Executive Director *Remote*

Founded in 1973, Tall Ships America is a non-profit organization
commended by Congress as The National Sail Training Organization
representing the United States. We support and promote the ships,
people, and programs of sail training and the tall ships through
relationships with government and regulatory agencies, advocacy,
professional development and training, the Annual Conference on
Sail Training and Tall Ships, the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Series of
races and events, scholarships and grants, and the biannual
publication of Sail Tall Ships!, the world’s
definitive directory of sail training.

Tall Ships America seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial
professional to lead the next phase of the organization’s growth.
The mission of Tall Ships America is to encourage character
building through sail training, promote sail training to the North
American Public, and support education under sail. Sail training is
defined as education, team building, leadership, and
character-building experiences aboard sailing vessels.

The Executive Director leads a fully remote organization
that:

• Serves some 100 vessel-operating members comprised of a diverse
  combination of owners and business models;
• Functions as the professional association and lead advocate for
  sail training vessels and their crews;
• Hosts an annual conference serving members, stakeholders and
  enthusiasts;
• Presents the Tall Ships Challenge, an annual series of ocean
  races and port events;
• Engages government and regulators on issues relevant to the
  interests of the membership;
• Inspires successful platforms and programming for leadership
  development, maritime preservation, and education by coordinating
  events (such as regional meetings), and by providing resources and
  subject matter expertise.

Responsibilities:

• The Executive Director will focus on the board-approved
  strategic plan, which includes:
• Ensuring Financial Sustainability of the Organization.
• Significantly raising awareness of the value of experiences
  aboard sailing vessels.
• Establishing and reinforcing Tall Ships America’s position as
  an authority on sail training and education, sailing vessel
  operations, and hosting tall ships in port.
• Increasing excellence across the fleet.
• Building and strengthening relationships with key
  stakeholders.
• The Executive Director will:
• Provide leadership, management expertise, and financial
  oversight, working in partnership with the board and staff.
• Develop a solid approach to achieving the objectives of the
  strategic plan, aligning this approach with organizational capacity
  and executing the plan.
• Serve as key fundraiser; develop and execute a fundraising
  plan—with a well-articulated case for support—that includes, but is
  not limited to, a portfolio comprised of individual giving, grants,
  and corporate sponsorships.
• Nurture the regular gathering of member organizations and
  enthusiasts to reinforce connections across our community.
• Prioritize organizational efforts and communication to support
  a commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Articulate Tall Ships America’s mission and value to a broad
  variety of stakeholders and in service of strategic objectives,
  executing marketing, social media and other outreach efforts that
  build the organization’s brand, including publication of the Sail
  Tall Ships! directory.
• Lead the successful planning and execution of Tall Ships
  America’s signature event, the Tall Ships Challenge, including
  leading contract negotiations with representatives of ports and
  member vessels and all aspects of sailing vessel
  participation.
• Engage with government and regulatory agencies to support the
  safe, compliant, and thriving operations of member sail
  training.
• Oversee the planning and execution of a successful and
  content-rich Annual Conference.
• Lead collaborations with other maritime and heritage
  organizations that advance education-under-sail programs in service
  of communities and the world.
• Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter
  detailing their relevant experience in confidence to
  [email protected]. The position is open until filled,
  but priority will be granted to applications received before close
  of business on March 15, 2024.
• Tall Ships America is committed to equity, diversity, and
  inclusion in all facets of the organization and welcomes
  applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race,
  gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion,
  ethnicity, or national origin.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Candidates are encouraged to apply from backgrounds in public
  service, advocacy, constituency-service organizations, and any
  other sectors in which they served the needs of a diverse
  membership or constituency. The successful candidate will be a
  proven leader with strong business acumen, demonstrated fundraising
  success, excellent presentation (both in writing and in speech),
  and a diplomatic demeanor.