Executive Director

Pride of Baltimore, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Maryland to the country and the world. Pride preserves and enhances the living history of the Chesapeake Bay through education in the traditional practices of seamanship and nautical craft via hands-on exploration aboard Pride of Baltimore II, a historically evocative reproduction of a War of 1812-era privateer. Capturing public imagination through unique worldwide voyages of discovery, Pride II honors Maryland seafarers of all eras and, wherever she sails, shares the innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and patriotism that forged and continues to define Maryland’s maritime identity.

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Pride of Baltimore, Inc. The Executive Director reports to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.

In program development and administration, the Executive Director will:

1. Assure that Pride of Baltimore II has a long-range strategy that achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
2. Prepare and lead an annual development plan that includes major gifts, foundation, and corporate relations, and annual giving to build endowment and fund overall operations and programs.
3. Determine the annual sailing and ports schedule consistent with the fundraising strategy and in consultation with board of directors
4. Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board
5. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work.
6. Negotiate contracts, appearance fees, and charters
7. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

In communications, the Executive Director will:

1. See that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.
2. Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs, and goals.
3. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and partner organizations.
4. Serve as spokesperson for Pride of Baltimore, Inc. to donors, the business community, government agencies, press, and the general public.

In relations with staff, the Executive Director will:

1. Work with the Board to recruit, employ, and release personnel as needed
2. Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
3. Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

In budget and finance, the Executive Director will:

1. Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices
2. Work with the staff, finance committee, and Board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines
3. Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit Pride of Baltimore, Inc. to carry out its work.
4. Conduct official correspondence for the organization, and as needed consult with designated officers (i.e., chairman, treasurer, secretary) to execute legal documents.

Qualifications:

• Five or more years of proven success raising major charitable gifts for a nonprofit
• Demonstrated track record of nonprofit or business leadership
• Understanding of marketing, public relations, and online media strategies
• Experience with operations and IT management
• Proficiency in budget forecasting and management
• Exceptional communication skills – both verbal and written – with internal and external audiences
• Proven ability to work effectively with boards and manage and motivate staff
• Familiarity with legal procedures, bylaws, IRS 990, liability risk, etc.
• Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of Pride of Baltimore II!

Helpful, but not required:

• Personal interest in sailing, maritime history, economic development, tourism, community engagement.
• Personal traits desired:
  • Collaborative nature — someone very willing to "partner" with the captains and mentor the staff
  • Creative vision — able to think beyond the current scope and grow the presence of Pride
  • Ability to execute — attention to details, deliverables, and timelines
  • Strong communications/negotiation skills
  • Kind, fun, smart — the culture of Pride starts at the top

For immediate consideration, please send cover letter and resume addressed to Jan Miles, Interim Executive Director.