The ideal candidate
The Florida Yacht Club (FYC) is looking for an experienced, motivated, enthusiastic Waterfront Director who will lead fleet and sailing operations, oversee youth sailing program growth, marketing strategies and nurture potential in youth sailors from beginner through to advanced club and high school competition. This is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to actively shape the future vision of the Club’s youth and adult sailing programs.
The Florida Yacht Club’s sailing philosophy is steeped in sportsmanship and a true dedication to the Corinthian nature of the sport. Our Waterfront Director must represent sailing programs and opportunities to membership, club management and the Board of Governors, as well as leading the coaching team and youth sailors with integrity; proving to be a positive role model for youth sailors on and off the water. As a member of the Club’s executive team, the ability to problem solve in the short term and identify long term program objectives is a mandatory requirement.
The position is open and available to start immediately and promises competitive annual salary with benefits. Rate based on experience and certification(s). Reports to Florida Yacht Club General Manager and supervises Jr. Program Director and hourly staff.
Responsibilities
- Visionary development, implementation and maintenance of Youth Sailing Team curricula from Beginner Sailing to Advanced Racing.
- Develop and manage annual budget for Fleet/Waterfront operations including coaching compensation, fleet maintenance, and facilities.
- Determine program schedules (practices and regattas) for Race Teams including Optis, High School, C420s, and other fleets. Managing the schedule, parent and competitor communication, travel arrangements, coaching needs and logistics for away regattas.
- Oversee the Jr. Sailing Program and manage the Jr. Sailing Director which may include on water coaching, travel to regattas, budgeting and hiring for the youth program.
- Support J24 fleet and management of club hosted events.
- Inventory and maintain fleet/sailing assets including sailboats, coach boats, and facilities
- Engage Club membership in sailing programs and activities.
- Oversee and collaborate with FYC membership and communication department on the design/development of advertising, promotional material, registration for Fleet/Sailing events, the Youth Racing Program and Summer Camp Programs.
- Participate in Fleet Committee meetings and collaborate with the committee in advancement of program and club objectives for member participation and growth in fleet, camp and youth sailing activities.
- Represent the Waterfront department at FYC Management meetings.
- Attend local/regional/national sailing association committee meetings and conferences; present and exchange best practices with industry leaders and share learnings with Waterfront and Club staff and leadership in the interest of growing the program’s impact.
- Collaborate with Fleet Committee and Adult Sailing Volunteers to attract and manage the implementation of local, regional and national regattas.
- Collaborate with the Fleet Committee to advertise and support fleet related activities (boat cruises, river clean-up, etc.)
About the Florida Yacht Club
The Florida Yacht Club is a member-owned club about to mark its 150th year. Steeped in tradition, the club also boasts a dedication to yachting and a focus on continued growth of its sailing and waterfront programs. With an ideal location on the St. Johns River, in Jacksonville, FL, the club offers a protected cove for beginner training, and dynamic training and racing conditions on the river, just around the bend. The club's leadership and engaged families provide excellent support to the waterfront program and are committed to its continued growth.
The growing youth program features regional and nationally competitors in the Opti, C420, ILCA and high school programs. This position will be a critical factor in ensuring the team's success, growth, competitiveness and to instill a lasting love of the sport in the next generation of Florida Yacht Club sailors.
The Club is home to a healthy J/24 Fleet, hosting a Fleet 55 Summer/Boat of the Year Series, has hosted the J/24 Nationals and North Americans in the past and is set to once again host the Nationals in November 2025 as part of its hallmark annual Kings Day Regatta. Additionally, the Club hosts the Annual Orange Peel Regatta for the Thistle Class, which regularly doubles as regional or national championships as well. FYC also hosts three well attended youth regattas annually and one high school regatta for the Jr. Sailing Program.
The position is full time, year round with full benefits, 401(k) and competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Please send all inquiries and resumes to sailing@thefyc.org.
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Program Assets
· Stand alone sailing center with offices, classroom, and indoor boat storage/maintenance area.
· Brand new docks at sailing center
· 16 collegiate 420s
· 4 Club 420s (2024)
· 9 optis
· 8 cubes for beginner instruction
· 4 keel boats
· 7 coach boats
· 1 dedicated race committee boat