Expeditions Program Manager

This will be one of the hardest “jobs” you ever have. Our kids and your colleagues will push and inspire you to grow personally and professionally in ways that few other settings can.  We’re a small organization and treat each other more like family than colleagues. We live together, travel together, work together, and play together. If you are invited to join our team, we are making a commitment to help you become the best social innovator that you can be. We are committed to supporting you in the present to provide our kids the highest quality of care possible, and in the future by equipping you with the skills, resources, and connections to prepare you for where you go next.  Individuals leave us with invaluable management, leadership, and conflict mediation skills.  As an entrepreneurial social venture, you will have the opportunity to take ownership in your work and your outcomes. You have the opportunity to learn and practice many of the skills necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur. You will learn to manage and navigate extremely stressful situations with grace and clarity. Our alumni often say that few things can rattle them professionally after they have made it through SailFuture.

Job Overview

SailFuture is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead rite of passage sailing expeditions with high school age students.

You will navigate from St. Pete, FL to Nova Scotia in the summer months and from St. Pete to Trinidad in the winter months. 

The Program Manager will oversee education, mental health, vocational training and service learning programming in addition to overall program logistics and administration. 

About the Vessel

The vessel is a 100’ Giorgetti & Magrini ketch-rigged sailing yacht with accommodations for 10 students, 2 apprentices, and 6 staff.

Staff quarters are separate from students and are in shared cabins with a shared bathroom.

About the Schedule

This is a year round position with up to 30-days of PTO from the vessel. 

Students will be onboard 30-35 weeks per year. During expeditions, expect a 7-day work week with days off in port when available.

The Program Manager is responsible for manning the vessel (typically at anchor) in between student expeditions. While students are not onboard, there is a standard 5-day work week. 

The vessel does not operate during the Christmas holiday.

The Expeditions Program Manager reports to the Director of Maritime Operations and/or CEO. This person is responsible for continued program development and execution of all program activities, including education, mental health, service learning, and vocational training.

Responsibilities:

• Manage program budget, including fuel, food, supplies, flights & travel
• Orchestrate all logistics including flights, rental cars, service learning projects
• Develop educational, vocational, and mental health curriculum specific to the expedition experience 
• Assist with the overall management and upkeep of the vessel
• Assist the Captain with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance on all systems 
• Lead and design the pre-expedition and post-expedition experiences
• Manage the student recruitment and onboarding process 
• Train and lead the team of rotating staff who join for each Expedition
• Ensure that program Standard Operating Procedures are followed at all times
• Build strong bonds with each youth through 1:1 and group time
• Build a strong sense of teamwork amongst youth and staff on the boat
• Participate in service learning projects and all youth programming throughout the expedition
• Other duties as assigned 

About Expeditions

SailFuture Expeditions are intentional rites of passage designed to help young people who have experienced trauma catalyze personal growth and self actualization.

The vessel operates year-round and includes short-range expeditions (1-2 weeks), long-range expeditions (6-8 weeks), and private charters for donors and supporters.

Students participate in three key programming elements: 

1 – Academic Coursework – Seamanship & Navigation | Introduction to Marine Engineering | Culinary Arts | Mental Health Portfolio | Storytelling and Personal Narrative | Journaling 

2 – Maritime internships – Students work in defined crew roles and receive a weekly stipend

3 – Shoreside Experiences – Students participate in service learning projects and legacy shoreside experiences in each port of call

Core Objectives for SailFuture participants:

1. Students will have developed a strong understanding of the various careers available in the maritime industry through in-port experiences with strategic partners
2. Students will have developed measurable employability skills through structured apprenticeship training in defined crew roles
3. Students will have developed transformational relationships with teachers and mentors that are rooted in adventure, play, and shared challenge
4. Students will have developed an expanded worldview through cultural exchanges and service learning projects
5. Students will have identified problematic behaviors and habits and developed coping mechanisms that can be utilized in any setting
6. Students will have utilized 1:1 sessions, written reflections, workshops, and guided discussions to discuss and process trauma.

Special Benefits

• 20 days PTO (accrual, eligible to use after 90 days)
• $1,500 flight budget for PTO travel (return to home port or vacation destination)
• Additional compensation available for Private Charters
• Self Care Budget (per expedition, reimbursement)
• $250 monthly health insurance contribution (Company international health insurance through GeoBlue)
• Up to 6% employer match on 401k
• Work cell phone with international plan 

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years leadership experience
• 5+ years maritime experience
• 5+ years education or training experience 
• Valid driver’s license
• Empathy to relate to the life experiences of the youth SailFuture serves
• A passion for mentoring and coaching
• First Aid / CPR
• Lifeguard certification