Ship Managing Director
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
The Ship Managing Director oversees various aspects of the organization’s mission. This multifaceted position involves providing overall leadership to the crew community, managing their performance, and representing the organization in host countries.
They will closely collaborate with the Captain of the vessel and other members of the ship’s management team to align operational strategies, implement safety protocols, and achieve overall organizational objectives.
As a senior leader of the organization, professional demeanor and exceptional communication skills will be instrumental in building and maintaining strong relationships and promoting the image and values of Mercy Ships.
This position may qualify for a family cabin. If you have school age children, learn more about Mercy Ships Academy.
What you will contribute
• Overseeing the activities of the Community of Faith and quality of the community life on board the ship, while welcoming all who come to work alongside
• Building effective teams that not only supports each other but works well with counterparts at the International Support Center and national offices
• Ability to solve problems, develop highly functional teams and resolve conflict; must be flexible and skilled in managing change and uncertainty
• Coordinating, in conjunction with the Captain, a crisis management team in the event of an incident either internally or externally and is the primary point of contact in such events
• Interfacing with high government officials, and ranking diplomats; giving oversight to events associated with these contacts
• Speaking on behalf of Mercy Ships to raise awareness of Mercy Ships and overseeing that all communication from the vessel is consistent with Mercy Ships messaging
• Ability to analyze metrics and gauge organizational performance, write reports, business correspondence and media statements clearly and concisely in English
• Strong understanding of the Christian faith and be reasonably conversant on issues of theology as it pertains to the different Church traditions represented onboard in the Community of Faith
For This Role, You Will Need
- Ability to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
- Ability to motivate people to work together globally to achieve shared objectives
- Strong working knowledge of Mercy Ships organization, values, and culture.
- Current or recent senior responsibility with Mercy Ships or developing world experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of the Christian faith and be reasonably conversant on issues of theology as it pertains to the different Church traditions represented onboard in the Community of Faith.
- Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent required. Advanced degree in business or management and/or prior management experience preferred, particularly in relation to managing managers and matrix management constructs.
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.
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