Director of Marine Operations

Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Inc; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Steamship Authority in Woods Hole, MA seeks a Director of Marine Operations to lead the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of its fleet. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role drives vessel operations, regulatory compliance, safety, and financial performance while upholding exceptional customer service.

The successful candidate will have hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, year-round operation with tight schedules and high public visibility, and will oversee training,

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of maritime leadership experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation or related field; USCG license required.
• Strong knowledge of HSQE programs, ISM Code, ISO standards, and maritime regulations.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day fleet operations in a schedule-driven environment.
• Set goals for the Marine Operations team and lead achievement.
• Develop operating budgets and manage fleet financials.
• Lead vessel training programs and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Represent the Authority at public meetings and coordinate with regulators.

Skills

Maritime leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership & people management

Problem-solving & analytics

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation or related field

U.S. Coast Guard license (Master or Chief Engineer)

Job description

About the Steamship Authority:
Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority is the public ferry authority that provides lifeline transportation to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Each year, our fleet of 11 vessels completes more than 24,000 trips, carrying close to 3 million passengers and over 675,000 vehicles. For the island communities we serve, our ferries are the primary link for residents, visitors, emergency services, and the freight that keeps daily life moving.

Position Summary:
The Director of Marine Operations leads the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Steamship Authority fleet. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director is accountable
for vessel operations, regulatory compliance, safety and environmental performance, and the financial performance of the fleet, while upholding a high standard of customer service. This role requires hands‑on leadership in a fast‑paced, year‑round operation with tight schedules and high public visibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the fleet in a fast-paced, schedule-driven environment.
• Set clear goals and objectives for Marine Operations team and lead them in achieving those goals.
• Identify and implement operational improvements on a continuous basis.
• Review and establish best practices, policies, and procedures that guide vessel crews in the safe operation of the fleet consistent with the Authority’s Safety and Quality Management System (SQMS).
• Recommend, develop, and implement policies related to marine personnel and vessel operations.
• Maintain and continuously improve safety and environmental standards and procedures and ensure their full implementation across the fleet.
• Serve as an ambassador and role model for the Authority’s SQMS, using an engaging communication style to influence and drive positive change at all levels of the organization.
• Oversee the development and implementation of vessel training programs and ensure fleetwide compliance with training requirements.
• Investigate incidents and injuries, including near misses, and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Oversee audits and inspections of vessel performance and compliance by the U.S. Coast Guard and other regulatory bodies.
• Communicate with vessels during operations for planning and support and lead the response to emerging events.
• Develop operating budgets for vessel operations and marine services and manage the financial performance of the fleet.
• Assist in creating and modifying operating schedules.
• Participate in and contribute to labor negotiations and dispute resolutions with three (3) marine employee bargaining units.
• Lead and develop a staff that includes both union and non-union employees, and maintain open, effective communication across teams.
• Represent the Authority at public meetings and in activities related to vessel planning and operations
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of maritime leadership experience.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation or related fields.
• U.S. Coast Guard license as Master or Chief Engineer, or equivalent related experience.
• Strong knowledge of marine operations and the maritime industry, including federal and state maritime regulations.
• Knowledge of and experience with high-speed craft operations.
• Strong knowledge of Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental (HSQE) programs, including International Safety Management (ISM) Code and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and industry best practices.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, including the ability to design and analyze operational performance metrics.
• Superior leadership, communication, and people management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of executive‑level management experience in transportation planning and operations.
• Experience operating vessels, ferry systems, harbors and ports, or comparable marine transportation systems.
• Experience with daily passenger and freight service operating on tight schedules.
• Extensive experience with the regulatory and safety requirements of operating a fleet of passenger vessels, including thorough working knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations as they apply to different vessel types.
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols and coordination with emergency responders.
• Familiarity with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and its implementing regulations.

Working Conditions:
This position requires availability outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to respond to operational needs and emerging events. Regular travel among Authority terminals and facilities and boarding of vessels in varied weather conditions as required.