Executive Director

Job Description

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:
The Executive Director is responsible for the financial growth and overall operations of the Seattle Seafarers Center
including, but not limited to: (1) The development and implementation of a strategic plan to raise funds for the
organization. (2) Oversight and management of all fundraising efforts, including building strong and successful
ecumenical, business, and port relationships, maintaining communications with donors and patrons, and collaborating
with the board and community partners to achieve both organizational stability and the comprehensive mission of the
center. (3) Oversight and management of all programs and services. (4) Staff/volunteer recruitment, training, and
supervision.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:
Provides operational leadership, vision, and development for the Seattle Seafarers Center. The core purpose is to assure
that all visiting seafarers receive quality spiritual care and tangible support while at port. This is achieved through
strategic fundraising/development, volunteer activation, direct service with seafarers, and relationship building with key
partners and stakeholders.
CORE RESPONSIBLITIES:
1. In consultation with the board of directors, develop and implement an overall vision for how the Seattle Seafarers
Center will operate and move forward. Lead all efforts to live into this vision and assure mission fulfillment.
2. Engage in development and strategic fundraising. This includes, but is not limited to, major donor solicitation,
special event planning and implementation, corporate gift solicitation, planned and annual giving campaigns,
foundation relationship/grant writing, and church and community group outreach via public speaking
presentations, etc. Secure in-kind donations (i.e. clothes, hygiene supplies, knit caps, bibles, rosaries, prayer
cards, and other items needed by seafarers.) Maintain communication and engagement with donors to ensure
continued support. Manage donor database and assure proper acknowledgement of all gifts.
3. Recruit, train, manage, and supervise paid staff, interns, chaplains, volunteers, and individuals in formation or
discernment. This involves networking with churches and community groups to elicit volunteers willing to
become ship visitors, van drivers, ditty bag volunteers, pastoral listeners, and helpers around the center itself.
Empower volunteers to ensure the continuation of robust daily operations and ministerial activity.
ADDITIONAL RESPONABILITIES
1. Attend to all ecumenical partnerships and assure meaningful participation from multiple denominations. (i.e. The
Episcopal Church/Mission to Seafarers, The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle/Stella Maris, the Lutheran Church,
etc.) Work with church leadership to increase support and engagement in the mission. Nurture a positive working
relationship. Develops new relationships with industry partners, including the port of Seattle, maritime
companies, unions, or organizations, etc.
2. Execute the Ditty Bag Program. This involves working with church and community partners to garner donated
knit stocking caps, hygiene items, etc. for ditty bags that will be gifted to seafarers during the holidays. The
Executive Director speaks to groups about the program, picks up supplies from donors, and arranges volunteer
work parties to organize and stuff all ditty bags.
3. Assure regular ship visiting at all Seattle shipping terminals. This involves boarding ships, connecting with the
captain, engaging in the ministry of presence with crew members, sharing a meal in the mess hall, selling reduced
price SIM cards, and providing seafarers with courtesy materials such as magazines, newspapers, prayer cards,
rosaries, and other items. Engage with owners, managers, agents, and officers of cargo and fishing vessels and
cruise ships for support in facilitating ship visits and crew transport at port terminals. The Executive Director
engages in this ministry personally as well as mobilizes chaplains, volunteers, and interns to engage in regular
ship visiting.
4. Execute the seafarer transportation ministry. This involves regularly providing vans and drivers who can - for a
reduced fee - transport seafarers to/from shopping, tourist or other destinations while they are at port. Recruit
additional volunteers for the cruise ship driving initiative to ensure sufficient service. Seafarers can also be
transported to/from the Seattle Seafarers Center for rest, relaxation, prayer in the interfaith chapel, access to
donated clothes/food/goods, access to technology for family connection, and recreation via television viewing,
board games, etc. The Executive Director engages in this ministry personally as well as mobilizes staff,
chaplains, volunteers, and interns to engage in regular seafarer transportation. Assure regular van maintenance,
repair, cleanliness, and compliance with Washington vehicle laws and requirements.
5. Provide for the pastoral care of seafarers who visit the center. Engage in pastoral listening and presence as
needed. Connect seafarers with center resources for communication, prayer, etc.
6. Manage the overall budget, in partnership with the Director of Operations, to assure effective stewardship of all
resources, ensure timely payment of all center bills, and prepare budget reports for the board of directors to review
regularly.
7. Attend to all administrative duties related to the mission. (i.e. phone calls, e-mails, etc.) This includes managing
the MTS website and maintaining a moderate social media presence. Assure proper maintenance and cleanliness
of the facility.
8. Attend all board meetings and regularly consult with board members to fulfill the center's mission.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Primary:
a. Willingness and ability to support the mission of all associated churches by extending their ministry to visiting
seafarers.
b. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in support of the collaboration between ecumenical partners
and port entities.
c. Willingness to be non-judgmental and courteous in welcoming and supporting people of all faith traditions,
including those with none.
d. Active member of a parish/faith community in good standing with their Church.
2. Education:
a. Bachelors or equivalent experience required.
b. Masters in Nonprofit Leadership, MBA, or related field preferred.
3. Experience:
a. Demonstrated experience in fundraising, event implementation, and development work. (Required)
b. Demonstrated management experience including staff/volunteer supervision, budget, and policy management.
(Required)
c. Experience or connections within the maritime or transportation industries. (Preferred, but not required)
d. Demonstrated leadership and direct service experience in the Church's ministerial work and/or pastoral care
efforts with marginalized and/or diverse populations. (Preferred, but not required.)
4. Other Elements:
a. Demonstrated successful ability to empower staff and volunteers to accomplish goals through collaboration,
collegiality, and team organization.
b. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both verbal and written.
c. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with individuals and groups of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
e. Must possess a valid Washington driver's license
f. Possess or eligible to obtain a TWIC card.
g. Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

About the Employer

The mission of the Center is to welcome and care for seafarers who visit Puget Sound. The Center provides that care through ship visits, transportation, chaplaincy, advocacy, and offering communication tools and other basic necessities for seafarers.

In addition, the Center fosters leadership and vocational development through its internship program. Finally, the Center regularly engages in outreach with local communities to raise up the visibility of seafarers. Outreach is focused first on local communities of faith, and then other partners in the maritime industry. We also work with local communities to sponsor an annual holiday ditty bag drive, where we pack and give out over 1,000 care packages to seafarers.