Senior Program Manager

Position Overview

11th Hour Racing supports ocean health and resilient communities through sport, storytelling, and strategic grantmaking. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, the organisation advances solutions across ocean conservation, maritime sustainability, and climate-related challenges.

This role leads the development and delivery of grantmaking strategies that support ocean and climate initiatives. The position combines strategic planning, program oversight, and team leadership, ensuring effective grant management, strong partnerships, and measurable program outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and refinement of grant program strategy, including theory of change and measurable outcomes
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities aligned with strategic priorities
• Maintain awareness of current trends in ocean literacy, coastal restoration, sustainability, and climate linkages
• Analyze evaluation data to assess program impact, risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Present grant strategies and recommendations to leadership and board stakeholders
• Solicit, review, and analyze grant proposals and prepare funding recommendations
• Manage grant portfolios, tracking systems, and compliance processes
• Coordinate with finance and administration teams to ensure timely and accurate grant processing
• Oversee budget development and allocation in collaboration with leadership
• Supervise junior staff, interns, and research fellows
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, advisors, and stakeholders
• Design and facilitate engagement and learning opportunities across partner networks
• Conduct site visits to grantee and partner locations
• Expand networks of advisors and thought partners
• Collaborate on communications that highlight program initiatives and outcomes
• Foster collaboration across internal teams and partner organizations
• Represent the organization at conferences and external events
• Support additional projects as assigned by leadership

Minimum Requirements

• Demonstrated passion for ocean conservation and sustainability initiatives
• Strong project and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders
• High attention to detail and ability to manage administrative processes
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Ability to work on-site in Newport, Rhode Island

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing junior staff or teams
• Demonstrated expertise in funding strategy development and budget management
• Knowledge of ocean and marine industries
• Strong project management experience
• Experience using Salesforce
• Proficiency with Google Suite

Additional Notes

• Full-time, exempt position reporting to the President
• On-site role based in Newport, Rhode Island
• Requires travel and occasional evening or weekend work
• Involves extended periods of computer use and standard office tasks
• Includes lifting materials up to 50 pounds and general office mobility requirements
• Equal opportunity employer with commitment to diversity and inclusion