Bedford Basin Yacht Club (BBYC)
General Manager – Job Description
General Manager
Bedford Basin Yacht Club
BACKGROUND
Bedford Basin Yacht Club (BBYC) is a community-oriented sailing and boating club located on the Bedford waterfront on Shore Drive. Established in 1953, BBYC is a hub for recreational boating, racing, sail training, and social events.
This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to play a key leadership role in one of Nova Scotia’s most active and welcoming boating communities. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in delivering exceptional member service, and thrives in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.
The successful candidate will work closely with our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and members to manage the day-to-day operations of the Club while contributing to its long-term growth and success. Whether supporting sailing programs or managing clubhouse operations, special events, or member engagement initiatives, this individual will help foster the welcoming spirit and strong sense of community that defines BBYC.
If you are a collaborative leader with strong organizational skills, a passion for customer service, and an interest in recreational boating or community organizations, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.
THE ROLE
The Board of Directors provides governance and strategic direction for the Club. The General Manager serves as the senior operational leader of BBYC and reports directly to the Commodore. The General Manager regularly attends Board meetings to provide operational reports, recommendations, and support for Board initiatives.
The role includes planning, organizing, leading, and directing the day-to-day operations of the Club while fostering positive relationships with members, staff, contractors, sponsors, community partners, and the public. A key responsibility is supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of the Club and its membership.
REPORTS TO
Commodore, Bedford Basin Yacht Club
GENERAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
· Member relations, services, and activities.
· Communications and member engagement.
· Human resources and payroll administration.
· Financial administration, working closely with the external accountant.
· Marketing and promotion.
· Support to the Board of Directors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Provide leadership, support, and exceptional service to members.
· Ensure Club facilities are safe, secure, clean, and well maintained.
· Ensure compliance with hospitality, safety, health, and employment regulations.
· Maintain the organization, integrity, effectiveness, and security of all BBYC records.
· Serve as the Club’s subject matter expert for its cloud-based club management software, Clubspot.
· Maintain all records within Clubspot and ensure accurate transfer of data to QuickBooks Online, including:
o Member management
o Point of sale
o Membership
o Registration — Learn to Sail, social, and racing events
o Website
· Recruit, supervise, coach, train, and evaluate staff in accordance with Board-approved policies.
· Administer day-to-day financial transactions, including banking, revenue invoicing, vendor invoice approval, petty cash, deposits, reconciliations, and payroll for Club staff.
· Prepare membership applications, onboarding materials, and member orientations.
· Coordinate and oversee contractors and service providers.
· Ensure appropriate insurance coverage is in place and negotiate annual renewals.
· Attend Board and committee meetings as required; prepare monthly Board reports and circulate them in advance of Board meetings.
· Review Club policies and recommend improvements.
· Generate sponsorships for events, Learn to Sail, and regattas.
· Lead membership growth initiatives, retention, and revenue generation activities.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the Commodore or Board of Directors.
DUTIES — ADMINISTRATION
· Participate in planning regattas, social events, and fundraising activities. For regattas, and at the race committee’s discretion, prepare the land-based portion with respect to food, space, and clubhouse operating hours.
· Facilitate and support clubhouse rentals to members and non-members for business functions, social events, parties, and weddings.
· Manage accounts receivable, accounts payable, and banking activities.
· Coordinate membership and Board meetings.
· Respond professionally and promptly to member inquiries and concerns.
· Maintain knowledge of BBYC bylaws, rules, and regulations.
· Maintain knowledge of applicable Nova Scotia liquor, food safety, and workplace regulations.
DUTIES — CLUBHOUSE
· Ensure the clubhouse is open and appropriately staffed.
· Provide occasional on-site bartending support when required.
· Manage inventory for bar and clubhouse operations.
· Coordinate food and beverage services and ensure a clean kitchen environment.
· Maintain facility security and liaise with security and police services as required.
· Monitor Club VHF channels as required.
DUTIES — COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING, AND PROMOTION
· Oversee member communications through email, newsletters, website content, and social media.
· Welcome and engage new members.
· Promote BBYC membership, events, and facility rentals.
· Assist with sponsorship, advertising, and revenue-generation initiatives.
· Support event planning and execution.
DUTIES — LEARN TO SAIL SUPPORT
· Support the Learn to Sail Director and instructors as directed.
· Assist with program registrations and communications with parents as directed.
· Provide direction to Learn to Sail support staff as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Minimum 3–5 years of management or supervisory experience.
· Experience in hospitality, recreation, marina, yacht club, nonprofit, or member-based organizations preferred.
· Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
· Experience with bookkeeping, financial administration, and point-of-sale systems.
· Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Knowledge of boating or sailing operations is considered an asset.
· Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check, required on hire and renewed annually or triennially as directed by the Board.
· Serve Right Nova Scotia certification required; may be obtained within [3 months] of hire if not already held.
· Valid Restricted Operator Certificate — Maritime (ROC-M) required; may be obtained within 3 months of hire if not already held.
WORKING CONDITIONS
· This position requires flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and attendance at special events.
· Performance will be measured through member satisfaction, operational effectiveness, financial administration, staff leadership, and membership growth.
Pay: $75,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
Experience:
- management: 3 years (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person