Program Director

About Brooklyn Boatworks

Brooklyn Boatworks (BKBW) harnesses the unique craft of wooden boatbuilding and maritime-centered exploration to inspire young people to uncover the confidence, skills, and courage to chart pathways to success in and outside the classroom. Through hands-on boatbuilding, sailing, and career exploration, BKBW engages hundreds of New York City students annually in meaningful, project-based learning.

Position Summary

Brooklyn Boatworks seeks an experienced, mission-driven Program Director to serve as a key member of the organization's leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Director will oversee the design, implementation, evaluation, and growth of all youth development programs while ensuring the highest standards of program quality, safety, and participant experience.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of New York City's most distinctive youth development programs. As Brooklyn Boatworks enters its next phase of growth, the Program Director will play a central role in shaping program strategy, leading a talented team, and helping hundreds of young people build confidence, technical skills, and pathways to future careers through hands-on learning experiences.

The Program Director will lead program staff, oversee program operations and budgets, guide curriculum development, and ensure the effective stewardship of boats, tools, equipment, and workshop spaces that support our programming.

Because Brooklyn Boatworks' programs are rooted in wooden boatbuilding, sailing, and hands-on technical learning, ideal candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas: woodworking, boatbuilding, fabrication, skilled trades, sailing, or maritime programming.

This position requires some evening and weekend work.

To apply for this position please send a cover letter and resume to inquiries@brooklynboatworks.org.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of Brooklyn Boatworks' core programs, including the Flagship Boatbuilding Program, the Explorers Program, and the Career Exploration Initiative.
• Oversee curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional quality across all programs.
• Use program data, participant feedback, and observation to drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and launch new program initiatives aligned with organizational goals and the Brooklyn Boatworks Theory of Change.
• Ensure programs consistently deliver meaningful outcomes for youth while maintaining a high-quality participant experience.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, coach, and support program staff.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and retain a high-performing program team.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.

Technical Operations & Safety

• Oversee the maintenance and stewardship of boats, tools, equipment, and workshop spaces used across programs.
• Ensure the safe and effective operation of all boatbuilding, sailing, woodworking, and technical learning activities.
• Maintain and enforce Brooklyn Boatworks' safety policies and procedures.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, risk management, and continuous improvement for staff and participants.

Budget Management & Organizational Support

• Develop and manage annual program budgets in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Monitor program expenses and support stewardship of restricted grant funding.
• Track and report program outcomes and key performance indicators.
• Collaborate with Development and Communications staff to provide stories, statistics, and impact data for grant proposals, reports, and marketing materials.

Community & Partner Engagement

• Represent Brooklyn Boatworks at community meetings, conferences, school partner meetings, and public events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, maritime partners, volunteers, and funders.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization's mission and values.

The responsibilities below are intended to provide an overview of the role and are not an exhaustive list of duties.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in youth development, education, nonprofit management, experiential learning, workforce development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing teams and supervising staff.
• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating educational or youth development programs.
• Strong project management, organizational planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets and program operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred

• Experience in experiential education, project-based learning, outdoor education, skilled trades training, woodworking, fabrication, sailing, maritime education, or related technical learning environments.
• Experience working with schools, community-based organizations, and youth-serving nonprofits.
• Experience supporting grant reporting, program evaluation, and fundraising efforts.
• Sailing certifications, maritime credentials, trade certifications, or other relevant technical credentials are a plus.

Benefits

Brooklyn Boatworks offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off.

Brooklyn Boatworks is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

To apply for this position please send a cover letter and resume to inquiries@brooklynboatworks.org.