• director of sailing
  
• director of public programs
  
• public programs manager
  
• middle school program manager
• program assistant job openings
  

Organizational Background
Rocking the Boat began as an afterschool boatbuilding program for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 5,000 community members annually across three locations. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants. Rocking the Boat became an accredited U.S. Sailing Community Sailing Center in 2018.

Position Summary
The Director of Sailing coordinates all sailing-related activities and infrastructure and manages three full-time programmatic and operations sailing staff. This includes supervising two year-round out-of-school time Sailing Youth Development Programs and the sailing component of a third, overseeing various short-term learn-to-sail programs, acting as the On-Water Safety Officer, and ensuring the successful maintenance, upkeep, and safe operation of all sailing related equipment. The position manages programs that serve up to 52 middle school and high school-aged participants at a time. The Director must be a seasoned manager and program administrator, sailing instructor, and waterfront operations coordinator, who is able to successfully lead a sailing-based youth development program. The position reports to the Chief Youth Development Officer and is a full-time, exempt position.

Responsibilities

Program Development and Execution

• Develops and ensures the successful delivery of the Sailing Program curriculum for middle school and high school participants with the goal of offering engaging and relevant programs in sailing and sailing instruction
• Oversees two Sailing Program Managers in their respective roles:
• Student Sailing Program Manager -- recruits and manages 9th and 10th graders for the Student Sailing Program and ensuring full enrollment of 16 students in each of three annual semesters
• Job Skills Sailing Program Manager -- manages 11th and 12th graders that are part of the paid Apprentice/Job Skills Sailing program, including managing their transition from the Student Program to Job Skills Program in 11th grade
• Supports the Job Skills Program Manager in ensuring that all Sailing apprentices are trained for and receive a US Sailing level 1 instructor certification and participate in a tall-ship expedition program before they graduate
• Oversees sailing component of the Middle School Program
• Leads planning for large group, multi-day sailing-related trips, ensuring smooth trip logistics, on-water safety, and robust youth participation; currently includes a multi-day summer trip for 9th and 10th grade students, a multi-day fall weekend for sailing apprentices at the Annapolis Sailboat Show, and a single-day rowing expedition for the entire Rocking the Boat participant community
• Manages staff who lead all other sailing-related activities including the summer Community Sailing Program on summer Saturdays, Alumni Sailing, and other small group sailing programs throughout the season
• Develops opportunities for Rocking the Boat youth sailors to race with each other and people from other communities
• Collaborates with other Program and Youth Services staff on curriculum development, shared programming, and training opportunities
• Maintains strong relationships with the local sailing community and plans relevant field trips for participants
• Conducts monitoring and evaluation designed to assess Sailing Program success

Program Facilities, Equipment, and Safety

• Maintains and trains relevant staff and participants in Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues
• Manages the Marine Operations Assistant regarding ongoing repairs and maintenance of inventory
• Acts as On-Water Safety Officer, overseeing Emergency Action Plan, drills, ensuring that relevant safety protocols are being followed and advises on planning for all on-water excursions beyond the mouth of the Bronx River
• Organizes US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling certifications, Coast Guard Licenses, US Sailing instructor certifications and sea time collection for appropriate staff
• Oversees the management and maintenance of all Rocking the Boat sailing and powerboat program inventory including plastic and fiberglass dinghies (10), wooden sailboats (6), and RIBs (4); other boating equipment such as engines, trailers, dollies, sails, and PFDs; foul weather gear and dry suits; and other infrastructure including floating docks and moorings

Staff Supervision and Development

• Hires, trains and manages Sailing Program Managers, Marine Operations Assistant, and indirectly manages a team of seasonal part-time instructors to deliver high school youth development sailing program
• Provides ongoing management, sailing, and safety training for all Sailing staff

Program Administration

• Maintains accurate participant records including attendance, technical skill accomplishment, participant evaluations and other data
• Supports the Development team with grant proposals, budgeting, and reporting requirements
• Leads and fulfills all programmatic commitments to dedicated funding sources
• Assists in annual budget development; tracks program budget; sources and purchases needed materials and equipment within the parameters established in annual budgets; provides timely and accurate accounting of all expenses

Cross-Organization Support

• Participates in fundraising activities as requested
• Contributes to the maintenance of shared resources
• Manages Sailing Program volunteers and hosts visitors
• Participates in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Qualifications

• US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor
• NY State Boating Safety Certificate or equivalent powerboat driving certificate
• Experience managing sailing education programs; race coaching experience a plus
• Experience managing and maintaining boats and related waterfront equipment and infrastructure
• Experience supervising employees and/or managing students
• Experience or desire to be involved in community-oriented education programming
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to work long days, weekends, and some overnights, as necessary
• Spanish language competency preferred
• USCG Captain's License preferred

Rocking the Boat offers

• Full-time salaried position: $85,000 - 100,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits package including Health, Vision, Dental and 401k with 6% employer match after 1 year of employment
• Paid Time Off
• Vacation: 23 days; increase to 28 days after three years
• NYS Sick and Safe Time: 40 hours
• Holidays: 10 days
• Compensatory time for work on weekends, holidays, and overnight trips
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development and a culture of empowerment

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at Rocking the Boat
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility of all applicants and employees. The organization strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Candidates should feel welcome communicating any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply
Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject "Director of Sailing" to Ali Abate, at ali@rockingtheboat.org.

Organizational Background
Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of over $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 5,000 community members annually across three locations. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have a profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary
The Director of Public Programs develops and leads a suite of STEM education programs that engage up to 1500 people annually and serve as the organization’s primary earned income opportunity. These include daytime programs for elementary, middle, and high school groups, middle school camp programs, professional development opportunities for teachers, teambuilding and volunteer programs for corporate groups, and Rocking the Boat’s free summer rowing, birding, and sailing for the general public. The position actively seeks to nurture and deepen existing partnerships even as the organization develops new partnerships. The Director leads in creating new program initiatives that optimize Rocking the Boat’s unique physical and natural resources, benefiting the community while generating income for the organization. The Director of Public Programs supervises and works closely with the Public Programs Manager who in turn manages a team of Program Assistants. This position reports to the Chief Business Development Officer.

Responsibilities
Program Development and Execution: Ensures the successful planning and implementation of a suite of short- and long-term programs for local youth and adults

• Manages and administers school-day, after-school, and summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, ensuring alignment to academic standards
• Develops, delivers, and administers adult programs such as teacher professional development, adult boatbuilding programs, and corporate teambuilding and volunteer initiatives
• Oversees the management of summer public rowing, birding, and sailing programs
• Collaborates with the Public Programs Manager in developing curriculum for new and existing programs
• Collaborates with the Chief Business Development Officer to actively market new and existing programs through various channels to increase engagement and participation
• Collaborates with the Chief Business Development Officer to develop and maintain relationships with schools and other organizations to promote long-term programmatic relationships

Program and Business Administration: Manages the budgeting and supply processes for the full suite of public programs

• Leads program budget development and tracking; sources and purchases needed materials and equipment within the parameters established in annual budgets; provides timely and accurate accounting of all expenses
• Ensures that accurate program and client records are maintained using a Salesforce database

Staff Supervision and Development: Ensuring that the Program Manager and Program Assistants are able to successfully support program activities

• Develops and provides training for the Program Manager and Program Assistants to successfully deliver high quality programs to a broad range of constituents
• In collaboration with other program directors, implements staffing models and associated protocols that ensure clarity of staff work across all programs in the organization.
• Provides ongoing management, formative feedback, and safety training for all Public Programs staff

New Partnership Development and Program Design: Develops new programmatic opportunities across a range of populations

• Identifies strategic opportunities to augment mission-aligned programmatic offerings and maximize the capacity of Rocking the Boat’s physical space and programmatic resources
• In collaboration with the Chief Business Development Officer, cultivates new opportunities for delivering boatbuilding, woodworking, environmental, rowing, and sailing programming to a wide-ranging audience of participants including schools, social service organizations, and businesses

Program Facility and Equipment Management: Ensures that the physical resources and safety protocols are in place to provide safe and successful programming

• Follows and enforces all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues
• Oversees space use and organization in the yard, barn, and shed
• Collaborates with the rest of the program staff on ensuring the good upkeep of program spaces, boating, environmental science, woodworking and all other equipment used in the classroom, in the shop, in the field, and on the water

Cross-Organization Support: Contributes to the promotion and smooth operations of the organization

• Supports the Development Department in fund-raising activities as requested
• Contributes to the maintenance of shared non-program specific resources
• Manages program volunteers and hosts visitors
• Collaborates in the successful implementation of a standing gig rowing program.
• Participates in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Qualifications
Strong candidates will have at least five years of experience in program development and leadership and demonstrated experience in all of the following:

• Five years of professional experience in STEM education curriculum development and program delivery
• Track record of successfully leading and managing teams with strong but flexible and creative leadership
• Experience in program development and marketing to diverse audiences
• Empowering direct reports to fulfill programmatic objectives while holding them accountable
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in related fields
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications
• Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
• Valid driver’s license
• Spanish language competency preferred

Rocking the Boat offers

• Full-time salaried position: $85,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) with employer match after first year
• Generous paid time off
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development and empowerment

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at Rocking the Boat
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for all applicants and employees. The program team strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Please feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply
To apply please send cover letter and resume to Nick Siewert, Chief Business Development Officer at nick@rockingtheboat.org with Director of Public Programs as the subject.

Organizational Background
Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of over $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 5,000 community members annually across three locations. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have a profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary
The Public Programs Manager reports to the Director of Public Programs and is responsible for working with the Director to manage Rocking the Boat’s suite of Bronx River, wooden boat-based environmental and STEM education programs for visiting youth, adults, and the larger community. The Manager supervises a team of Program Assistants who deliver programs to visiting groups. Programs include school group education, professional development, teambuilding programs for young people and adults, corporate volunteer visits and the free summer Saturday Community Rowing program open to the public. Together, these programs introduce nearly 1,500 people annually to the beauty and diverse ecology of the Bronx River aboard a fleet of wooden rowboats hand built by local youth.

Responsibilities:
Program Development and Execution: Ensure the successful delivery of a suite of programs for local youth and adults:

• Deliver environmental, boating, boat-shop, and STEM-based programs for groups of youth from collaborating schools and community-based organizations
• Develop, formalize and distribute activity plans and curriculum to Program Assistants and participating groups
• Curate, develop and improve learning resources to support and expand Public Programs offerings
• Communicate with schools and other visiting groups pre- and post-visit for planning and assessment purposes
• Run adult group programs such as teacher professional development, corporate teambuilding, and volunteer initiatives
• Manage the summer Saturday Community Rowing program

Staff Supervision and Development: Support Public Programs staff in successfully meeting program goals:

• Hire and train up to 10 seasonal college-aged Program Assistants
• Provide ongoing program delivery support and instructional modeling to Program Assistants
• Schedule Program Assistants for programs and events and serve as their primary point of contact
• Manage the work of Program Assistants, monitor the quality of program delivery and provide Program Assistants with formative feedback

Program Administration: Ensure the timely and accurate entry of data necessary to deliver successful programs:

• Manage collection and organization of attendance sheets, activity plans and waivers to ensure correct documentation of program visits
• Assist in the collection, aggregation and analysis of data on Public Programs quality to drive program improvements

Program Facilities, Equipment, and Safety: Ensure that the physical resources are in place to provide safe and successful programming:

• Follow and enforce all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identify and correct any safety issues
• Ensure appropriate use and care of Rocking the Boat’s boat inventory including wooden rowing craft and other waterfront equipment such as dollies, oars, and personal floatation devices; inform the Director of Public Programs of all maintenance and repair needs
• Maintain classroom spaces and equipment used in the classroom, barn, boat shop and for field work

Cross-Organization Support: Contribute to the promotion and smooth operations of the organization

• Contribute to the maintenance of shared resources
• Manage program volunteers and host visitors
• Support the Development Department in fund-raising activities as requested
• Participate in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of education, natural sciences, environmental studies, or related fields; or equivalent professional experience
• Outdoor education teaching experience
• Ability to lead groups through high-energy, physically challenging activities on both land and water
• Experience with lesson planning and curriculum development
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills, detail orientation, and an ability to work independently
• Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
  
  Preferred
• Spanish fluency
• Experience managing entry-level staff
• Boating experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Valid driver’s license

Rocking the Boat offers:

• Full-time salaried position: $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits package including Health, Vision, Dental and 401k with 6% employer match
• 38 days paid time off including official holidays (43 after three years)
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development and empowerment

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at Rocking the Boat:
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for all applicants and employees. The organization strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Please feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply:
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Nick Siewert, Chief Business Development Officer at nick@rockingtheboat.org with Public Programs Manager as the subject.

Organizational Background
Rocking the Boat began as an after school boatbuilding program for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 5,000 community members annually across three locations. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary 
The Middle School Program Manager oversees the Middle School youth development program - supporting a cohort of up to 24 middle school age students and leading the program that introduces participants to Rocking the Boat’s suite of boatbuilding, sailing, and environmental science programs.  The Program Manager must have experience working with a middle school population, a strong foundation in youth development pedagogy, an equity mindset, a background in experiential and STEM education as well as strong leadership and collaborative skills. The program operates after school Monday through Thursday for 13 week-long Fall and Spring semesters and as a seven-week full-day program Mondays through Fridays throughout the summer.

This position is responsible for training and supervising up to 4 college-aged Program Assistants. The Middle School Program Manager works closely with the Directors of Boatbuilding, Environmental Science and Justice, and Sailing, reports to the Chief Youth Development Officer, and is a full-time, exempt role.

Responsibilities: 
Program Planning and Delivery 

• Coordinates the delivery of core environmental, sailing, rowing, and boatbuilding programming for middle school-aged participants, introducing them to a range of opportunities with the power to significantly broaden their horizons 

• Designs, implements and continuously improves lesson plans and curricula that align with Rocking the Boat’s mission and core values and is accessible to diverse learning styles

• Fosters a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students

• Responsible for creating and managing the Program Assistants’ work schedule

• Participates in monitoring and evaluation exercises designed to assess programmatic success

• Designs and leads a variety of challenging and enriching trips for participants; a variety of day trips during the summer and 1 to 2 overnight trips annually

• Collaborates with the Youth Services Department to support participants’ individual and group social and emotional needs

• Responsible for participant retention from one semester to the next and for recruiting new participants with a focus on engaging members of the local community in the South Bronx

• Maintains and develops relationships with families of Middle School participants

Staff Supervision and Development 

• Supervise and train of up to 4 Program Assistants

• Provides ongoing management, technical, safety, and youth development training for Program Assistants 

Program Administration 

• Uses a Salesforce database to maintain accurate participant records including participant and family information, participant attendance, program evaluations, and other data

• Supports the development department with grant proposals and fundraising reporting requirements 

• Assists in program budget development; tracks program budget; sources and purchases needed materials and equipment in a timely manner and within the parameters established in annual budgets; provides prompt and accurate accounting of all expenses 

 Program Facilities, Equipment, and Safety 

• Follows and enforces all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues

• Ensures appropriate use and care of Rocking the Boat’s boat inventory including wooden rowing craft and other waterfront equipment such as dollies, oars, and personal floatation devices; informs the Director of Boatbuilding of all maintenance and repair needs

• Maintains classroom and equipment used in the classroom, boat shop and for field work

• Keeps CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications current (provided by Rocking the Boat) 

Cross-Organization Support 

• Supports the Development Department in fundraising activities as requested

• Contributes to the maintenance of shared resources

• Manages program volunteers and hosts visitors

• Participates in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Qualifications
Required 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of education or related fields

• Seasoned educator with direct middle school experience and deep understanding of social-emotional learning and development

• Experience leading groups through high-energy, physically challenging activities

• Strategic thinker with experience in program design, curriculum development and lesson planning

• Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, and an ability to work independently

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

• Valid driver’s license

• Willingness to work long days, occasional weekends and overnight trips

• This position involves on-site presence Monday to Friday with the opportunity for limited remote work

Preferred 

• Experience managing entry-level staff

• Case management or social work experience

• Boating experience

• Basic woodworking skills

• Spanish language skills

Rocking the Boat offers 

• Full-time salaried position: $60,000-70,000, commensurate with experience 

• Benefits package including Health, Vision, Dental and 401k with 6% employer match after 1 year of employment

• Paid Time Off

• Vacation: 23 days; increase to 28 days after three years 

• NYS Sick and Safe Time: 40 hours

• Holidays: 10 days

• Compensatory time for work on weekends, holidays, and overnight trips

• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development and empowerment

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at Rocking the Boat 
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility of all applicants and employees. The program team strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Please feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply:  
Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject “Middle School Program Manager” to Ali Abate, at ali@rockingtheboat.org.