Organizational Background
Founded in 1877, the Rochester Yacht Club (RYC) is one of the oldest and most distinguished yacht clubs in the United States. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, RYC is recognized nationally for its rich sailing tradition, world-class regattas, and strong commitment to developing sailors of all ages and skill levels. The Club offers its members exceptional sailing, racing, training, and social experiences within a vibrant waterfront community.
Position Summary
The Program Director is a full-time, year-round leadership role responsible for overseeing all sailing, instructional, and waterfront programs at the Rochester Yacht Club. This includes managing the Junior Sailing Program, adult instruction, race management, regatta operations, and waterfront facilities.
The Program Director will recruit and manage seasonal staff, to maintain RYC’s fleet and docks, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for members and guests. The role also involves building partnerships with schools, sailing organizations, and regional programs to promote RYC as a premier hub for training and competition.
The position reports directly to the General Manager and works closely and collaboratively with the Sailing Committee, Junior Sailing Committee, Race Management and member volunteers.
Roles and Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Development
● Lead all aspects of RYC’s sailing and waterfront programs, including youth, high school, and adult instruction.
● Develop and implement a comprehensive program curriculum that fosters skill progression, sportsmanship, and member engagement.
● Expand opportunities for participation in club racing, clinics, and regional regattas.
Support Rochester-area schools and collegiate sailing teams using RYC facilities.
● Promote RYC as a training and racing hub in the Great Lakes region.
● Provide reports as needed to the Board of Directors
Regatta & Racing Management
● Oversee planning and execution of all Club racing events, regattas, and championships.
● Manage logistics, including race committee staffing, boat transport, safety plans, and equipment.
● Coordinate with national and international sailing organizations (US Sailing, ILYA, etc.) when RYC hosts major events.
Waterfront Facilities & Equipment
● Oversee safe operation, maintenance, and repair of Club-owned boats (Optis, 420s, RIBs, keelboats, etc.).
● Ensure waterfront facilities, docks, are maintained to the highest standard.
● Manage inventory of sails, engines, trailers, gear, and safety equipment.
● Uphold and enforce all safety standards, including RYC’s emergency protocols.
Coaching, Staffing & Volunteer Engagement
● Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal coaches, instructors, and waterfront staff.
● Provide ongoing coaching development and safety training.
● Foster a positive, team-oriented work culture among staff.
● Engage and support member volunteers for programs and regattas.
Member & Community Engagement
● Serve as the primary point of contact for RYC program participants, ensuring clear communication with members and the Board of Directors.
● Build partnerships with local schools, sailing programs, and community organizations.
● Organize clinics, demo days, and outreach initiatives to grow sailing participation.
● Represent RYC at community and industry events.
Administration & Budget
● Manage program scheduling, registration, and reporting.
● Organize, summarize and communicate to all program participants in a timely manner the details of upcoming events such as home and away regattas, meetings, classes and clinics.
● Prepare and track annual program budgets, ensuring financial responsibility.
● Support fundraising and sponsorship efforts for RYC program initiatives
● Provide timely reports to the General Manager and Sailing Committee.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
● Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods of time during the off season and be proficient with computer applications required for communication.
● Must be able to move about the property including docks and storage spaces.
● Must be able travel on weekends for regattas.
● Must be available in the evenings during the racing seasons.
● Must be able to regularly engage in bending, pushing, and lifting of small boats/trailers.
● Must be able to perform necessary functions under stressful, emergent or crisis situations.
Qualifications
● Demonstrated experience managing sailing education or waterfront programs.
● US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification required; Level 2/3 or USCG license preferred.
● Background in racing, regatta management, or high-performance coaching.
● Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
● Experience supervising staff and managing volunteers.
● Manage and maintain a sailing fleet and waterfront facilities.
● Commitment to safety, member service, and program excellence.
● Able to work evenings, weekends, and regatta-related travel.
Compensation & Benefits
● Full-time salaried position; competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
● Benefits package including health, retirement, and paid time off.
● Professional development support through US Sailing and industry partners.
● Opportunity to work in one of the most historic and respected yacht clubs in the nation.
Other Functions:
● Completes additional tasks as needed and assigned by the General Manager.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
Ability to Commute:
- Rochester, NY 14617 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Rochester, NY 14617: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
