The director is the primary person overseeing the facilities and operations of the Galveston Historic Seaport Museum (GHS) at Pier 22 in Galveston. The director functions in a professional and responsible manner, recognizing that ELISSA and other vessels are part of an overall museum experience and business seeking the highest quality and greatest income potential in all areas for Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF). The director also serves as Port Captain and is responsible for implementing the preservation, conservation, interpretation, sailing operations, and program development of the 1877 sailing vessels ELISSA and SEAGULLII, as well as any small crafts. The director, functioning as Port Captain, manages relationships with the US Coast Guard, Port of Galveston, and other business entities in the port area for GHF, which includes keeping all vessels properly certified, safely operated, and ensuring that all regulations are met and all licensures for vessels are kept current. As the primary staff person at GHS, the director assists in the coordination, planning, and execution of special events at GHS that promote the museum site or vessels safely and responsibly. The director, as Port Captain, also organizes and supervises the ELISSA volunteer program with other staff. The director also manages the daily operations of Galveston Historic Seaport Museum site and associated facilities as a visitor attraction and maritime preservation projects. This is a salaried, exempt position and is eligible for full benefits.

Supervises and directs ship and site maintenance procedures, planning, scheduling, and budgeting for major maintenance items. Acts as GHF field representative when vessels are in shipyards. Plans long-range restoration, maintenance schedule, and sailing operations. Adheres to best maritime practices to keep ELISSA in accordance with national historic vessel standards. Plans and implements periodic rig and spar down rigging, maintenance, and replacement.

Hires and manages full-time, part-time, and contract labor for major maintenance operations of all vessels and for the periodic sailing of ELISSA. Supervise captains and crew of SEAGULL II and ensures vessel is operated appropriately. Maintains a drug testing program for all maritime employees.

Maintains relationships with GHF board and chairperson for the seaport museum and ELISSA. Attends GHF board meetings and coordinates reports with the chairperson to keep the board up-to-date on operations, fiscal issues, and other aspects of ELISSA, Seagull II, and the museum facilities.

Hires and manages employees of the Galveston Historic Seaport Museum who are involved in the direct operations of the site or vessels. Collaborates with all GHF departments to ensure the smooth daily operations of the Galveston Historic Seaport Museum.

Collaborates with the education and museum departments of GHF to ensure quality programming and educational outreach. Collaborates with other departments of GHF to develop relationships with industry partners, academic institutions, and maritime educational centers in the area and the US.

Enforces Galveston Historic Seaport Museum rules, regulations, and safety procedures on the waterfront and with all waterfront equipment and small craft. Manages pier operations and coordinates vessel movements and dockage at the site.

Serves as GHF liaison to all national and international maritime organizations and entities, including Tall Ships America. Maintains professional relationships with these organizations and serves as primary point of contact for tall ship events including ELISSA or tall ships visiting Galveston and GHS.

Works closely with other GHF staff in historic site rentals, retail, development, accounting, and other departments as needed for scheduling regular tours and special programs at the site.

Responsible for annual budget development and oversight of the site, vessels’ maintenance, and sailing programs. Participates in development and fundraising programs initiated by GHF.

Coordinates with GHF marketing and public relations staff for all aspects of the site and events associated with GHS/ELISSA or other vessels.

Reviews annually with GHF accounting and the executive director all insurance policies for ELISSA and other vessels and GHS. Oversees emergency events at the GHS with documentation and coordinates all insurance claims and certificates as needed.

Serves on committees overseeing the development of museum operations, including interpretation and maintenance. Contributes to museum developments and enhances as appropriate. Represents GHS and GHF in community meetings and boards.

Responsible for all emergency and disaster planning regarding ELISSA and other vessels, as well as the facilities at Pier 22 of the Port of Galveston. Coordinates emergency preparedness, response, and recovery with GHF leadership and other staff responding collectively under adopted hurricane plans or other events. Develops annually a hurricane plan suitable for the Port of Galveston and reflective of state-of-the-art techniques for protecting a historic vessel.

Has primary responsibility for training and supervising the paid and volunteer staff in the areas of vessel maintenance, sailing operations, and traditional preservation and repair skills. Ensures best maritime practices are being followed by vessel captains and crews of ELISSA, SEAGULL II, and small boat fleet.

Supervises more than 100 volunteers involved in sail training. Teaches a US Coast Guard-approved sail training program with the assistance of other waterfront managers and the ELISSA volunteer Sail Operation Committee. Responsible for training the volunteer crew to safely operate ELISSA, a more than five-million-dollar asset of Galveston Historical Foundation. Coordinates the ELISSA volunteer Ship Operation Committee for training and sailing.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum high school diploma, but a college degree preferred. Minimum of three (3) years square-rig sailing experience required. USCG License preferred with appropriate STCW endorsements (Basic Safety Training, Bridge Resource Management) and TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).

This position requires a candidate with experience working in or maintaining traditional ship rigging. Thorough working knowledge of traditional and restoration quality maintenance routines and materials, standard modern iron and steel preservation practices, standard modern wood preservation practices, and shipyard procedures. Evidence of a background in teaching maintenance and seamanship in a substantive way in similar historic maritime environments is preferred. Ability to work independently, as well as with colleagues, staff, volunteers, and the general public. Good computer and writing skills are helpful.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in sailing ship maintenance on historic vessels. Experience dealing with US Coast Guard and implementing training and safety programs for vessels. Experience on harbor tour vessels and public waterfront programming. Previous experience with large volunteer groups is considered an asset. Experience developing and implementing traditional sailing programs and standards for preservation of historic maritime resources.

Benefits include medical/dental/vision, and after one year of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the organization’s retirement program.

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