job openings

director of sailing programs | sailing instructor | alumni social worker

director of sailing programs

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat empowers young people to develop the self-confidence to set ambitious goals and gain the skills necessary to achieve them. Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for the high-need community of the South Bronx and incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of $3,000,000, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 4,000 community members annually. 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 Programs manages all sailing-related programming including: two year-round high school level out-of-school time Sailing Youth Development Programs; a student and alumni Sailing Team; and various shorter-term learn-to-sail programs for other local populations. The Director of Sailing Programs is also responsible for managing all related safety protocols and trainings, and ensures the maintenance and upkeep of a fleet of modern and traditional sailboats, powerboats, docks, and other sailing equipment and resources – both in and out of the water. The Director must be an experienced sailing instructor and sailing operations manager, able to successfully teach students to become proficient sailors while integrating youth development methodology. The position reports to the Director of Programs and Operations. This is a full time, year round position.

Responsibilities

Program Development and Execution: Ensuring the development, planning, and implementation of a series of sailing programs

Works collaboratively with other relevant members of the staff to recruit ninth and tenth graders for the Student Sailing Program to maintain a full enrollment in each of three annual semesters
Works collaboratively with other relevant members of the staff to identify and interview prospective Job Skills apprentice applicants in order to enroll 12 high school juniors and seniors in each of three annual semesters
Leads instruction of a Youth Development Sailing Program for high school students
Oversees all sailing-related Public Programs including the summer Community Sailing Program on select weekend days, the sailing component of a middle school summer camp, and other small group sailing programs throughout the season
Leads annual Sailing Program planning, design, and execution with the goal of offering engaging and relevant programs in sailing and sailing instruction
Incorporates principals of positive youth development in program planning and delivery
Trains participants in skills needed to pass the US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor certification
Develops opportunities for Rocking the Boat youth sailors to race both against each other and young people from other communities
Collaborates with other Program Directors and Social Workers on program development, shared programming and training opportunities

Maintains strong relationships with the local sailing community and plans relevant field trips for participants
Develops and leads day and overnight trips designed to introduce participants to professional opportunities in the sailing world
Participates in monitoring and evaluation designed to assess programmatic success
Fulfills all programmatic content and schedule commitments to dedicated funding sources

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

Hires, trains and oversees sailing instructors to lead the Student Sailing Program
Works with Sailing Program and Student Program teams to hire up to four college-aged Rocking the Boat alumni as Program Assistants
Provides ongoing management, technical, safety, and youth development training for Instructors and Program Assistants

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

Maintains accurate participant records in Salesforce database including attendance, technical skill accomplishment, and other information
Coordinates with the Director of Public Programs to develop and lead learn-to-sail and community sailing activities
Supports the Development Department with grant proposals, budgeting, and reporting requirements
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

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

Maintains and trains relevant staff and participants in Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues
Organizes US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification for appropriate staff
Oversees the management and maintenance of all of Rocking the Boat’s sailing program inventory including plastic dinghies, wooden sailboats, and chase boats; other boating equipment such as engines, trailers, dollies, sails, and PFDs; foul weather gear and dry suits; and boat storage infrastructure including floating docks and moorings

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

Participates 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

US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor
NY State Boating Safety Certificate or equivalent powerboat driving certificate
Experience managing sailing education programs; race coach experience a plus

Experience managing and maintaining boats and related sailing equipment and infrastructure
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
Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to work long days, weekends, and some overnights, as necessary

Workspace

Holds their own desk within a shared office in the Sailing Classroom. While the main building is fully accessible, the Sailing Classroom and some other spaces within the facility necessitate using stairs or ladders
Lifting and carrying heavy objects, such as boats and engines, and using hand and power tools is an important part of the position
Headphones are welcome during periods of independent work

Rocking the Boat offers

Full-time salaried position: $60,000-$70,000, 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 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 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 alix@rockingtheboat.org with Director of Sailing Programs as the subject.

sailing instructor

Organizational Background

Position Summary

The Sailing Instructor is responsible for leading a sailing program for high school students. Strong candidates must be an experienced sailing instructor able to successfully teach students to become proficient sailors while integrating youth development methodology. The position reports to the Director of Sailing Programs. This is a seasonal position, with the possibility of becoming full time year round.

Responsibilities

Program Delivery: Ensuring the successful implementation of a youth sailing program

Collaboratively plans and leads engaging and relevant programs to participants in sailing and sailing instruction
Incorporates principals of positive youth development in program planning and delivery
Implements Rocking the Boat’s Technical Skills curriculum and works with participants to demonstrate individual achievement through mastering those skills
Collaborates with the Social Work team to address participant’s needs
Helps plan and lead day-long and overnight trips
Collaborates with local schools and community groups participating in sailing programs
Participates in monitoring and evaluation designed to assess programmatic success
Fulfills all programmatic content and schedule commitments to dedicated funding sources

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
Sources and purchases needed materials and equipment within the parameters established in annual budgets; provides timely 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
Performs any needed maintenance on Rocking the Boat’s sailing fleet, equipment and docks
Contributes to the maintenance of shared resources as needed

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. The position supports other departments as needed, and there may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor
NY State Boating Safety Certificate or equivalent powerboat driving certificate
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
Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to work long days, weekends, and some overnights, as necessary

Workspace

Holds their own desk within a shared office in the Sailing Classroom. While the main building is fully accessible, the Sailing Classroom and some other spaces within the facility necessitate using stairs or ladders
Lifting and carrying heavy objects, such as boats and engines, and using hand and power tools is an important part of the position
Headphones are welcome during periods of independent work

Rocking the Boat offers

Hourly seasonal position ranging from 25 to 35 hours per week with a pay rate of $25 per hour
Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development and empowerment

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at Rocking the Boat

To apply

To apply please send cover letter and resume to alix@rockingtheboat.org with Sailing Instructor as the subject.

alumni social worker

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for the high-need community of the South Bronx, and incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of $3,000,000, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 4,000 community members annually. 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

Rocking the Boat is seeking to hire an Alumni Social Worker to support the academic, social/emotional, and professional needs of the Rocking the Boat’s alumni community. This involves broad outreach and data collection to the hundreds strong Rocking the Boat alumni population, individual support for 50 to 75 alumni who are within six years out of high school, and the management of an Alumni Mentoring Program that supports graduates in their first two years out of high school. The Alumni Social Worker works among a team of four licensed social workers, supports various organizational events and programs with the Social Work team and reports to the Director of Social Work. This position requires some evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

Counseling: Provide individual social/emotional, academic, and professional support to all alumni within six years of high school graduation

Provide short-term clinical services such as individual counseling and assisting in the development of short- and long-term personal goals
Manage personal crises and make referrals to other supports when necessary
Offer academic and professional support addressing college and technical school success and job readiness

Mentor Program: Administer a post-secondary support oriented mentoring program for graduates within their first two years post-high school

In collaboration with the Job Skills Social Worker, annually recruit and introduce the new cohorts of between 5 and 15 mentors and mentees
Organize and facilitate kick off, mid-year, and end-of-year mentor events for all mentor/mentee cohorts
Conduct monthly check-ins with mentors, bimonthly check-ins with mentees and provide additional support as needed
Meet with every second year mentor/mentee pair for check-ins

Events: Organize and host events for the alumni community and for joint events with current Youth Development Program participants

In collaboration with the Job Skills Social Worker, coordinate an extended trip for juniors over February break to visit New York State schools and visit Rocking the Boat alumni
Coordinate a summer Alumni Reunion
Collaborate with the Job Skills Social Worker to coordinate an annual scholarship dinner
Develop Professional Development workshops
Collaborate with the Job Skills Social Worker on a Friendsgiving Talk-Back event for recent alumni and high school seniors
Build and sustain connections with a network of colleges and post-secondary training organizations
Recruit and organize alumni volunteers to assist with events planning

Alumni Community Outreach: Communicate with alumni en masse and individually

Conduct surveys and host groups to assess alumni needs
Manage the Rocking the Boat Alumni Facebook group
Regularly notify alumni about resources and opportunities
Assist individual alumni with FAFSA and TAP renewals
Manage applications to the New York Community Trust and Hadley Greene Memorial scholarships; oversee Beyond the Boroughs, Rocking the Boat’s consultant managing scholarship distributions
Coordinate the alumni elements of two annual fundraising events: the Pete and Toshi Seeger Alumni Award (spring) and Rocking Manhattan coxswains (fall)

Evaluation and Assessment: Help to document and contextualize the services Rocking the Boat provides

Meticulously record all interactions in Salesforce database
Provide Development staff with data and stories for reports and proposals
Analyze data to assess programmatic impact and identify areas of need

Qualifications
Required

Registration as a Licensed Master or Clinical Social Worker (LMSW/LCSW)
Minimum three years post-graduate work experience
A strong commitment to youth development, social justice, and anti-racist practice
Highly developed organizational skills and an ability to work independently
Willingness to work in a non-traditional clinical setting
SIFI certified or desire to become SIFI certified
Excellent communications and database skills

Preferred

Spanish language skills
Experience counseling youth on the college application and financial aid processes; knowledge of local New York City, regional, and national higher education systems
Valid NYS driver’s license with a clean driving record

Workspace

Holds their own desk within a private office in an accessible building. While the main building is fully accessible, some entrances and spaces within the facility necessitate using stairs or ladders
Opportunity to work remotely on a limited basis

Rocking the Boat offers

Full-time, $50,000-$55,000 salaried position
Generous paid time off
Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) with employer match after first year
Weekly supervision with opportunity to accrue hours toward LCSW licensure
Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development

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 please feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

Please email cover letters and resumes to Xiomara Ayala at xiomara@rockingtheboat.org.

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