director of sailing | chief youth development officer | boatbuilding 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 all sailing staff. This includes supervising three year-round out-of-school time Sailing Youth Development Programs, overseeing various short-term learn-to-sail programs, and managing the maintenance, upkeep, and safe operation of all sailing related equipment. The position manages the programmatic and operations dedicated staff, as well as up to 12 high school-aged Sailing Job Skills apprentices. The Director must be an experienced manager, sailing instructor, and waterfront operations coordinator, able to successfully teach students to become proficient sailors while integrating youth development methodology. The position reports to the Chief Youth Development Officer and is a full-time, exempt position.

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

• 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 the Sailing Program Manager in recruiting ninth and tenth graders for the Student Sailing Program and ensuring full enrollment of 16 students in each of three annual semesters
• Oversees the transition between Student and Job Skills Program, training a full cohort of 11th grade students to become apprentices
• Ensures all Sailing apprentices are trained for and receive a US Sailing level 1 instructor certificationand participate in a tall-ship expedition program before they graduate
• Is responsible for instruction of Job Skills Sailing Program for five weeks during the summer
• Oversees Sailing Program delivery for Middle School, Student, and Job Skills Youth Development programs year-round
• Leads planning for two multi-day sailing-related trips annually, ensuring smooth trip logistics, on-water safety, and robust youth participation
• Leads planning and oversees yearly on-water trip for entire Rocking the Boat community
• Manages staff who lead all other sailing-related activity 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
• Fulfills all programmatic commitments to dedicated funding sources

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
• 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, wooden sailboats, and RIBs; 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: Ensuring that Managers, Instructors and Program Assistants are able to successfully lead program activities

• Hires, trains and manages a Sailing Program Manager and 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: Ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of information and data necessary to deliver successful programs

• 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
• 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: Contributing to the promotion and smooth operations of the organization

• 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 computer applications
• 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 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 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
Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject “Director of Sailing” to Juan Pablo Sarmiento Torres, at juanpablo@rockingtheboat.org

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 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 Leland Gibson, Director of Boatbuilding, at leland@rockingtheboat.org with Student Boatbuilding Program Manager as the subject.