at india basin waterfront park
900 innes ave, san francisco
2025 programs
about rocking the boat san francisco
After 26 years of running transformational wooden boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing programming for high school students in the South Bronx, Rocking the Boat is introducing its unique youth development model to San Francisco’s new India Basin Waterfront Park at 900 Innes Avenue in Bayview-Hunters Point.
Rocking the Boat will operate the boatbuilding shop in the new park, offering wooden boatbuilding education and Whitehall rowing programming to the general public starting in October 2024 and will launch a year-round afterschool and summer youth development program for 9th and 10th grade students in March 2025.
now hiring the following full- and part-time positions:
full-time:
san francisco development manager
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 Manager 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 Manager 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. Bronx headquarters for training and development purposes are required.
Rocking the Boat offers:
- Full-time salaried position: $75,000 to $85,000, 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.
part-time:
san francisco program assistant
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.
Spread the word about the positions and come down to India Basin Waterfront Park to experience the beauty of the new park, the joy of wooden boats, and wonder of San Francisco Bay.