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
EDSearch@tallshipsamerica.org. 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.