MYSF Program Director
The search is on! MYSF is looking for a new Program Director.
About Madison Youth Sailing Foundation
Madison Youth Sailing Foundation (MYSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sailing organization dedicated to providing a fun, safe, educational, and inclusive environment where young sailors can develop confidence, independence, teamwork, sportsmanship, and lifelong skills through sailing.
MYSF serves sailors ages 5–17 at all experience levels, from first-time sailors through advanced racers. Programming includes introductory sailing, racing, STEM and adventure programming, private lessons, and middle and high school sailing through the Interscholastic Sailing Association.
MYSF is seeking a part-time Program Director to provide strategic, operational, and organizational leadership as the Foundation continues to grow its programs, membership, community presence, and impact.
Position Summary
The Program Director is the operational and day-to-day leader of Madison Youth Sailing Foundation and is responsible for the operations and success of the sailing school. The Program Director will ensure that MYSF delivers high-quality youth sailing programs while maintaining a strong culture of safety, education, sportsmanship, inclusion, and community.
The role is part-time administrative during the off-season (September through May) and full-time (or half-time) during the summer (June to August). There is an optional add on for part-time High School coaching in the spring and fall.
The Program Director reports to the Board of Directors, who set strategic direction, maintain a strong financial position for the club, and are responsible for the long-term sustainability of youth sailing in Madison.
The ideal candidate is passionate about sailing and is an organized, collaborative leader who can own the hands-on execution of a growing sailing non-profit.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Administration
Required:
Work Environment
The Program Director will be at the sailing site (Maple Bluff Marina), interacting regularly with youth sailors, families, instructors, and performing administrative tasks (remote).
Example Schedule
Compensation
Compensation for this role is hourly pay, beginning at $28/hr but could be higher commensurate with experience and relevant certifications.
Madison Youth Sailing Foundation (MYSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sailing organization dedicated to providing a fun, safe, educational, and inclusive environment where young sailors can develop confidence, independence, teamwork, sportsmanship, and lifelong skills through sailing.
MYSF serves sailors ages 5–17 at all experience levels, from first-time sailors through advanced racers. Programming includes introductory sailing, racing, STEM and adventure programming, private lessons, and middle and high school sailing through the Interscholastic Sailing Association.
MYSF is seeking a part-time Program Director to provide strategic, operational, and organizational leadership as the Foundation continues to grow its programs, membership, community presence, and impact.
Position Summary
The Program Director is the operational and day-to-day leader of Madison Youth Sailing Foundation and is responsible for the operations and success of the sailing school. The Program Director will ensure that MYSF delivers high-quality youth sailing programs while maintaining a strong culture of safety, education, sportsmanship, inclusion, and community.
The role is part-time administrative during the off-season (September through May) and full-time (or half-time) during the summer (June to August). There is an optional add on for part-time High School coaching in the spring and fall.
The Program Director reports to the Board of Directors, who set strategic direction, maintain a strong financial position for the club, and are responsible for the long-term sustainability of youth sailing in Madison.
The ideal candidate is passionate about sailing and is an organized, collaborative leader who can own the hands-on execution of a growing sailing non-profit.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Administration
- Oversee the organization's day-to-day operations, including:
- Manage registration, enrollment of all program participants
- Own the day-to-day communication with families, including management of primary email inbox year-round.
- Oversee facilities, boats, equipment, supplies, and other organizational resources in partnership with appropriate Board members and volunteers.
- Maintain emergency, weather, and risk-management procedures in partnership with the Board.
- Participate in monthly Board meetings with the Board of Directors to share updates and plan for future seasons and initiatives.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to recruit, hire, train, supervise, and retain seasonal instructors, coaches, and other staff.
- Oversee the staff of ~15 summer part-time and full-time coaches, maintaining effective onboarding, training, scheduling, communication, and performance management processes.
- Create and manage all staff scheduling and communications throughout the summer, appropriately planning for staff outages, regatta assignment, and other staff contingencies.
- Build a strong team culture centered on professionalism, youth development, safety, and fun.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to execute the organization's strategic priorities and long-term vision.
- Foster a positive, welcoming, inclusive, and community-centered organizational culture.
- Oversee the planning, implementation, evaluation of all MYSF programs from Kinderpram (ages 5-7) all the way to high school programs.
- Ensure curriculum and instructional practices reflect current youth sailing and safety standards (i.e. US Sailing)
- Work with coaches and instructors to maintain consistent program quality across age groups and skill levels. Mentor coaches throughout the seasons.
- Support the continued development of middle and high school sailing programs and other opportunities for older youth. Begin building relationships with area high schools.
Required:
- Strong organizational and project-management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with families, volunteers, staff, community partners, and organizational leaders.
- Demonstrated experience in non-profit management, youth programming, education, sports/recreation management, sailing, or a related field.
- Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or program teams.
- Experience working in a youth sports, sailing, outdoor recreation, or educational organization.
- Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors.
- US Sailing certification or comparable sailing/coaching experience.
- Background check
- U.S. Center for SafeSport training
- First Aid/CPR certification
- Wisconsin boating safety certificate
- Acknowledgment of MYSF safety and youth protection policies
- US Sailing Level 1 Instructor and Safety Powerboat certifications
Work Environment
The Program Director will be at the sailing site (Maple Bluff Marina), interacting regularly with youth sailors, families, instructors, and performing administrative tasks (remote).
Example Schedule
- January - May: 4-8 hours/week
- June - August: 20-40 hours/week
- September - December: 4 hours/week
- Optional Add-on - HS coach
- April - May: 8 hours/week
- August - September: 8 hours/week
- Travel to regional regattas (1-3 weekends per season)
Compensation
Compensation for this role is hourly pay, beginning at $28/hr but could be higher commensurate with experience and relevant certifications.
Interested in applying?
Reach out to the MYSF Board President, Aaron Mann, at [email protected].
Reach out to the MYSF Board President, Aaron Mann, at [email protected].