Director Of Public Programs

Director of Public Programs

 Job Description

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for the high-need community of the South Bronx and incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001.Today, the organization, with an annual budget of $3,500,000, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 3,000 young people and community members annually.The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social/emotional, academic, and career counselling to have profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary

The Director of Public Programs develops, markets, and leads a suite of STEM education programs that engage up to 3,000 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 afterschool and 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 develop new partnerships leading to creative 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 the Assistant Director of Public Programs and her team of college-age Program Assistants and reports to the Senior Director of Programs.

Responsibilities

New Partnership Development and Program Design: Develops new programmatic opportunities across of range of populations

• Cultivates new opportunities for delivering boatbuilding, woodworking, environmental, rowing, and sailing programming to wide-ranging participants including schools, social service organizations, and businesses
• Identifies strategic opportunities to augment mission-aligned programmatic offerings and maximize the capacity of Rocking the Boat’s physical space and programmatic resources

Program Development and Execution: Ensures the successful planning and implementation of a suite of short- and long-term programs for local youth and adults

• Develops, delivers, and administers adult programs such as teacher professional development, adult boatbuilding programs, and corporate teambuilding and volunteer initiatives
• Develops and maintains relationships with schools and other organizations to promote long-term programmatic relationships
• Oversees the management of summer public rowing, birding, and sailing programs
• Actively markets new and existing programs through various channels to increase engagement and participation
• Manages and administers school-day, after-school, and summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, ensuring alignment to academic standards

Program and Business Administration: Leads the contracting and payment process, serving as the point person for the client and Rocking the Boat

• Negotiates contract scope and program cost with prospective clients
• Ensures that accurate program and client records are maintained using a Salesforce database
• Coordinates with Finance Department to ensure proper contracting, invoicing, and receivables management
• Assists in 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

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

• Collaborates with the rest of the program staff on ensuring the good upkeep of classroom, boating, environmental science, and all other equipment used in the classroom, in the field, and on the water
• Follows and enforces all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues

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

• Supports the Development Department in fund-raising activities as requested
• Manages program volunteers and hosts visitors
• Contributes to the maintenance of shared resources
• 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:

• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Five years of professional experience in STEM education curriculum development and program delivery
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
• Strong track record of successfully leading revenue generating programs within a nonprofit environment
• Experience in program development and marketing to diverse audiences
• Track record of successfully leading and managing teams with strong but flexible and creative leadership
• Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
• Empowering direct reports to fulfill programmatic objectives while holding them accountable
• Valid driver’s license
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in related fields

Rocking the Boat offers

• Full-time salaried position: $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience
• 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
• Benefits package including Health, Vision, Dental and 401k with 6% employer match

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.

To apply

To apply please send cover letter and resume to Pascale Mevs, Senior Director of Programs at [email protected] with Director of Public Programs as the subject.