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 roughly 5,000 community members annually. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counseling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants. At the invitation of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and with the endorsement of the India Basin Waterfront Park Executive Team, Rocking the Boat is replicating its youth development program model in the new India Basin Waterfront Park in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, opening its doors in fall 2024.

Position Summary
The new position of Chief Program Officer will lead the programmatic launch and future programmatic development of Rocking the Boat San Francisco. The position is responsible for overseeing all wooden boatbuilding-, environmental science-, and sailing-based youth development programs as well as the curriculum, staff, and physical infrastructure necessary to support them. Reporting to and working closely with Rocking the Boat’s founder and Executive Director, the Chief Program Officer will supervise a Program Director and collaborate with a Development Director. The scale of Rocking the Boat San Francisco is designed to grow over time and the Chief Program Officer’s responsibilities in hiring and managing staff and overseeing a greater diversity of programming will grow as well.

Responsibilities
Program Development, Execution, and Evaluation: Manage the development and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated suite of youth development programs using the mediums of boatbuilding, sailing, and environmental education

• Oversee curriculum development, lesson planning, and implementation across all programs
• Use observation and data to continuously improve programs
• Develop reliable recruitment strategies through building and maintain relationships with local schools, community-based organizations and local public housing developments
• Implement strategies to maintain active program enrollment and robust attendance
• Oversee cross-programmatic events and activities such as family nights, off-site day and
  overnight trips, and end-of-semester celebrations
• Work with the staff of Rocking the Boat Bronx to develop collaborative opportunities
• Work with India Basin Waterfront Park Project Partners and San Francisco Recreation and Park Department staff to foster collaboration between community and programming offered
• Set weekly and seasonal programmatic priorities and related activities

Maximize Participant Success: Coordinate participant services and assess individual impact and outcomes

• Manage outsourced social work and college and career counseling services
• Oversee youth development program recruitment, enrollment, and retention
• Promote a professional workplace culture among high school- and college-age staff
• Use a series of established assessment tools to measure and analyze the individual and collective impact of Rocking the Boat’s Youth Development programs

Financial Management and Development Support: Efficiently manage program expenses and provide programmatic data and content to the fundraising staff

• Work with the program staff to draft annual program budget and review quarterly budget vs. actual statements
• Oversee all purchasing to ensure both cost efficiency and quality
• Support staff to manage spending on restricted grants
• Review program staff monthly credit card expenses
• Work with development and program staff, helping to provide statistics and narrative content for proposals, reports, marketing materials, and other external communication

Staff Supervision and Development: Ensure that a highly qualified staff successfully fulfills the organization’s mission

• Supervise one full time staff person in years one and two and three in years three and four, offering regular guidance and evaluation at both a team and individual level
• Hire, orient, train, and retain a highly qualified team

Facility, Equipment and Safety Management: Ensure all facilities, tools, and equipment are in place to operate safe and successful programming

• Ensure that staff effectively maintain all equipment as well as all rowing, sailing, and power boats and vehicles
• Ensure that Rocking the Boat San Francisco Safety Protocols are clearly defined, reflective of all local laws and conditions, and consistently enforced
• Secure any necessary city or state permits
• Work with San Francisco Department of Recreation and Park (RPD) to address any RPD facilities issues

Public Relations and Program Promotion: Ensure that Rocking the Boat is consistently and actively promoted and represented among relevant communities and the broader public

• Oversee Rocking the Boat San Francisco public relations by generating and managing press interest
• Ensure programming is documented through photography and video
• Maintain active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn
• In collaboration with the Director of Communications at Rocking the Boat in the Bronx, manage content on the Rocking the Boat San Francisco website
• Promote public events and youth development programs
• Represent Rocking the Boat at community meetings, events, and conferences
  Manage individual and group volunteer interest and placement in programs

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 Program Officer position will have the following minimum qualifications, abilities and experience:

• At least five years’ experience in nonprofit management, project management, and program
  development
• Track record of successfully leading and managing teams with a strong but flexible and creative leadership in educational/youth development environments
• Cross organizational program design and development
• Working in and with 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 external organizations and schools
• Organizational planning and problem solving
• Database management
• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Working with development staff to provide statistical and anecdotal content for fundraising and promotion
• Management of equipment, facilities, or other physical infrastructure
• Working in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood
• Sailing, wooden boatbuilding, and/or environmental education a plus

This is an on-site position with limited opportunities for remote work. Intermittent trips to Rocking the Boat’s Bronx headquarters for training and development purposes are required.

Rocking the Boat offers

• Full-time salaried position: $115,000 - $130,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits package including health, dental, vision, a 401k with 6% employer match
• 33 days paid time off including official holidays (plus 40 hours Sick Leave)
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to community
  development and youth 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 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 Rocking the Boat San Francisco Chief Program 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 roughly 5,000 community members annually. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counseling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants. At the invitation of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and with the endorsement of the India Basin Waterfront Park Executive Team, Rocking the Boat is replicating its model youth development program in the new India Basin Waterfront Park in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, opening its doors in fall 2024.

Position Summary
The Program Director leads all programmatic activities across the newly established San Francisco-based program. This includes running a four-day a week after-school wooden boatbuilding and rowing-based youth development program for 16 high school students as well as seasonal weekend public community rowing and intermittent daytime programs for school and community groups. The position is responsible for managing all boatbuilding and rowing equipment, tools, and materials, and ensuring the proper maintenance of a fleet of student-built Whitehall rowboats. The Program Director supervises up to four part-time Program Assistants, eventually graduates of the program. The ideal candidate must be a technically skilled wooden boatbuilder and a strong group leader able to balance the accomplishment of tangible boatbuilding goals with successful youth development practices. The position reports to the Chief Program Officer.

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

• Offers engaging programs to youth participants centered on building and using wooden rowing boats
• Leads weekend community rowing program for the general public on board up to four student built Whitehall rowboats
• Support Rocking the Boat’s participation in larger India Basin Waterfront Park events and programming with San Francisco Recreation and Park Department staff
• Implements Rocking the Boat’s Boatbuilding curriculum and Technical Skills structure and works with participants to demonstrate individual achievement through mastering those skills
• Incorporates principals of Positive Youth Development in program planning and delivery
• Collaborates with an outsourced social work team on supporting the social and emotional needs of participants, promoting career exploration activities, and exploring both college and other post-secondary opportunities
• Designs and leads challenging and enriching day and overnight trips
• Carries out monitoring and evaluation exercises designed to assess individual and programmatic success 

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

• Hires up to four people with wooden boatbuilding, carpentry, or basic boating skills as Program Assistants
• Provides ongoing management, technical, safety, and youth development training 

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

• Organizes, manages, and maintains Rocking the Boat’s shop, tools, and other equipment, including managing purchasing and inventory
• Purchases all wooden boatbuilding materials including locally sourced oak and cedar
• Maintains Rocking the Boat’s wooden rowing fleet
• Follows and enforces all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues

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

• Maintains accurate participant records including attendance, technical, academic, and social-emotional skill accomplishment and other information
• Supports the Development team with grant proposals, budgeting, and reporting requirements
• Assists in budget development and tracks program budget; sources and purchases needed materials and equipment within the parameters established in annual budgets; collaborates with the Office Manager to provide timely and accurate accounting of all expenses

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

• Supports the Development team in fundraising activities as requested
• Manages program volunteers and hosts visitors
• Participates in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat San Francisco 

Qualifications

• Five years of wooden boatbuilding experience
• Basic rowing and boat handling experience
• Shop and tool management experience
• Experience or interest in working with youth in a non-traditional educational setting
• Experience supervising employees
• Strong organizational skills and an attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
• Valid driver’s license 

This is an on-site position with limited opportunities for remote work. Intermittent trips to Rocking the Boat’s Bronx headquarters for training and development purposes are required.

Rocking the Boat offers:

• Full-time salaried position: $75,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) with 6% employer match after first year 
• 38 days paid time off (including sick and holidays)
• Unlimited access to Rocking the Boat’s shop, tools, and boats
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to community development and youth 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 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 San Francisco Program Director 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 roughly 5,000 community members annually. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counseling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants. At the invitation of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and with the endorsement of the India Basin Waterfront Park Project Executive Team, Rocking the Boat is replicating its youth development program model in the new India Basin Waterfront Park in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, opening its doors in fall 2024.

Position Summary
The Rocking the Boat San Francisco Development Director is responsible for collaborating with the New York-based Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and the Board of Directors to design and launch a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the organization’s youth development activities as well as necessary capital acquisitions and improvements in its new Bayview-Hunters Point location. Program areas for funding in the first year include a year-round after-school and summer program in traditional wooden boatbuilding, comprehensive student support services, and a public rowing program. The Development Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is supported by the Office Manager.

Responsibilities

• Supporting San Francisco Fundraising Committee Members on fundraising strategies and prospective donor outreach
• Collaborating with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer on fundraising strategies
• Coordinate with New York-based development team to share resources, written content, and information about fundraising ideas and opportunities
• Identifying and researching prospective individual and institutional donors
• Supporting major donor development
• Organizing cultivation events
• Developing appeal and thank you letters to individuals and letters of inquiry, grant proposals, project budgets, and reports to foundations, corporations, and public agencies in collaboration with program staff and outside partners
• Maintaining integrity of Salesforce donor database
• Tracking proposal and report deadlines, being attentive to new RFPs
• Ensuring that all donors receive written acknowledgements in a timely fashion
• Collaborating with Communications Director to produce printed and web-based promotional materials including website content, bi-monthly e-blasts, and fundraising event-specific e-blasts
• Attending Board meetings and staff meetings remotely

This is a hybrid position, with an expectation of on-site work about 50% of the time.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Five years of nonprofit fundraising experience
• Proactiveness
• Responsiveness
• Ability to multi-task
• Highly organized and flexible
• Creativity
• Proofreading skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Database proficiency
• Knowledge of youth development and familiarity with San Francisco donor community helpful

Rocking the Boat offers

• Full time salaried position: $100,000 - $115,000, commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) with generous employer match
• 33 days paid time off including official holidays (plus 40 hours Sick Leave)
• 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 a detailed cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications along with a current resume to Jaye Pockriss, Chief Operating Officer at jaye@rockingtheboat.org with San Francisco Director of Development 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 roughly 5,000 community members annually. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counseling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants. At the invitation of the San Francisco Department of Recreation and Park and with the endorsement of the India Basin Waterfront Parks Executive Team, Rocking the Boat is replicating its model youth development program in the new India Basin Waterfront Park in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, opening its doors in fall 2024.

Position Summary
Program Assistants are part-time positions that support the delivery of Rocking the Boat’s after school and summer Youth Development Programs. These include a four-day a week after-school wooden boatbuilding and rowing-based youth development program for 16 high school students as well as seasonal weekend public community rowing and intermittent daytime programs for school and community groups. Up to four positions report to the Program Director.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate education in wooden boatbuilding, rowing, and environmental education to small groups of 9th and 10th grade students
• Assist in classroom instruction during session as well as lesson planning and preparation beforehand
• Independently lead small group instruction and activities
• Incorporate and promote Rocking the Boat’s Core Values into all aspects of program delivery
• Actively practice and promote all safety protocols in the shop and on the water
• Assist in leading day and overnight trips designed to introduce participants to new experiences related to Rocking the Boat programs
• Manage the upkeep of the boatbuilding shop and waterfront including maintaining hand and power tools, cleaning and organizing the shop after use, and storing wood, paint, and other proper materials properly
• Ensure appropriate use and care of all materials and equipment
• Manage participant behavior to facilitate an effective and safe learning environment
• Participate in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrates the initiative and leadership qualities that lead to a high level of productivity
• Ability to think independently while working as part of a team
• Ability to communicate honestly, respectfully, and effectively with supervisors and coworkers

Rocking the Boat Offers

• Up to 40 Safe and Safe hours per calendar year, accrued at a rate of one hour of Safe and Sick time earned to every 15 hours worked
• Salary ranging from $18 to $21 per hour, commensurate with experience

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 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, or disability 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 “Rocking the Boat San Francsico Program Assistant” to Adam Green, Executive Director at adam@rockingtheboat.org.