YOUTH PROGRAMS MANAGER

Specific Job Functions

Program Management - 75%

• Oversee the daily operations of CWB’s youth programs, ensuring customer safety and a positive experience.

• Manage youth program budget in conjunction with Waterfront Operations Director.

• Develop and maintain lesson plans and emergency protocols.

• Ensure all required information about youth program participants is acquired from parents and delivered to instructors.

• Maintain student records and evaluations.

• Work with parents to resolve student concerns and/or behavioral issues.

• Serve as programmatic liaison for Young Mariners Initiative.

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and operational policies.

• Provide radio backup for instructors during camps, acting as an instructor or providing on-dock supervision as needed.

• Conduct regular inspections of the training fleet, identifying and addressing maintenance needs.

• Coordinate with the Livery Manager to maintain the training fleet and safety boats for issues beyond simple maintenance.

• Ensure all safety gear is maintained and properly stored.

• Monitor and improve visitor experience through policy updates and procedural refinements.

• Manage the check-in/check-out process for campers each morning.

• Manage trash removal and debris management in areas used by the Youth Programs.

• Assist in special events as needed.

Youth Staff Management - 25%

• Hire, schedule, and supervise youth woodworking instructors, sailing instructors, and volunteer junior instructors.

• Facilitate yearly training for seasonal sailing instructors.

• Practice emergency safety drills with instructors and junior instructors.

• Ensure Youth instructor certifications and other documentation required for employment are complete prior to start of work.

Qualifications and Skills 

Required

•  At least two years of experience managing youth sailing programs.

• Demonstrated organizational and management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work comfortably with children, families, and young adults.

• Demonstrated ability to build, train, and supervise a strong team of instructors.

• Experienced safety powerboat operator.

• Current Safesport training.

• Washington State Boaters Card (NASBLA), OUPV or Masters license

• USCG approved First Aid certification.

• US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification

• Signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement is required.

Preferred

• Experience coaching youth racing

  • Deep experience with small boat sailing, sailing instruction, and small boat maintenance

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires regular physical activity associated with waterfront operations, youth instruction support, and small-vessel management. The employee must be able to safely perform the following duties with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb on floating docks and aboard vessels.

• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, sails, safety gear, dock lines, and program supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with heavier items moved using team lifting or mechanical assistance.

• Board, disembark, and work aboard small sailboats and powerboats, including stepping between docks and vessels that may be moving due to wind, wake, or water conditions.

• Operate small sailboats and safety powerboats as part of program supervision and emergency response.

• Perform manual tasks requiring grip strength, balance, coordination, and fine motor skills, including line handling, knot tying, basic tool use, and minor maintenance or adjustments to boats and equipment.

• Tolerate prolonged periods outdoors and on the water, including extended standing, walking, and active supervision during program hours.

• Respond quickly and calmly to on-the-water and on-dock emergencies involving youth participants, instructors, or vessels.

Work Environment

The work environment for this position is primarily outdoors and on the water, based on CWB’s floating campus and dock facilities on South Lake Union.

• Work is performed mostly outside and on docks and boats, in varying weather conditions including sun, rain, wind, heat, and cold.

• The role involves working on floating docks and vessels that may be wet, uneven, or unstable.

• Exposure to water, marine noise, weather, and public activity is expected.

• The position requires frequent interaction with children, families, seasonal staff, volunteers, and the public in an active waterfront setting.

• Work schedules may include early mornings, long program days, evenings, weekends, and holidays during the operating season (mid-April through September).

• The role includes periods of heightened physical and mental demand during camps, special events, and emergency situations.

• Indoor work is limited and typically consists of brief administrative tasks in shared workspaces or dock offices.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Center for Wooden Boats is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All CWB employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

1) Letter of Interest

2) Work Experience/Education Resume

3) Contact info for three professional references.

Please email all materials to hiring@cwb.org with “Youth Programs Manager” in the subject line.