasional travel within the region. Other travel within the US may be required. 

Primary Duties

• Day-to-day GHJS operations
• Program development and event planning
• Instruction and coaching oversight
• Administration, risk management, policy development and compliance
• Personnel management including hiring, training and managing staff
• Fleet and facility oversight
• Volunteer programs oversight
• Basic nonprofit business management tasks (budget development, purchasing, payroll, communications, grant writing, etc.)
• Representing GHJS to outside individuals and organizations
• Advising and supporting strategic planning, fundraising and other activities essential to program health and growth

The Sailing Director is expected to demonstrate a wide range of knowledge and skills including leadership, flexibility and accountability for decision and program outcomes under his/her control. Superior oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and a positive customer service orientation are expected.  

Knowledge of all aspects of water safety, small boat operation and maintenance (sail and power), sailing instruction (beginner through advanced), dinghy racing, and the daily functions of junior and adult sailing programs are required. Familiarity with and dedication to operational risk management is required.  

Familiarity with and ability to use or learn basic software systems to include those related to budgeting, accounting, program registration, employee records and timekeeping, equipment inventory and tracking, race team management, web design and social media. The use of technology to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens is encouraged. 

Required Qualifications:

• Age 21 or older
• Successful background check
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience managing youth sailing programs
• US Sailing Level 1 (or higher) certification
• Extensive dinghy sailing and racing experience
• 2 years experience coaching, planning and organizing youth sailing programs, teams and events
• Excellent communication skills
• Driver’s license and the ability to tow and launch boats
• Washington State Boaters Card
• First Aid/CPR and Safe Sport Certifications
• Punctual and self-directed work ethic

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership and management experience
• Interest in marine stewardship and environmental science
• Teaching and/or recreation management background
• Experience with grant writing and/or nonprofit fundraising
• Web design and/or experience conducting public outreach through social media
• Budgeting and/or business management experience