Program Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Program Director

Department: Sail Training Operations

Reports To: Board of Directors

Remote/Onsite: Onsite (remote work pre and post summer season)

Creation Date: January 12, 2025

Compensation: Hourly, Based On Experience & Other Relevant Factors

About the Organization:

Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association (SBJSA) is a three-season sailing education facility in Sodus Point, NY. SBJSA offers summer youth instruction, community boating activities, spring and fall instructional programming for scholastic sailing teams, and various other instructional programs throughout the year.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Director oversees camp program content both on and off the water, coordinates on-water operations. This includes preserving the safety and well-being of all participants, overseeing daily programming and instructional quality, the proper care and handling of all boats and equipment, and the creation of a positive experience for all students, staff, parents, and participants. The position is full-time for 8-10 weeks (mid-June to mid-August). This position requires hours prior to and after the main 7 week summer camp programming. There are opportunities for negotiable hours in the Spring and Fall.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Safety – Ensure that safety is prioritized in all operations. Able to provide on water assistance and or rescue to facility users and program participants. Oversee all on land and water operations including monitoring for weather conditions and potential safety issues. Ensure the development of standard protocols for all emergency situations, including but not limited to an emergency action plan, adverse weather conditions, medical situations, etc.
Respect – Cultivate and uphold a culture of respect in all operations. This includes respect for people, respect for the facility, and respect for the boats and equipment.
Instruction – Oversee the daily teaching activities of all instructors and counselors-in-training (CITs) including reviewing lesson plans, observing activities, and interacting with participants. Support staff to achieve US REACH Certification for STEM implementation, and coordinate STEM lessons within the program as needed. Support development of the curriculum in accordance with U.S. Sailing standards. Role model expectations and best practices to seasonal staff. Oversee delivery of SBJSA curriculum, support and provide feedback where needed.
Racing – Oversee the SBJSA racing program, including practices, hosting of local regattas and travel to away events. Supervision and guidance of Race Coach(es).
Thursday Night Racing - Manage and oversee the staff, schedule, equipment, boats, fees, and waivers for a successful Thursday Night racing program.
Community Boating – Work collaboratively to manage and oversee the staff, schedule, equipment, boats, and participation records including liability waivers and boat use qualification documents. Coordinate staff for orientation sessions for new Community Boating members and instructors for adult lessons.
Behavior Management - know, understand, and be able to demonstrate how to set positive behavioral expectations through tangible and visible practices, and effectively deal with situations that arise demanding intervention for the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all program participants and staff.
Maintenance – Oversee routine maintenance of the facility, boats, and equipment. Communicate major maintenance needs to the Board or its designated representative. Report on equipment conditions as directed.
Development and Outreach – Assist the Director of Administration and Board in developing new services and expanding the reach of SBJSA in the community. Connect with the community and participate in program promotional events and activities. Take a leadership role and partner with the Director of Administration and SBJSA Board in community fundraising activities and social events, including but not limited to the Max Buzzell golf tournament fundraiser, annual BBQ, pancake breakfasts, Centrals Regatta and other SBJSA attended regattas, etc.
Communication – Communicate with parents, sailors, and other SBJSA Staff and participants effectively and with respect.
Administration – Complete administrative duties related to the position. Gather any required information for SBJSA grant funders, including keeping track of and collecting lesson plans and outcome data. Maintain accurate records and complete the end of year report.
Events – Oversee on campus event days and assist in special events and programming.
All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Positive attitude and approachable demeanor.
Strong knowledge of sailing and sailboat racing.
Strong customer service skills.
Strong time management skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; appropriately communicates with all stakeholders, from program participants, to parents, to Board of Directors.
Ability to critically think and take appropriate action. Particularly when safety is involved.
Possess knowledge and hands-on skills related to safety.
Sailing and powerboat operational skills and desire to share this knowledge with youth of all ages.
Strong organization skills, attention to detail and follow through.
Ability to critically think and take appropriate action.
Strong leadership skills; able to provide direction.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise youth ages 6-18.
Train and develop new employees to meet organizational needs.
Develop employee/CIT skills and performance through training and coaching.
Provide feedback on an employee’s performance, helping to develop an employee’s skills where needed and/or address performance issues, coaching for positive growth.
Monitor instructor/CIT attendance and performance to ensure that they meet required standards of conduct and performance.
Coordinate and facilitate employee meetings such as staff meetings, team meetings and one-on-one check-ins.
Prepare Instructor/CIT performance evaluations and provide feedback.
Maintain confidential information of all Instructors and program participants, including employee records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

*All certifications are required prior to active employment, but are not necessary at the time of hire. Must be at least 21 years of age by June 15th.

Successfully pass a background check:
Must have NO felonious convictions
NO charges for child abuse or endangering the well being of a minor.
Current U.S. Sailing Level 1 Instructor required.
Current American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED certification required.
Current USSA SafeSport certification.
NYS Safe Boating Card with at least 3 years of experience successfully operating small powerboats in the 12-18 ft range.
Demonstrated experience leading small teams: setting expectations, monitoring performance, providing feedback, and administering both rewards and discipline.
Demonstrated organizational, record-keeping, and reporting skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills with all age groups and across all stakeholders (staff, students, parents, patrons, board members, and the local community).

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

Four or more years of experience in sailing instruction.
Current U.S. Sailing Level 2 Instructor and higher certifications are desirable (e.g., Instructor Trainer, Head Instructor, Coach).
Current American Red Cross lifeguarding certification with the waterfront module is desirable.
Ability to swim at least at Red Cross Level 5 or equivalent.
US Sailing REACH Certification.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Experience using Google Workspace
Experience with Laser’s, Opti’s and 420’s
Experience with PC with Windows 10 or Mac with Mac OS 10.15 or newer
Experience and necessary skills to helm and maneuver coach/safety powerboats in the 12-18 ft LOA range.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

May be required to travel with the Race Team to various Regattas.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance

This position requires the regular use of a computer screen and keyboard.
This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (standing and/or seated) the majority of the time.
Answering phone/making calls
Lifting Boats (carry up 45 pounds for 20 feet)
Being outside in variable weather conditions
Operating a powerboat

*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary without notice. Offers of employment are contingent on passing a criminal background check.

Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.