Program Manager
About World Ocean School
On both the tall ships Roseway and Denis Sullivan, ship’s bells replace school bells. Teamwork takes the place of busy work. And salty breezes power an appetite for learning — about the ocean, community, and purpose.
For 20 years, the World Ocean School, Roseway, and now Denis Sullivan have been changing lives. More than 22,000 students have sailed on our vessels for hours, days or weeks. As they plot a course with chart and compass, hoist 2,000-pound sails up towering wooden masts, or stand watch in her tapered bow, these young people learn new skills and absorb an entirely new perspective. They come to see themselves as capable of so much more than they understood before. They return to shore with newfound confidence, pride, and the tools to be changemakers who can bring their communities together and work for a future where everyone can thrive.
To learn more about our exciting work, please visit www.worldoceanschool.org.
Position Title: Program Manager
Employment Schedule: Full-time
Starting Date: March 15, 2025
The Program Manager is responsible for the development, cultivation, and execution of World Ocean School’s education programs. Working both aboard Denis Sullivan and at the World Ocean School offices, visiting schools and partners and networking in the community. The Program Manager reports directly to the Executive Director.
The job requires a strong knowledge and familiarity with programs and life aboard Denis Sullivan and therefore would require some time living and working the vessel. Thereafter, the job will be based at World Ocean School’s Boston and St. Croix offices with some additional travel required.
Areas of Responsibility:
Field calls and inquiries about education programs and services
Train crew aboard Denis Sullivan in educational content and delivery, including the coordination of new crew training with Captains and mates.
Maintain established programs, such as the Winter and Summer Ambassador Programs (applications, materials, sponsors, and program plan)
Actively recruit and engage students and organizations in enrollment
Manage logistics and coordination of contracts and program documentation with Vice President/Director of Operations.
Track and organize past, present, and future historical data on student and partner demographics and carry out assessment
Maintain educational partnerships, to meet or exceed WOS goals
Assist in the solicitation of funds for World Ocean School educational programs
Conduct research around program development ideas and new partnerships
Represent World Ocean School at meetings and conferences appropriate to World Ocean School’s activities, and actively network in the communities we serve
Support the maintenance and development of curriculum content and delivery aboard Denis Sullivan
Manage the program coordinator on board Denis Sullivan
Work collaboratively with management team aboard Denis Sullivan, both mates and Captains.
Represent World Ocean School enthusiastically to expand footprint and network in Boston and Virgin Islands
Skills and Qualifications
Energetic, flexible, detail oriented and organized
Excellent phone, written, and in-person communication skills
Technologically proficient
Creative problem solver
Organized and able to meet deadlines
Committed to execution and follow through
Mature well-grounded sense of personal ethics, evident in the individual’s integrity, fairness, and openness—upholding the highest standards in public and personal relations
Sophisticated capacity to represent the World Ocean School in all arenas
World Ocean School is an equal-opportunity employer. We seek to build a team that reflects the diversity we celebrate in our community. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants who share our vision, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our work and mission. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position and we do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.
Compensation for this position is competitive based on experience. World Ocean School provides a benefits package that includes health insurance, 401K with a matching option, two weeks of vacation in addition to federal holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
If interested, please send a letter describing your interest in the position and a current resume to Steve Kirk, Vice President/Director of Operations, steve@worldoceanschool.org.
