Employment
Our Sail Charlevoix Adult & Junior Sailing Program fosters a collaborative, passionate, and fun work environment. We value innovation, community engagement, and a love for sailing. Our team is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of our sailors and the broader Lake Charlevoix community.
Current Openings
Onshore Operations Assistant
The Lake Charlevoix Mariners, a respected 501(c)(3) organization with a 40-year legacy, seeks a dependable and community-minded Onshore Operations Assistant to help deliver its Sail Charlevoix programs with excellence, season after season.
As the Onshore Operations Assistant, you will work alongside the Director of Sailing Operations at our two locations in beautiful Boyne City and Charlevoix, Michigan. Our programs serve 350+ student sessions each summer, ranging from junior learn-to-sail to advanced sailing and adult programming. You will be the steady presence on shore that keeps daily operations running smoothly, families informed, and our instructors supported.
This is a meaningful role for someone who thrives in a dynamic, outdoor environment and genuinely cares about the experience of every student and families we serve. You will work closely with a passionate young team of instructors and junior leaders, contributing directly to our mission of making exceptional sailing accessible to all.
The ideal candidate will be organized, people-oriented, and energized by the rhythm of a summer sailing program. They will work independently with confidence, bring a keen eye for safety, and have a natural instinct for pitching in where needed without being asked.
Responsibilities
Year-Round
- Serve as secondary point of contact (after the Registrar) for registration inquiries via phone, email, and in-person.
- Maintain and update written procedures in Google Drive as systems and processes evolve.
- Attend and report at monthly LCM board meetings when necessary
February – May (Pre-Season)
- Serve as secondary point of contact (after the Registrar) for registration inquiries via phone, email, and in-person.
- Help distribute marketing materials and promote Sail Charlevoix through local schools, businesses, and community outlets.
- Support scheduling of Adult Sailing Lessons.
June – August (Program Season, Boyne City & Charlevoix)
- Serve as the primary onshore contact for parents regarding registration, logistics, schedule changes, and general questions.
- Supervise and support seasonal instructors with scheduling, time-off requests, and performance feedback under the direction of the Sailing Director.
- Monitor and enforce safety procedures; document and report violations and incidents.
- Serve as backup for processing accident and injury reports; attend weekly safety meetings.
- Help implement daily sailing program schedules and activities.
- Coordinate with the Director of Community Outreach to manage volunteers and support events and regattas.
- Oversee proactive sail and powerboat maintenance monitoring; report repair needs promptly.
- Attend all Sail Charlevoix events and represent the organization professionally in the community.
- Build and maintain relationships with the sailing community, yacht clubs, area sail schools, and organization supporters.
September – October (Post-Season)
- Participate in post-season program breakdown, boat storage, and equipment inventory.
- Contribute to season-end reporting and process documentation.
Qualifications and Skills
- Minimum 2 years of experience in recreational programming, youth-serving organizations, or a related field
- Demonstrated ability to manage young staff members with maturity, patience, and clear communication
- Experience with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) a plus
- Experience with online registration and email marketing platforms (we currently use Checklick and Mailchimp)
- Proficiency in basic computer applications and Google Drive
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Small powerboat driving competency and appropriate certification is a plus (or willingness to obtain).
- Familiarity with sailing is a plus; a passion for the water and outdoor education is essential.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
Additional Requirements
- Successful completion of a background check
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings during peak season
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50+ pounds
Additional Information
- Candidate should reside locally for onsite work from June to August and could work remotely the rest of the year.
- Compensation: $10,000 / season (~400 hours over 10–12 weeks)
- Email us to apply. Please include a letter of interest and resume with references.
