Youth Camp Sailing Program Director - Michigan City, IN

Program Description · South Shore Sailing School ) is a community-based sailing organization located on Lake Michigan in Michigan City, Indiana. Our mission is to provide people of all ages the opportunity to experience the sport of sailing in a safe, fun, and sustainable environ ...

Job description

Program Description

South Shore Sailing School ) is a community-based sailing organization located on Lake Michigan in Michigan City, Indiana. Our mission is to provide people of all ages the opportunity to experience the sport of sailing in a safe, fun, and sustainable environment where they build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills through hands-on instruction. Currently, we teach approx. 250 students on annual basis.

Our summer youth program serves elementary through high-school–aged sailors across multiple two-week sessions, focusing primarily on beginner and intermediate instruction while fostering sportsmanship, leadership, and personal growth. The program is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors and a seasonal instructional staff committed to creating a positive experience for every student.

South Shore Sailing School also offers adult sailing programs serving the broader Lake Michigan community through learn-to-sail instruction. While this position focuses exclusively on the youth program, our adult offerings reflect the school's growing presence and long-term vision.

Position Overview

The Youth Camp Sailing Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the youth sailing program, including safety, staffing, scheduling, parent communication, and daily operations during camp sessions. This position ensures a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment consistent with the mission of the sailing school.

The Director works closely with instructors, Counselors-in-Training (CITs), and the Board of Directors to ensure smooth program execution and continuous improvement throughout the season.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of youth summer sailing program

• Ensure the highest standards of safety, instructional quality, and program excellence at all times

• Provide mentorship and training to instructors and CITs to ensure their growth and advancement

• Promote a positive culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and inclusivity

• Maintain regular communication with Board of Directors and deliver reports in a timely manner

Staff Management

• Act in a supervisory role for instructors and CITs

• Manage instructor and CIT schedule changes and report them to Board of Directors

• Lead preseason staff training

• Help with end-of-season performance evaluations for instructors and CITs

• Foster a culture of professionalism, fun, and accountability

Safety & Risk Management

• Observe and enforce safety protocols on and off the water

• Conduct daily weather assessment and coordinate with head instructor on conditions

• Record any safety incidents and report them immediately to Board of Directors and/or families

• Ensure instructors complete daily boat safety checks and communicate rigging and repair issues

• Maintain instructor certifications and compliance standards

Operations & Administration

• Perform daily confirmation of instructor and CIT work hours in Homebase

• Record or delegate recording of daily student attendance in Active

• Address behavioral issues promptly and professionally as well as record incidents in Active

• Monitor student engagement and help identify those who struggle and/or need additional support

• Observe and record instances of exceptional behavior in both students and instructors

• Help identify up-and-coming CITs as potentials for instructor role

• Assist with cookout and awards ceremony at the end of each two-week session

• Ensure instructors and students properly stow personal items and maintain clean classroom area

• Take photos and videos for use on school's website and social media channels

• Assist instructors and Board of Directors with boat repair and maintenance needs

• Provide Board of Directors with a weekly report containing observations of student participation, behavioral issues, instructor performance, attendance issues, and if any special recognition of students, instructors, and CITs is warranted

Parent & Student Communications

• Serve as primary contact for parents and students during program season

• Greet students and families at the start of morning and/or afternoon sessions

• Serve as liaison between students, family members, instructors, CITs, and board members

• Communicate expectations and policies, including day 1 speech to students about code of conduct

Qualifications

• Strong sailing background

• Prior experience working with youth in camp, school, or coaching environment

• Supervisory or leadership experience

• CPR/First Aid required (or willingness to obtain)

• US Sailing Level 1 Certification required (or willingness to obtain)

• SafeSport Certification (or willingness to obtain)

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Commitment to youth development and inclusion

• Valid drivers license

• Housing options may be available, inquire if needed

Schedule & Compensation

• Seasonal role as determined by the Board of Directors

• Hours are generally Monday through Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM from mid-June through mid-August

• Additional hours may be required for pre-season planning and training

• Compensation commensurate with experience

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $ $27.01 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Work Location: In person