chief youth development officer | director of youth services | boatbuilding program manager | assistant public programs manager | sail central park crew member | 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.

Position Summary 
The Chief Youth Development Officer is an experienced manager of boat- or water-based youth programs and a key member of the organization’s four-person senior management team.  The position manages the organization’s wooden boatbuilding-, sailing-, and environmental science-based youth development programs as well as the curriculum and physical infrastructure that supports them.  Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief Youth Development Program Officer is responsible for supervising up to five program directors; overseeing the development and implementation of curriculum, lesson planning and new program initiatives; ensuring participants are supported socially, emotionally, and academically; and managing the upkeep of programmatic equipment and facilities.  The position also involves representing Rocking the Boat in a range of external environments and requires regular evening and intermittent weekend work.  

Responsibilities

Program Development, Execution, and Evaluation 

• Oversee curriculum development, lesson planning, and implementation across all programs
• Regularly observe program in action to assess quality, impact, and continuity across programs
• Lead monthly cross-programmatic curriculum review meetings
• Lead the direct service program staff and the Social Work team in individual participant recruitment
• Work with staff to implement strategies to maintain active program enrollment, robust attendance, and participant retention from semester to semester
• Work with the Director of Social Work to ensure that all participants are receiving mental health and college and career services
• Promote a professional workplace culture among high school- and college-age staff 
• Oversee cross-programmatic events and activities such as family nights, off-site day and overnight trips, and end-of-semester celebrations 
• Measure and analyze the individual and collective impact of Rocking the Boat’s Youth Development programs
• Act as primary Salesforce database manager 

Financial Management and Fund Development Support 

• Work with the program staff to draft annual program budgets and review quarterly budget vs. actual statements
• Work with staff to manage spending on restricted grants
• Review and approve program staff’s monthly credit card expenses
• Serve as a bridge between development and program staff, helping to provide content for proposals, reports, and marketing materials
• Synthesize statistics and generate reports for external communication

Staff Supervision and Professional Development 

• Supervise the Director of Social Work, Director of Boatbuilding, Director of Environmental Science and Justice, Director of Sailing, and Middle School Program Manager, offering regular guidance and evaluation at both a team and individual level on programmatic and administrative duties alike
• Hire, orient, train, and retain a highly qualified team

Equipment and Safety Management 

• Confirm that staff effectively maintain all program-related equipment including all rowing, sailing, and power boats, environmental science equipment, camping gear, and woodworking tools
• Ensure that Rocking the Boat Safety Protocols are up to date and enforced
• Support staff in securing any necessary city or state permits

Community Relations 

• Represent Rocking the Boat at community meetings, events, and conferences
• Backup the Executive Director as organizational spokesperson to media outlets and at events

This job description does not represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities of this position; other duties and unplanned activities may be required. 

Qualifications 
Strong candidates for the Chief Youth Development Officer position will have the following minimum qualifications, skills, and experiences:

• At least five years’ working in nonprofit management
• Track record of successfully leading and managing teams with a strong but flexible and creative leadership in educational/youth development environments
• Managing professional-level full time staff
• Cross-organizational program design, curriculum development, and implementation
• Working in racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
• Empowering direct reports to fulfill programmatic objectives while holding them accountable
• Administering programs in non-traditional or experiential education environments
• Developing and managing program budgets
• Collaborating with other organizations or schools
• Organizational planning and problem solving
• Managing databases, ideally Salesforce
• Working with Development staff to provide statistical and anecdotal content for fundraising
• Management of equipment, facilities, or other physical infrastructure
• Experience with boat- and water-based programming a significant plus 

Rocking the Boat offers 

• Full-time salaried position: $120,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience 
• Benefits package including health, dental, vision, a 401k with 6% employer match
• 38 days paid time off including official holidays (43 after 3 years)
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to community development and youth empowerment 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Rocking the Boat 
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 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 to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply
To apply please send a detailed cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications along with a current resume to Adam Green, Executive Director at adam@rockingtheboat.org with Chief Youth Development Officer as the subject. 

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 just under $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 Director of Youth Services is a New York State licensed mental health professional responsible for coordinating all youth services across the organization to leverage the impact of Rocking the Boat's programming. This involves general adolescent-oriented social and emotional support, case management around mental health, family systems, and school, as well as comprehensive college and career guidance services for Rocking the Boat's community of middle and high school participants and recent alumni. The position is dually responsible for managing a two-person staff and interns and providing as needed social, academic, and mental health support to approximately 60 clients. The Director of Youth Services reports to the Chief Youth Development Officer and works in partnership with the Director of Sailing, the Director of Environmental Science and Justice, and the Director of Boatbuilding.

Responsibilities

Program Management

• Ensure that Rocking the Boat's middle and high school participants and alumni clients receive comprehensive and effective social, academic, mental health, and post-secondary school guidance services
• Support staff in developing and maintaining partnerships with local mental health and job placement organizations for clinical and professional referrals
• Manage Rocking the Boat's volunteer-staffed tutoring program

Mental Health and Personal Development Support for High School Juniors and Seniors and Alumni Within Six Years of High School Graduation

• Provide short-term, goal-oriented counseling and crisis intervention, making referrals to external clinical resources when necessary
• Organize and lead groups on a range of relevant social and emotional needs for juniors, seniors, and alumni, based on interest and need throughout the year
• Participate in Boatbuilding, Sailing, and Environmental programs both on and off site in order to develop deeper relationships with participants
• Regularly engage schools, families, and other systems in supporting participant and alumni needs
• Conduct at least one annual mental health check in with each graduate within six years of high school graduation

Post-Secondary Support: Collaborate with College and Career Coordinator in Supporting Apprentices to Make Informed Post-Secondary Choices

• Co-lead workshops for apprentices and their families that focus on topics that support the practical elements of preparing for college, trade school, and other post-secondary opportunities
• Work individually with apprentices throughout the year to support the social and emotional elements of exploring post-high school options and planning next steps
• Co-lead group conversations on a range of professional competencies and on the importance of building social capital
• Co-lead day and overnight trips to local colleges
• Support the College and Career Coordinator in leading five workplace visits each summer

Apprentice and Alumni Support and Engagement through Programs and Events

• In collaboration with the College and Career Coordinator, offer participants life skills training opportunities in areas such as financial management, health and healthcare, and civic engagement
• With the Chief Youth Development Officer, lead fall and spring semester Family Nights and end of semester celebrations
• Support and join Job Skills Program staff in planning, organizing, and attending two annual single-day and overnight professional exploration trips
• Collaborate with the College and Career Coordinator to organize and lead two annual Alumni Reunions

Administration

• Actively use a Salesforce database to maintain all relevant client data and to record all client interactions
• Conduct annual social emotional learning assessments of all apprentices using the Hello Insight evaluation tool
• Assist the Development Department by sharing student data and anecdotes of programmatic successes or challenges for reports and proposals

Staff Supervision and Development

• Manage two full time staff--one Licensed Social Worker and one College and Career Coordinator, supporting their individual success and offering regular guidance and clinical supervision
• Recruit two master's level social work interns annually
• Hire, orient, train, and retain a highly qualified team

Community Relations

• Engage with parents and community members at Rocking the Boat's four community events hosted each year
• Participate in a variety of local community meetings and events
• Collaborate with the Parent Advisory Committee Coordinator to strengthen communication and foster engagement between parents and the staff

This job description does not represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities of this position; other duties and unplanned activities may be required.

Qualifications

Strong candidates will have at least five years' experience in non-profit management and program development and demonstrated experience in all of the following:

• Master's level mental health licensure such as a Licensed Master of Social Work or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• Success in leading and managing teams with strong but flexible and creative leadership in educational/youth development environments
• Program design and development
• Working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
• Empowering direct reports to fulfill programmatic objectives while holding them accountable
• Developing and managing program budgets
• Collaborating with other organizations or schools
• Organizational planning and problem solving
• Spanish language skills are a significant plus
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record a plus

Rocking the Boat offers

• Full-time salaried position: $90,000-$100,000, 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 community development and youth empowerment

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Rocking the Boat

Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 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 to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply

To apply please send a detailed cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications along with a current resume to Adam Green, Executive Director, at adam@rockingtheboat.org with Director of Youth Services 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 profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary
The Boatbuilding Program Manager is responsible for running Rocking the Boat’s afterschool and summer Student Boatbuilding Program, working with a group of 16 high school aged students, introducing them to a range of traditional wooden boatbuilding skills through the process of building a wooden rowing or sailing boat from scratch. The Program Manager supervises up to four college-aged Program Assistants and reports to the Chief Program Officer. The position must be a technically skilled woodworked or boatbuilder and a strong group leader able to balance the accomplishment of tangible boatbuilding goals with successful youth development.

Responsibilities
Program Development and Execution: Ensuring the planning and implementation of a comprehensive youth development program in traditional wooden boatbuilding

• Offers engaging and relevant programs to participants centered around the construction of wooden boats
• Implements and improves Rocking the Boat’s Boatbuilding curriculum and works with participants to demonstrate individual achievement through mastering those skills
• Incorporates principals of Positive Youth Development in program planning and delivery
• Recruits program participants in collaboration with other Program Mangers and the Social Worker
• Collaborates with other Program staff and Social Workers on program development, shared
  programming, and training opportunities
• Designs and leads challenging and enriching day and overnight trips for participants
• Collaborates with the Social Work team to support participants’ individual and group social and emotional needs
• Participates in monitoring and evaluation exercises designed to assess programmatic success

Staff and Volunteer Supervision and Development: Ensuring that part-time Program Assistants are able to successfully support program activities

• Hires and supervised up to Program Assistants
• Provides ongoing management, technical, safety, and youth development training for Program Assistants

Program Administration: Ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of information and data necessary to deliver successful programs

• Maintains accurate participant records including attendance, technical skill accomplishment, and other information
• Assists in 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: Ensuring that the physical resources are in place to provide safe and successful programming

• Follows all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues
• Manages and maintains Rocking the Boat’s shop, tools, and materials
• Keeps CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications current (provided by Rocking the Boat)

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

• 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

Requirements:

• Wooden boatbuilding or relevant woodworking experience
• Experience managing students or supervising employees
• Experience or desire to be involved in community-oriented education programming
• Strong organizational skills and an attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
• Valid driver’s license
• Spanish language skills a plus

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 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. 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 Adam Green, Executive Director, at adam@rockingtheboat.org with Student Boatbuilding Program Manager 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 profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary
The Assistant Public Programs Manager reports to the Public Programs Manager and is responsible for assisting in the management of Rocking the Boat's Public Programs suite of Bronx River and wooden boat-based environmental and STEM education programs for youth, adults, and the larger community. These include school group education, professional development, and teambuilding programs for young people and adults, a middle school-age summer camp program, and the free summer Saturday Community Rowing program open to the public. Together, these programs introduce nearly 3,000 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: Supports the successful delivery of a suite of programs for local youth and adults by assisting the Public Programs Manager in the following:

• Delivering environmental, boating, boat-shop, and STEM-based programs for groups of youth from collaborating schools and community-based organizations
• Developing and formalizing activity plans and curriculum
• Managing the summer Saturday Community Rowing program
• Running adult group programs such as teacher professional development, corporate teambuilding, and volunteer initiatives

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

• Assists in hiring and training up to 10 seasonal college-aged Program Assistants
• Provides ongoing program delivery support and modeling to Program Assistants
• In collaboration with the Public Programs Manager, monitors the quality of program delivery and provides Program Assistants with formative feedback

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

• Uses the Salesforce database to maintain accurate participant, institutional partner, and program information
• Assists in the collection, aggregation and analysis of data on Public Programs quality to drive program improvements
• Provides data and anecdotes to the Development Department as requested

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

• 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 Public Programs Manager of all maintenance and repair needs
• Maintains classroom and equipment used in the classroom, boat shop and for field work

Cross-Organization Support: Contributing 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 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, 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
• Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, and an ability to work independently
• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Willingness to work long days and weekends

Preferred

• Experience managing entry-level staff
• Boating experience
• Basic woodworking skills
• Spanish language skills
• Valid driver's license

Rocking the Boat offers:
Full-time, non-exempt, year-round position with a salary ranging from $20/hour to $25/hour commensurate with experience:

• Full benefits package including 401(k) with generous employer match
• Generous paid time off
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development and empowerment
• Limited remote work opportunities

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:
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Rob Buchanan at rob@rockingtheboat.org by January 31, 2025 with Public Programs AM as the subject.