Northern Star Director

MCM seeks a motivated, hands-on Northern Star Director to lead operations and programming aboard the Northern Star, our mission-driven tour and education vessel. This is a dynamic leadership role for a community-minded professional who is equally comfortable managing a crew on the water as they are handling administrative strategy. The Director serves as the lead operations, administrative, and program manager for the Northern Star Department, directly shaping public experience while advancing MCM’s mission of outdoor recreation and environmental education on Lake Memphremagog.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Staffing

• Daily Management: Oversee daily cruise operations, including ticketing, food/beverage services, and onboard kitchen operations.
• Personnel Leadership: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise seasonal crew/service staff.
• Guest Relations: Serve as primary contact for bookings, charters, and groups.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure a safe environment for all passengers and crew, adhering to MCM policy and maritime standards.

Outreach, Marketing & Partnerships

• Brand Growth: Drive cruise attendance through creative marketing and social media.
• Collaboration: Partner with the MemSEC Director to integrate “Floating Classroom” education and other mission-aligned programming.

Fundraising & Grant Management

• Financial Support: Identify and secure grants, donations, and business sponsorships.
• Compliance: Oversee Northern Star-specific grants, ensuring all deliverables and reporting requirements are met.

Terms of Employment

• Off-Season Status: Applicants should be aware that this role is strictly seasonal; MCM does not provide work or compensation during the off-season. Continued employment for future seasons is contingent upon a successful performance review and organizational needs.
• A flexible schedule is required, including evenings and weekends.
  Vacation/personal days must ensure operations are unaffected by absence.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:

• Ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with a wide range of audiences, including Board of Directors, seasonal staff, donors, and general public.
• Experience maintaining professional relationships and coordinating with various community partners and organizations.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the Newport waterfront.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work onboard a vessel, remain on your feet for extended periods, and work in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs (e.g., handling supplies, food/beverage deliveries, and vessel equipment).

Preferred Experience:

• Associate’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Background in nonprofit administration, tourism, or marine-based programs.
• Proficiency in French is highly desirable to better serve international visitors.
• Experience with hospitality management or digital ticketing/POS systems.
• Experience managing seasonal staff or volunteer teams.
• Familiarity with grant tracking and reporting.