Boatbuilding Job Skills Program Director: Rocking the Boat

Employer: Rocking the Boat

Position Title: Boatbuilding Job Skills Program Director

Email address: alix@rockingtheboat.org

Compensation: $50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience

Location: Bronx NY

Position outline: The Boatbuilding Job Skills Program Director manages the after school and summer Boatbuilding Job Skills Program. The Program Director supervises up to 12 Apprentices (16- to 18-year-old alumni of the Student Boatbuilding Program) on a range of boat repair, restoration, and new construction projects forming a comprehensive job readiness experience. Along with successfully running the program, the position is responsible for ensuring that Rocking the Boat’s wooden rowing fleet is in good working order. The Program Director must be a technically skilled wooden boat builder with experience managing a small work crew and be able to balance the accomplishment of tangible boatbuilding goals with successful youth development. The position reports to the Director of Programs and Operations.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Ensuring the planning and implementation of a comprehensive youth development and job training program in traditional wooden boatbuilding and maintenance 

  • Offers engaging and relevant programs to participants centered around building wooden rowing and sailing boats and maintaining Rocking the Boat’s wooden rowing fleet 

  • Implements and improves Rocking the Boat’s Technical Skills curriculum and works with participants to demonstrate individual achievement through mastering those skills  Incorporates principals of positive youth development in program planning and delivery 

  • Guides participants in developing a portfolio of their accomplishments in the program for use in post-secondary opportunities 

  • Collaborates with other Program Directors and Social Workers on program development, shared programming, training opportunities, promoting and delivering college and career exploration activities, and other opportunities 

  • Collaborates with the Social Work team to help participants set and achieve academic, technical, and personal goals 

  • Develops and leads day and overnight trips designed to introduce participants to related professional opportunities 

  • Participates in monitoring and evaluation exercises designed to assess programmatic success

Job Requirements:

  • Traditional wooden boatbuilding 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

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 

  • 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; 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 and enforces all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues 

  • Manages and maintains Rocking the Boat’s shop, tools, and materials 

  • Maintains Rocking the Boat’s wooden rowing fleet

Cross-Organization Support:

  • Contributing 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 resources 

  • Manages program volunteers and hosts visitors 

  • Participates in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Workspace:

  • Works largely in the woodshop managing staff and facilitating programs 

  • The Director holds their own desk within a shared office in an accessible building;

  • Some entrances and spaces within the facility necessitate using stairs or ladders 

  • Lifting and carrying heavy objects, such as wooden rowboats, and using hand and power tools is an important part of the position 

  • Headphones are welcome during periods of independent work

Benefits:

  • Full-time salaried position: $50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience 

  • Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) 

  • Generous paid time off 

  • 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 program team 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.

Applications: To apply please send cover letter and resume to alix@rockingtheboat.org with Boatbuilding Job Skills Program Director as the subject