Adaptive Sailing Program Manager (Part-Time, Seasonal)

At the Downtown Sailing Center, sailing is more than just a recreational activity; it is a therapeutic tool that can provide profound benefits for people with disabilities. It offers a unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional advantages, fostering a sense of freedom, empowerment, and connection with nature. Adaptive sailing programs ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience the joys and benefits of sailing.

The Adaptive Sailing Program Manager oversees and administers key programs designed to introduce sailing and provide accessible and inclusive sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This role involves collaborating with volunteers, full-time and seasonal staff, and community partners to ensure a high-quality, safe experience for participants. The role is administrative and includes some dock-side activities as well. Familiarity with sailing is preferred.

This is a seasonal, part-time position (up to 20 hours per week, Tuesday–Saturday) from April through October, with the potential for year-round full-time employment.

We are a collaborative team! In addition to the above, as needed, the Adaptive Sailing Program Manager will also support administrative activities of the DSC as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Accessible Sailing (Saturday Open House Sails & Hansa Team Practices & Accessible Outreach Events)

• Organize and manage monthly adaptive sailing open house sailing events from May to September.
• Assist participants with open house registration.
• Communicate effectively with sailing participants.
• Recruit and oversee volunteers assisting with sailing activities.
• Communicate and exercise safety protocols for accessible sailing events and ensure compliance.
• Safely facilitate participant transitions from dock to boat using a Hoyer lift. You will be trained by our experts if you are not familiar.
• Collaborate with the Fleet and Facilities team to maintain equipment.
• Assist the Hansa Race Team with their weekly practices by organizing volunteers and setting up race courses. Familiarity with sailing is needed. You will also have support and training as needed.
• Record participant data for grant reporting and compliance.
• Provide dockside assistance, including catching and pushing boats off the dock, as well as assisting with rigging as needed.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local community organizations to execute accessible sailing events.
• MUST be available on September 20 to oversee the accessible sailing aspect of the annual Ya Gotta Regatta.

Additional Duties

As a small community-based organization, flexibility and adaptability are essential. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to support the organization’s evolving goals and initiatives. More information about our program can be found here: https://downtownsailing.org/adaptivesail

Qualifications:

• You value the dignity of all human beings. You have a passion for the outdoors and compassion & patience for our participants.
• Experience in occupational therapy, physical therapy, program management, community outreach, and/or youth development preferred but not needed.
• Experience with sailing, powerboats, and/or outdoor recreational programming is preferred.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to effectively recruit, train, and manage staff and volunteers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Flexibility and a positive attitude toward adapting to changing tasks and needs.
• Valid First Aid/CPR certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Active Role

This position requires physical activity, including frequent movement between the office and docks, managing on-the-water activities, and ensuring the smooth operation of programs. The ability to stay on your feet, move quickly, and navigate outdoor environments is essential.

Work Schedule

• Seasonal, part-time role (up to 20 hours per week).
• Primary work period: May through October.
• Workdays: Tuesday – Saturday.

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience.