Vice President for Watercraft Preservation and Programs
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.”
Mystic Seaport is seeking a Vice President for Watercraft Preservation and Programs. The Vice President will provide vision, leadership, and strategic oversight for Mystic Seaport’s Watercraft Preservation and Programs consistent with the Strategic Plan. The VP is responsible for setting a vision for the department as well as motivating individuals to achieve set goals. The VP will participate in a broad range of internal and external activities that will enhance and promote the Seaport’s relationship with the maritime community. He/She will serve as an ambassador and champion for Mystic Seaport to help secure resources for the museum and its maritime programs.
The VP will report directly into the Chief Operating Officer and will be responsible for the preservation and curatorial aspects of the Watercraft Collection and the programs developed around it or focused on the water, Oversee the management of the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard Department and the Watercraft Programs Department (e.g., BRILLIANT Program, and Boat House) and all other operational watercraft, and develop and manage appropriate professional relationships with others in the field, including yacht clubs, industry groups, other not-for-profit organizations, museums, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- B.S Degree / B.A. Degree, a minimum of 10 years of experience in maritime preservation of traditional watercraft both large and small,
- Demonstrated success in building and managing an effective diverse team,
- Broad experience in wooden boat/ship restoration and building, as well as preservation management,
- Knowledge of museum management,
- Demonstrated experience working in a public setting,
- Extensive knowledge of the maritime preservation field nationally and internationally,
- Knowledge of and experience in historic research,
- Demonstrated success with relationship building, problem-solving, and mentoring,
- Excellent communication and organizational skills,
- Experience providing consistent guidance and feedback through formal and informal channels,
- Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and administer complex financial and budget goals,
- Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed for events and projects or to accomplish the work at hand,
- Able to travel extensively to attend conferences and participate in fundraising activities
- Excellent technical skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions: The nature of the work involved requires extended periods of time outdoors in all weather conditions and all seasons. Candidate must be able to access a wide range of vessels, floats, bilges, vehicles, rigging etc.
Candidates that possess the fundamental skills and experience required to be successful in this role are invited to provide a cover letter and resumé and application (https://www.mysticseaport.org/wp-content/uploads/Mystic-Seaport-Employment-Application.pdf ) for consideration. Application documents can be sent to human.resources@mysticseaport.org OR to Mystic Seaport PO Box 6000 Mystic, CT 06355 Attn: Human Resources.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those to be interviewed will be contacted.
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