Job Purpose

The Expeditionary Programs Manager works with the Director of Maritime Programs to manage and lead on-water expedition programming for teenagers. The position also supports the Museum’s Champlain Longboats youth boat building and open-water rowing program that partners with regional schools and community organizations. More information about the expeditions can be found here: https://www.lcmm.org/camps/expeditions/ and Champlain Longboats here: https://www.lcmm.org/learn/for-everyone/champlain-longboats-program/

The Expeditionary Programs Manager leads the annual planning and management for the Museum’s overnight on-water summer expedition trips, with responsibilities including but not limited to hiring, training, and managing seasonal staff; planning program schedules, itinerary, and content; communicating with parents as needed before, during, and after trips; facilitating parent and student evaluations; working with the Museum’s marketing and communications team to effectively promote programs and to generate registrations, and with the development team to share the impact of programs with donors; leading trips on-water as needed; working with trip leaders to coordinate and implement food prep; and providing land support for expeditionary trips led by other trip leaders. Above all, the Expeditionary Programs Manager should value and prioritize safety, team building, and teen empowerment for these programs.

In addition to expeditions, the Expeditionary Programs Manager also supports Champlain Longboats youth boat building and rowing programs by assisting in the boat shop and on boat building outings with students; coaching rowing teams; assisting with rowing program logistics including trailering/hauling/launching boats as needed; coordinating and assisting with travel to out-of-state races; supporting local race logistics and preparation.

Additional duties may include facilitating maintenance projects on the museum’s fleet of rowing gigs, working with volunteers, working on the repair of donated boats, assisting with adult rowing programs and other education programs for students at the Museum.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage summer on-water expedition trips
  • Hire, train, and supervise trip leaders 
  • Plan content, itinerary, and logistics for overnight trips 
  • Organize expedition gear storage areas, clean gear in between expeditions, and track the repair and warranties of gear 
  • Lead overnight trips as needed
  • Manage land support on trips led by other trip leaders 
  • Manage communication with parents and students before, during, and after trips 
  • Coordinate with the marketing and communications team to promote expeditions and registrations 
• Boat Building and Rowing Program Support
  • Participate in boat repair and restoration projects 
  • Assist in the boat shop with student boat building or student outings  
  • Manage rowing program logistics 
  • Move/haul/launch rowing gigs  
  • Coach rowing as needed 
  • Lead rowing outings on Lake Champlain with youth and adults 
  • Provide support for local and out-of-state rowing races/events  
• Assist with adult rowing club logistics in coordination with adult rowing club leaders 
• Support on-site school programs as needed and schedule allows 
• Take photos and video, and write up summaries and stories of expeditions and Champlain Longboats program in coordination with the marketing and communications team  
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

• Experience in outdoor education  
• Experience leading on-water trips 
• Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certifications 
• Experience and passion for working with middle and high school students of all abilities (It is essential that the applicant wants to and enjoys working with adolescents) 
• Intellectual curiosity about subjects related to boats and on-water environments and a desire to teach 
• Aptitude for working with boats, tools, equipment, trailers, etc. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, including a strong ability to work under the pressure of multiple deadlines 
• Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills 
• Strong writing and public communication skills 
• A commitment to collaboration and an enthusiasm for Lake Champlain, its history, and its future 

Working Conditions

• This position will include onsite, offsite, and on-water work.
• This position includes moving and maintaining large wooden boats, trip gear, and other heavy items inside and outside in all seasons, using trailers and tractors as needed.
• Work outside will occur in all weather conditions.