Job Description
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 a profound and lasting impact on participants.
Position Summary
The Director of Public Programs develops and leads a suite of STEM education programs that engage up to 1500 people annually and serve as the organization’s primary earned income opportunity. These include daytime programs for elementary, middle, and high school groups, middle school camp programs, professional development opportunities for teachers, teambuilding and volunteer programs for corporate groups, and Rocking the Boat’s free summer rowing, birding, and sailing for the general public. The position actively seeks to nurture and deepen existing partnerships even as the organization develops new partnerships. The Director leads in creating new program initiatives that optimize Rocking the Boat’s unique physical and natural resources, benefiting the community while generating income for the organization. The Director of Public Programs supervises and works closely with the Public Programs Manager who in turn manages a team of Program Assistants. This position reports to the Chief Business Development Officer.
Responsibilities
Program Development and Execution: Ensures the successful planning and implementation of a suite of short- and long-term programs for local youth and adults
Manages and administers school-day, after-school, and summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, ensuring alignment to academic standards
Develops, delivers, and administers adult programs such as teacher professional development, adult boatbuilding programs, and corporate teambuilding and volunteer initiatives
Oversees the management of summer public rowing, birding, and sailing programs
Collaborates with the Public Programs Manager in developing curriculum for new and existing programs
Collaborates with the Chief Business Development Officer to actively market new and existing programs through various channels to increase engagement and participation
Collaborates with the Chief Business Development Officer to develop and maintain relationships with schools and other organizations to promote long-term programmatic relationships
Program and Business Administration: Manages the budgeting and supply processes for the full suite of public programs
Leads program budget development and tracking; sources and purchases needed materials and equipment within the parameters established in annual budgets; provides timely and accurate accounting of all expenses
Ensures that accurate program and client records are maintained using a Salesforce database
Staff Supervision and Development: Ensuring that the Program Manager and Program Assistants are able to successfully support program activities
Develops and provides training for the Program Manager and Program Assistants to successfully deliver high quality programs to a broad range of constituents
In collaboration with other program directors, implements staffing models and associated protocols that ensure clarity of staff work across all programs in the organization.
Provides ongoing management, formative feedback, and safety training for all Public Programs staff
New Partnership Development and Program Design: Develops new programmatic opportunities across a range of populations
Identifies strategic opportunities to augment mission-aligned programmatic offerings and maximize the capacity of Rocking the Boat’s physical space and programmatic resources
In collaboration with the Chief Business Development Officer, cultivates new opportunities for delivering boatbuilding, woodworking, environmental, rowing, and sailing programming to a wide-ranging audience of participants including schools, social service organizations, and businesses
Program Facility and Equipment Management: Ensures that the physical resources and safety protocols are in place to provide safe and successful programming
Follows and enforces all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues
Oversees space use and organization in the yard, barn, and shed
Collaborates with the rest of the program staff on ensuring the good upkeep of program spaces, boating, environmental science, woodworking and all other equipment used in the classroom, in the shop, in the field, and on the water
Cross-Organization Support: Contributes 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 non-program specific resources
Manages program volunteers and hosts visitors
Collaborates in the successful implementation of a standing gig rowing program.
Participates in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat
Qualifications
Strong candidates will have at least five years of experience in program development and leadership and demonstrated experience in all of the following:
Five years of professional experience in STEM education curriculum development and program delivery
Track record of successfully leading and managing teams with strong but flexible and creative leadership
Experience in program development and marketing to diverse audiences
Empowering direct reports to fulfill programmatic objectives while holding them accountable
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
Bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in related fields
Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications
Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
Valid driver’s license
Spanish language competency 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 diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for 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, ****** 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 Nick Siewert, Chief Business Development Officer at nick@rockingtheboat.org with Director of Public Programs as the subject.
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 a profound and lasting impact on participants.
Position Summary
The Director of Public Programs develops and leads a suite of STEM education programs that engage up to 1500 people annually and serve as the organization’s primary earned income opportunity. These include daytime programs for elementary, middle, and high school groups, middle school camp programs, professional development opportunities for teachers, teambuilding and volunteer programs for corporate groups, and Rocking the Boat’s free summer rowing, birding, and sailing for the general public. The position actively seeks to nurture and deepen existing partnerships even as the organization develops new partnerships. The Director leads in creating new program initiatives that optimize Rocking the Boat’s unique physical and natural resources, benefiting the community while generating income for the organization. The Director of Public Programs supervises and works closely with the Public Programs Manager who in turn manages a team of Program Assistants. This position reports to the Chief Business Development Officer.
Responsibilities
Program Development and Execution: Ensures the successful planning and implementation of a suite of short- and long-term programs for local youth and adults
Manages and administers school-day, after-school, and summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, ensuring alignment to academic standards
Develops, delivers, and administers adult programs such as teacher professional development, adult boatbuilding programs, and corporate teambuilding and volunteer initiatives
Oversees the management of summer public rowing, birding, and sailing programs
Collaborates with the Public Programs Manager in developing curriculum for new and existing programs
Collaborates with the Chief Business Development Officer to actively market new and existing programs through various channels to increase engagement and participation
Collaborates with the Chief Business Development Officer to develop and maintain relationships with schools and other organizations to promote long-term programmatic relationships
Program and Business Administration: Manages the budgeting and supply processes for the full suite of public programs
Leads program budget development and tracking; sources and purchases needed materials and equipment within the parameters established in annual budgets; provides timely and accurate accounting of all expenses
Ensures that accurate program and client records are maintained using a Salesforce database
Staff Supervision and Development: Ensuring that the Program Manager and Program Assistants are able to successfully support program activities
Develops and provides training for the Program Manager and Program Assistants to successfully deliver high quality programs to a broad range of constituents
In collaboration with other program directors, implements staffing models and associated protocols that ensure clarity of staff work across all programs in the organization.
Provides ongoing management, formative feedback, and safety training for all Public Programs staff
New Partnership Development and Program Design: Develops new programmatic opportunities across a range of populations
Identifies strategic opportunities to augment mission-aligned programmatic offerings and maximize the capacity of Rocking the Boat’s physical space and programmatic resources
In collaboration with the Chief Business Development Officer, cultivates new opportunities for delivering boatbuilding, woodworking, environmental, rowing, and sailing programming to a wide-ranging audience of participants including schools, social service organizations, and businesses
Program Facility and Equipment Management: Ensures that the physical resources and safety protocols are in place to provide safe and successful programming
Follows and enforces all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues
Oversees space use and organization in the yard, barn, and shed
Collaborates with the rest of the program staff on ensuring the good upkeep of program spaces, boating, environmental science, woodworking and all other equipment used in the classroom, in the shop, in the field, and on the water
Cross-Organization Support: Contributes 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 non-program specific resources
Manages program volunteers and hosts visitors
Collaborates in the successful implementation of a standing gig rowing program.
Participates in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat
Qualifications
Strong candidates will have at least five years of experience in program development and leadership and demonstrated experience in all of the following:
Five years of professional experience in STEM education curriculum development and program delivery
Track record of successfully leading and managing teams with strong but flexible and creative leadership
Experience in program development and marketing to diverse audiences
Empowering direct reports to fulfill programmatic objectives while holding them accountable
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
Bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in related fields
Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications
Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
Valid driver’s license
Spanish language competency 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 diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for 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, ****** 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 Nick Siewert, Chief Business Development Officer at nick@rockingtheboat.org with Director of Public Programs as the subject.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The director of public programs position is now open for candidates interested in the Education Jobs sector. This role in India offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Education Jobs is a plus.
