Expeditions Program Manager Position Available In Pinellas, Florida

Expeditions Program Manager
Posted by SailFuture on 05/23/2025
Job Basics

Industry Sector:

Outdoor

Job Categories:

Management

Company Type:

DoesnotApply

State:

City:

Saint Petersburg

Country:

Required Experience:

1

• 3 years

Contact Name:

Melissa Chapman

Contact Phone:

7273075855

Job Type:

Full Time

Salary:

60,000
Required to

Relocate:

Yes
Required to

Travel:

Yes

Employee May Telecommute:

No

Job Seeker Must Live Within:

Job Description & Requirements
SailFuture is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead rite of passage sailing expeditions with high school age students.
You will navigate from St. Pete, FL to Nova Scotia in the summer months and from St. Pete to Trinidad in the winter months. The Program Manager will oversee education, mental health, vocational training and service learning programming in addition to overall program logistics and administration. About the Vessel
The vessel is a 100′ Giorgetti & Magrini ketch-rigged sailing yacht with accommodations for 10 students, 2 apprentices, and 6 staff.
Staff quarters are separate from students and are in shared cabins with a shared bathroom.
About the Schedule
This is a year round position with up to 30-days of PTO from the vessel. Students will be onboard 30-35 weeks per year. During expeditions, expect a 7-day work week with days off in port when available.
The Program Manager is responsible for manning the vessel (typically at anchor) in between student expeditions. While students are not onboard, there is a standard 5-day work week. The vessel does not operate during the Christmas holiday.
The Expeditions Program Manager reports to the Director of Maritime Operations and/or CEO. This person is responsible for continued program development and execution of all program activities, including education, mental health, service learning, and vocational training.

Responsibilities:

Manage program budget, including fuel, food, supplies, flights & travel
Orchestrate all logistics including flights, rental cars, service learning projects
Develop educational, vocational, and mental health curriculum specific to the expedition experience Assist with the overall management and upkeep of the vessel
Assist the Captain with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance on all systems Lead and design the pre-expedition and post-expedition experiences
Manage the student recruitment and onboarding process Train and lead the team of rotating staff who join for each Expedition
Ensure that program Standard Operating Procedures are followed at all times
Build strong bonds with each youth through 1:1 and group time
Build a strong sense of teamwork amongst youth and staff on the boat
Participate in service learning projects and all youth programming throughout the expedition
Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

5+ years leadership experience
5+ years maritime experience
5+ years education or training experience Valid driver’s license
Empathy to relate to the life experiences of the youth SailFuture serves
A passion for mentoring and coaching
First Aid / CPR
Lifeguard certification

Compensation:

$60,000 annual salary
20 days PTO (accrual, eligible to use after 90 days)
$1,500 flight budget for PTO travel (return to home port or vacation destination)
Additional compensation available for Private Charters
Self Care Budget (per expedition, reimbursement)
$250 monthly health insurance contribution (Company international health insurance through GeoBlue)
Up to 6% employer match on 401k
Work cell phone with international plan About Expeditions
SailFuture Expeditions are intentional rites of passage designed to help young people who have experienced trauma catalyze personal growth and self actualization.
The vessel operates year-round and includes short-range expeditions (1-2 weeks), long-range expeditions (6-8 weeks), and private charters for donors and supporters.
Students participate in three key programming elements: 1

• Academic Coursework
• Seamanship & Navigation | Introduction to Marine Engineering | Culinary Arts | Mental Health Portfolio | Storytelling and Personal Narrative | Journaling 2
• Maritime internships
• Students work in defined crew roles and receive a weekly stipend
  3
• Shoreside Experiences
• Students participate in service learning projects and legacy shoreside experiences in each port of call
  Core Objectives for SailFuture participants:
  1.

Students will have developed a strong understanding of the various careers available in the maritime industry through in-port experiences with strategic partners
2. Students will have developed measurable employability skills through structured apprenticeship training in defined crew roles
3. Students will have developed transformational relationships with teachers and mentors that are rooted in adventure, play, and shared challenge
4. Students will have developed an expanded worldview through cultural exchanges and service learning projects
5. Students will have identified problematic behaviors and habits and developed coping mechanisms that can be utilized in any setting
6. Students will have utilized 1:1 sessions, written reflections, workshops, and guided discussions to discuss and process trauma.
About SailFuture
SailFuture is an innovative nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the life outcomes of youth at risk. We provide long-term housing, adventure therapy, mental health services, private education, and career readiness programming through a powerful, relationship-driven model.
At the heart of our work is a belief in second chances—and in the untapped potential of every young person we serve. Our programs are immersive and unconventional, from international sailing expeditions to hands-on workforce training, all designed to build resilience, confidence, and purpose.
Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, SailFuture operates a constellation of programs including a licensed foster home, a private high school, and a career development initiative. We bring structure, opportunity, and adventure into the lives of young men who need it most.
If you’re looking for a mission-driven career that combines challenge, growth, and deep human connection, SailFuture is unlike anywhere else.