American Sail Training Association
DBA TALL SHIPS AMERICA
Executive Director
Job Location: Newport RI (Hybrid-Remote)
Reporting to: Board of Directors
Travel: Considerable
Classification: Full Time
Overview
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 an 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.
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.
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.
Compensation is in the $100-125k range and includes a benefits package. 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.
EOE
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.
