Environmental Student Program Manager

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat empowers young people to develop the self-confidence to set ambitious goals and gain the skills necessary to achieve them.  Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding after-school 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 $3,000,000, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 4,000 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. 

Position Summary

The Environmental Student Program Manager manages the after school and summer Environmental Student Program. The Program Manager works with a group of up to 20 high school aged students, introducing them to a range of Bronx River research and restoration projects.  The Program Manager trains and supervises up to four college-aged Program Assistants, all graduates of Rocking the Boat’s programs.  The Program Manager must have a strong foundation in environmental science and be a strong group leader able to balance the accomplishment of tangible environmental goals with successful youth development.  The position reports to the Director of Environmental Science and Justice.

Responsibilities:

Program Development and Execution: Ensuring the planning and implementation of a comprehensive youth development program in environmental education.

• Offers engaging and relevant programs to participants, built on the requirements of grant-funded environmental work whenever possible
• Implements and improves Rocking the Boat’s Technical Skills curriculum and works with participants to demonstrate individual achievement through mastering those skills
• Incorporates principles of Positive Youth Development in program planning and delivery
• Recruits program participants in collaboration with other Student Program Managers and Social Worker
• Collaborate with Director of Environmental Science and Justice on curriculum development
• Designs and leads challenging and enriching day and overnight trips for participants
• Collaborates with the Social Work team to support participants’ individual and group social and emotional needs
• Participates in monitoring and evaluation exercises designed to assess programmatic success
• Delivers all programmatic content on schedule, remaining in budgeted parameters

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

• Supervises up to four college-aged Rocking the Boat alumni as Program Assistants in the environmental program
• Provides ongoing management, technical, safety, and youth development training for Environmental Program Assistants

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 Department with grant proposals, budgeting and reporting requirements
• Assists in budget development; 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 physical resources are in place to provide safe and successful programming

• Follows all Rocking the Boat safety protocols; identifies and corrects any safety issues
• Manages and maintains Rocking the Boat’s boat inventory including wooden rowing craft and other waterfront equipment such as dollies, oars, and PFDs
• Collaborates with the Director of Environmental Science and Justice to manage and maintain all environmental spaces and equipment, both on and off site.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science or related field, or equivalent professional experience 
• Experience or desire to be involved in community-oriented education programming
• Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, and an ability to work independently
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience on and around water strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Willingness to work long days and weekends, as necessary
• Driver’s License

Rocking the Boat offers:

• Full time salaried position: $55,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) with generous employer match 
• 38 days paid time off (including sick and holidays)
• 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 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.