Author: Charter19

Assistant Executive Director, The Virgin Island Professional Charter Association

LOCATION: St. Thomas, USVI  |  POSITION TYPE: Salary  |  EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full  |  POSTED: 12/15/2022

The Virgin Island Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) is the territory’s 501(c)(6) non-profit marine association, whose purpose is to preserve, protect and promote the charter yacht sector of the U.S. Virgin Islands marine industry and the businesses that sustain them.

VIPCA’s mission is multi-faceted and includes offering membership benefits such as access to health and hull P&I insurance; sharing pertinent and timely industry updates and information; producing a Marine Directory of marine vendors and services; promoting USVI marine charter tourism; liaising with USVI, BVI and PR to assist in cooperative efforts; seeking relevant official rulings from Customs and Border Protection (CBP); developing USVI marine infrastructure, including moorings; providing compliance guidance for mariners and vessels; and providing marine vocational training for USVI youth under VIPCA’s charity, the Marine Rebuild Fund.

VIPCA’s headquarters is located in the four-time award winning “Superyacht Marina of the Year”, Yacht Haven Grande Marina, in St. Thomas, USVI.   The Assistant Executive Director is a dynamic job requiring flexibility and a self-starter attitude. As Assistant Executive Director you will be involved with the members of the organization directly, assist with the coordination of yacht shows and member events which will require you to be personable and organized, and you will oversee the maintenance of VIPCA moorings throughout the Territory.

Responsibilities |

The Assistant Executive Director will:  

• Work with the Executive Director to coordinate and supervise daily operations
• Oversee the management of the Mooring project (including creation and oversight of a mooring project maintenance and repair schedule)
• Maintain scheduling of events, meetings, and the annual calendar
• Represent the organization when needed at government meetings and other events
• Fulfill duties as assigned by the Executive Director or the Board of Directors
• Collaborate closely with Executive Director to ensure organization events run smoothly, while daily operations are maintained
• Assist in developing and implementing plans and goals for the organization, as directed by the Board of Directors
• Act as a proxy for the Executive Director as needed in his or her absence
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to sustain, promote, and grow programs and services
• Create a variety of reports and submit them to the Executive Director and/or Board of Directors
• Draft and maintain organizational proposals and communication, ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws

Knowledge | Skills | Abilities

Although not required, knowledge of the following would be helpful:

• The mission, leadership needs, and planning requirements of VIPCA
• The marine industry and sectors within that VIPCA represents
• The term-charter industry, day charters, and yachting
• Accurate and appropriate information helping members’ charter vessels operate within national, local and harbor regulations

Skills:

• Experience in Operations Management
• Outstanding communication and public speaking skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks
• Ability to create and present ideas and budgets in a variety of formats
• Ability to maintain confidential records
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Asana and related software

Abilities:

• To maintain good working relations with Executive Director, Board of Director members, and the members of VIPCA
• To be personable and represent VIPCA in a positive manner among the community
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Able to lift at least 15 pounds at one time

Preferred Experience:

• Candidates with marine experience, especially those who have experience working in the charter industry and/or hold captain licenses will be given priority
• Experience as an Assistant Director or an Administrative Assistant a bonus, but not required.
• Work with nonprofits, government agencies, and/or board of director experience is preferred
• Graphic design and social media skills

Compensation: 

Commensurate with qualifications and experience based around full-time exempt salaried (W-2) management position $46,000/year.   While normal office hours will be 9 am to 5 pm, there may be times during the year when work will be required on weekends or in the evenings.

• Probationary period: four (4) months
• Health insurance with $3,000 deductible: paid by employer after 4 month probation period.
• Personal Leave days: 21 days (includes vacation, sick leave and personal leave)

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to BOARD@VIPCA.ORG with “Assistant Executive Director” in the subject line.   Resumes (including references) should be submitted no later than January 15, 2023.

Thank you all whom attended our Annual Members Meeting & Holiday Party at the Box Bar last night, we had a super turn out of member. Thank you especially to the Board Members whom attended and for their year round work: Peter Pieschel, Chris Cilliers, Casey Grimes, Collin Steyn, and returning founding director Steve Schlosser.

VIPCA’s serving on the Workforce Development board is a privilege, and Executive Director Oriel Blake was grateful to be a panelist at the Governor’s Workforce Summit. Having the chance to engage with job seekers and professionals with an interest in the Marine Industry is an important part of VIPCA – Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association‘s work.

We have two exciting upcoming Webinars, attend one or both by signing up: https://vipca.org/insurance-webinar-registration/

Travel Medical Insurance: What you need to know for 2022 (June 9th, 1pm AST)

The world looks vastly different today from two years ago. On June 9th, Rick Bagnall will be presenting on Travel Medical Insurance and the evolving market. Rick will be joined by special guest Kevin Leys, travel insurance head underwriter, and they will deep dive into key industry points including Cancel for Any Reason, Travel Medical, Travel Evacuation, Coordination of Care, Claims and more. Not a VIPCA member yet? Join now for immediate and future access to membership benefits.

VIPCA Shore-based Health Insurance: New to 2022 (June 22nd, 1pm AST)

In February 2022, the VIPCA health insurance coverage was extended to shore-based active members. In this webinar, Rick Bagnall will discuss the insurance program highlights. This health insurance program is underwritten by CIGNA and managed by the insurance specialist at Gowrie Group. CIGNA provides global benefits and assistance services to millions of members in almost every country of the world. This health insurance plan brings VIPCA members the products they need, backed by the service they deserve. Not a VIPCA member yet? Register for the webinar to learn more before joining with a personal membership!

Jan 6: Meeting with Department of Labour Apprenticeship Executive to discuss expansion of the VIPCA Marine Apprenticeship
Jan 8: Meeting with Governor’s Legal Counsel to discuss direction of the yacht charter industry with VISA Waiver investigation during COVID pandemic to enable foreign crews to temporarily work a USVI-only charter
Jan 12: O.Blake gave birth to Indigo Blake!
The March 2: Presentation given by VIPCA to Bluetide Puerto Rico Inc. in collaboration with Tetra Tech for U.S. Virgin Islands contribution to the “Blue Economy Strategic Implementation Plan for the U.S. Caribbean”
March 2&18: Meeting with VI Port Authority to discuss both the usage of waterfront for a Spring Yacht Show and continued refurbishment of Charlotte Amalie’s Waterfront for charter vessel docking year-round
March 4: VIPCA Testifies in Legislature on the new Minor Water Permit for 200 Moorings. The Committee of the Whole vote favourably.
March 9: Oriel Blake presents on Marine Industry and Youth training initiatives at Rotary Club
April 4: VIPCA launches U.S. Virgin Islands investigation for “Social Assessment of Sargassum in the Caribbean” responding to a research initiative by the University of Rhode Island
April 13 & 16: VIPCA meets with various Government departments exploring funding sources for the proposal received for a VI Shipyard to be proposed for WICO.
May 4: Meeting with the Commissioner of DPNR and each Director of Division of Coastal Zone Management, Fish and Wildlife and Enforcement meet with VIPCA to discuss nature of regulating U.S. Virgin Islands coastal waters with regards to mooring and anchoring
May 6: Contract & Industry Standard Committee Meetings get underway
May 25: VIPCA secures a grant to run 2022 VIPCA Junior Marine Apprenticeship to operate between charter yachts and a program out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club on hobbies and optimists
June 9: VIPCA Meets with Property and Procurement to explore options for funding of My Brothers Workshop – Marine through Disaster funding
June 28 – August 5: VIPCA Marine Apprenticeship five-week intensive captains training for Virgin Islands Youth:
• Swimming
• Discover Scuba Diving
• 5-day practical & theory sailing course at St Thomas Yacht Club
• 7-day sail and power-boat operation with passengers including seamanship, upkeep and customer service with Cruz Bay Watersports
• Various sail training days onboard power and sailing vessels
• Technical skill and proficiency in marine systems and mechanics
• US Coast Guard – half-a-day at the MSD
• 5-day STCW Basic Training (Standards of Training and Certification of Watch-keeping) worth $1200 per student.
A mentorship and scholarship program follows these apprentices to careers as captains and crew with VIPCA’s continued support of their careers being made successful in the Marine Industry
uly 19: VIPCA meets with Stacey Plaskett’s office to provide Congress Woman Plaskett orientation of current state of the marine charter industry with areas for attention within Congress
Initiation of negotiation with the Department of Health for COVID-19 protocol implementation for Government approval of the USVI Charter Yacht Show Approval
USVI Charter Yacht Show Sponsorship liaison with all sponsors
August 19: VIPCA Meets with NOAA for a discussion on Marine Economy Data in the USVI
August 26: VIPCA chairs Marine Task Force meeting with the Governor of the Virgin Islands and his chief of staff
September 1st: Virgin Islands Shipyard meeting with WICO Board Director
September 17th: Full day meeting with DPNR and Coastal Zone Management regarding mooring placements throughout the territory
September 22nd: Meeting with Department of Heath “Mitigation Huddle” with order given for a vaccinated-only event for USVI Charter Yacht Show. Various meetings with Yacht Show Committee succeeded
September 23rd: Meeting with CYBA for their AGM to be hosted in USVI
September 24th: USVI Yacht Charter Promo video commissioned by VIPCA. Meeting with the Department of Tourism Assistant Commissioner and Director of Media for funding approval.
October 15, 19 & 24: VIPCA speaks with Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Customs, British Virgin Islands discussing new licensing requirements
October 16: VIPCA raises concern with USVI Government and a conference with the BVI Ministries relevant to marine issues
October 6: Craig Harms presents as panelist representing VIPCA in St. Croix at the Governor’s Workforce Summit 2021 presenting issues of Marine recruitment in the territory
October 7: Oriel Blake presents as panelist in St.Thomas at the Governor’s Workforce Summit 2021 presenting issues of Marine recruitment in the territory and offering training solutions
October 29: Meeting with Raquel Berry-Benjamin, Commissioner of the Department of Education to further the “Vision” of Marine Training
November 7-10: USVI Charter Yacht Show
November 7: Albert Bryan Jr. Governor of the Virgin Islands visits yacht show and makes opening remarks including VIP guests The Honorable Alani Henneman, Asst. Commissioner of the Department of Tourism; Lisa Hamilton, President of the Hotel and Tourism Association,
November 11: The Governor’s Office invites VIPCA to contribute current concerns with chartering in BVI with the new BVI legislation, requirements, enforcement and processes for an intergovernmental meeting between representatives of the USVI government and the BVI government, to discuss Marine Industry and Tourism concerns
November 15: Government inter-island meeting was held offering potential for follow-up meetings and discussions with VIPCA’s direct participation