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Senior Program Manager
Schmidt Ocean Institute
Operations
Newport, RI, USA
Posted on Mar 20, 2026
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. Supporting innovative, sustainable solutions in the maritime industry and beyond through sport, storytelling and grant-making, 11th Hour Racing works to build healthy planetary systems and strong communities.
SUMMARY
11th Hour Racing, a Newport, RI-based organization, is committed to an innovative approach blending sport sponsorship and philanthropic giving to protect the health of our oceans and waters. We are looking for a truly exceptional person to join 11th Hour Racing to advance projects that protect and restore ocean health.
The Grant Program Manager must have an excellent work ethic, be highly skilled in time and project management, and be willing to jump in with both feet on multiple projects at a time. The successful candidate will be smart and highly productive; prepared to support varied and dynamic projects in a high-performing and agile organization where standards are high and the expectation is for work to be completed quickly, efficiently, and accurately.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
Grantmaking Strategy Development and Execution
● 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.
● 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 potential new opportunities for transformational change and develop grant recommendations to achieve strategic objectives.
● Maintain and share knowledge of current events in the assigned strategic area as it relates 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 the leadership at 11th Hour Racing, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and the Board.
● Maintain and share knowledge of current events in the assigned strategic area as it relates 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 the leadership at 11th Hour Racing, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and the Board.
Grant Management
● Solicit, review, and analyze grant proposals, and prepare recommendations for approval.
● Manage grant files and lead continuous improvement of portfolio tracking systems, processes, and tools to ensure strategic visibility, compliance, and operational excellence.
● Work closely with grants administration and finance teams to ensure grants are processed in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner.
● Oversee budget narratives and allocations in collaboration with leadership at 11th Hour Racing and the Schmidt Family Foundation.
Staff Supervision
● Supervise two junior staff members within the grant team, as well as temporary interns and research fellows.
Internal Collaboration and Community Engagement
● Lead positive and productive partner relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals.
● Design and facilitate opportunities for 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 an existing network of thought partners and advisors.
● Identify and collaborate on the creation of strategic communications and initiatives that showcase the work of 11th Hour Racing’s grantees, partners, and strategic focus areas.
● Foster a dynamic, collaborative environment with other members of 11th Hour Racing, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and other Schmidt entities in order to achieve program goals.
● Represent 11th Hour Racing at conferences and gatherings.
● Other projects and activities as assigned by the President
MINIMUM ABILITY, SKILL, & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
● Brings a passion for the mission of 11th Hour Racing
● Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork
● Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
● Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English
● Strong interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with many diverse internal and external contacts, including partners, vendors, and fellow team members
● Strong ability to work through administrative processes with a keen attention to detail
● Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
● Ability to work legally in the United States.
● Ability to work in Newport, Rhode Island.
● Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork
● Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
● Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English
● Strong interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with many diverse internal and external contacts, including partners, vendors, and fellow team members
● Strong ability to work through administrative processes with a keen attention to detail
● Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
● Ability to work legally in the United States.
● Ability to work in Newport, Rhode Island.
MINIMUM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION
● Master’s degree in Marine Sciences or Policy, Environmental Studies, Sustainability or similar disciplines with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position.
● 7 plus years of relevant experience in sustainability, philanthropy, nonprofit, research, or other related fields is required.
● Previous experience managing junior staff.
● Demonstrated expertise in successfully developing funding strategies and managing a budget.
● Knowledge of ocean and marine industries is strongly preferred.
● Demonstrated project management skills strongly preferred.
● Fluent in Google Suite.
● Salesforce experience preferred
● 7 plus years of relevant experience in sustainability, philanthropy, nonprofit, research, or other related fields is required.
● Previous experience managing junior staff.
● Demonstrated expertise in successfully developing funding strategies and managing a budget.
● Knowledge of ocean and marine industries is strongly preferred.
● Demonstrated project management skills strongly preferred.
● Fluent in Google Suite.
● Salesforce experience preferred
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will supervise two grant program coordinators/associates and temporary interns or research fellows.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Approximately 95% of time spent on the job involves use of a video display terminal; therefore, the candidate must be able to sit for extended periods and to utilize standard ergonomics practices. This position primarily works in an office environment, requiring the following activity: lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending. Must be able to use standard office equipment such as copiers and faxes.
OTHER INFORMATION
Employees must adhere to all applicable organizational policies and procedures. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Willingness and ability to travel and work non-standard business hours, such as nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis is required. Employees must be able to cope effectively with deadlines and multiple demands. Background check will be conducted for the final candidate.
This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the President.
11th Hour Racing is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. 11th Hour Racing believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grantmaking and other related investments. 11th Hour Racing is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. We actively invite people of all backgrounds to apply with us.
150000 - 170000 USD a year