Position Overview

Salary: $150,000 to $170,000 annually

Education Required: Master’s degree in Marine Sciences or Policy, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or similar disciplines

Experience Required: 7+ years in sustainability, philanthropy, nonprofit, research, or related fields, including previous experience managing junior staff

Description

11th Hour Racing is hiring a Senior Program Manager based on-site in Newport, Rhode Island, paying $150,000 to $170,000 annually to advance projects that protect and restore ocean health.

Inspired by the dynamics of sailboat racing and the urgency for climate action, 11th Hour Racing is committed to the health and resilience of ocean systems. The organization supports innovative, sustainable solutions in the maritime industry and beyond through sport, storytelling, and grantmaking, working to build healthy planetary systems and strong communities.

The Senior Program Manager joins the Grants team and reports to the President. The role demands an excellent work ethic, strong time and project management skills, and the willingness to jump in on multiple projects in a high-performing, agile organization where standards are high and the expectation is for work to be completed quickly, efficiently, and accurately. The role supervises two grant program coordinators or associates plus temporary interns and research fellows.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of the 11th Hour Racing Grant Program Strategy in coordination with the President and grantmaking team, including articulating and evolving a detailed theory of change with logic model, tactics, measurable outcomes, and learning agendas for each focus area.
• Identify and cultivate new opportunities for transformational change and develop grant recommendations to achieve strategic objectives.
• Maintain and share knowledge of current events related to programmatic outcomes including ocean literacy and experiential education, coastal restoration and nature-based solutions, sustainability in the marine industry, and the linkages between soil health, water quality, and climate change.
• Analyze and refine evaluation data to assess program impacts, gaps, equity implications, and strategic risks, generating insights that inform adaptive strategy and continuous improvement.
• Present grant strategy and recommendations to leadership at 11th Hour Racing, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and the Board.
• Solicit, review, and analyze grant proposals; prepare recommendations for approval; manage grant files and continuously improve portfolio tracking systems.
• Work closely with grants administration and finance teams to ensure grants are processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with policy.
• Oversee budget narratives and allocations in collaboration with leadership at 11th Hour Racing and the Schmidt Family Foundation.
• Supervise two junior staff members within the grant team, plus temporary interns and research fellows.
• Lead positive and productive partner relationships across a wide range of organizations and individuals.
• Design and facilitate engagement, connection, and shared learning across the 11th Hour Racing network and broader ecosystem partners.
• Manage and execute site visits to grantee and partner locations.
• Build, maintain, and expand a network of thought partners and advisors.
• Represent 11th Hour Racing at conferences and gatherings.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Marine Sciences or Policy, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or similar disciplines with a record demonstrating suitable preparation for the position.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in sustainability, philanthropy, nonprofit, research, or related fields.
• Previous experience managing junior staff.
• Demonstrated expertise in successfully developing funding strategies and managing a budget.
• Fluent in Google Suite.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate with diverse internal and external contacts including partners, vendors, and team members.
• Strong ability to work through administrative processes with attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Brings a passion for the mission of 11th Hour Racing.
• Ability to work effectively in a small, team-oriented organization.
• Ability to work legally in the United States.
• Ability to work on-site in Newport, Rhode Island.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of ocean and marine industries.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Salesforce experience.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, exempt; on-site in Newport, Rhode Island; reports to the President.
• Approximately 95 percent of time is spent at a video display terminal; candidate must be able to sit for extended periods.
• Office environment requires occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work non-standard business hours, including nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis.
• Background check required for the final candidate.
• 11th Hour Racing is an equal opportunity employer; aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through grantmaking and related investments.

How to Apply

Apply through the 11th Hour Racing careers portal hosted on Lever.