Executive Director

As the Executive Director, you will lead the organization in fulfilling its mission: to restore,

promote, and operate the SS Jeremiah O’Brien as a living testament to history. Your vision and

strategic leadership will ensure that this remarkable ship continues to educate and inspire

present and future generations.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and execute a long-term vision for the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, aligning
  
  

with the organization’s mission.

• Collaborate with the board of directors, staff, and volunteers to set goals and
  
  

priorities.

• Develop positive relationships with S.F. Port and S.F. Metro Events/Cruise
  
  

management and staff. This builds a strong bond of trust and allows for free

flow of communication between all agencies.

• Operational Management:
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including maintenance, restoration, and visitor
  
  

experiences.

• Manage budgets, oversee fundraising efforts, and insure financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, regulatory authorities’ rules, and
  
  

maritime standards.

• Manage annual and monthly calendars.
• Plan / Coordinate / Manage all events. (Overnights, Cruises,
  
  

Private events, Volunteer Groups, and staff Events.)

• Maintain tight security regulations.
• Manage Payroll for all employees.
• Enforce all standing ship policies.
• Schedule all monthly Random Drug Tests per USCG direction.
• Oversee all Gift store operations to include the ordering and development of
  
  

merchandise.

• Oversee recruiting of new volunteers for all departments.
• Ensure all administrative tasks are completed, including lease and insurance
  
  

renewals, and major purchases.

• Fundraising and Development:
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations.
• Develop fundraising strategies to support ongoing maintenance, restoration, and
  
  

educational programs.

• Work closely with our media and marketing vendors in developing sound
  
  

marketing plans and outlines.

• Maintain relationships with top-tier donors.
• Foster and build new relationships and partnerships that promote a willingness to
  
  

donate by local organizations on the waterfront.

• Public Engagement and Education:
• Promote the SS Jeremiah O’Brien as a living museum and historical treasure.
• Collaborate with educators to design engaging programs for visitors of all ages.
• Foster partnerships with schools, universities, and community organizations.
• Maintain and organize all partnerships within the community in support of our
  
  

education program.

• Community Outreach:
• Engage with local communities, veterans’ groups, and maritime enthusiasts.
• Promote the ship as an event venue, to promote tourism in the City and on the
  
  

waterfront.

• Organize events, tours, and special programs to raise awareness and attract
  
  

visitors.

• Preservation and Restoration:
• Work closely with the ship's crew, maritime experts, historians, and volunteers to
  
  

ensure the ship’s authenticity.

• Oversee restoration projects, balancing historical accuracy with practical
  
  

considerations.

• Board Relations and Governance:
• Report to the board of directors, providing updates on organizational
  
  

performance.

• Collaborate with board members to enhance governance and strategic planning.
• Help to recruit new board members.
• Provide the board with specific reports and data when requested.
  
  

Requirements

Qualifications

• Service: A strong desire to serve.

• Leadership Experience: Proven success in organizational leadership, preferably in a

maritime or historical context.

• Passion for History: A deep appreciation for World War II history, the U.S. maritime

heritage, and the role of Liberty ships.

• Communication skills: Appreciation for the importance of good, regular, and clear

communication with the Chairman and other board members, the Ship’s Master,

regulatory authorities, and contracting parties.

• Fundraising Skills: Ability to secure funding, and to identify new and repeat sources of

funding.

• Visionary Thinking: Ability to envision how we can impact future generations.