Sailing program assistant

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat began as a boat building after school 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 boat building, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants.

Rocking the Boat became an accredited U.S. Sailing Community Sailing Center in 2018.

Position Summary

The Sailing Program Assistant is a part-time, non-exempt position that supports the delivery of Rocking the Boat's after school and summer Sailing Youth Development Program. We are currently hiring for the summer semester, mid-June through mid-August. Program Assistants work over multiple semesters with the 9th and 10th grade participants in delivering all aspects of the program's sailing-based curriculum. Up to four positions report to the Sailing Program Manager.

Responsibilities

* Facilitate learn-to-sail education to small groups of 9th and 10th grade students

* Incorporate and promote Rocking the Boat's Core Values into all aspects of program delivery

* Actively practice and promote all safety protocols in the classroom, field, and on the water

* Assist in leading day and overnight trips designed to introduce participants to new experiences related to Rocking the Boat programs

* Collaborate with maintenance of the entire sailing fleet as needed, including plastic dinghies, wooden sailboats, and RIBs; other boating equipment such as engines, trailers, dollies, sails, and PFDs; foul weather gear and dry suits

* Help lead sailing programs for local schools and community groups

* Ensure appropriate use and care of all sailing-related clothing, 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

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

* Experience working with youth or in youth development

* Strong leadership skills

* High school diploma or equivalent

* US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor Certification

* Ability to teach dinghy sailing to a range of abilities from beginners to intermediate

* NY State Boating Safety Certificate or equivalent powerboat driving certificate

* Demonstrates initiative and leadership qualities that lead to a high level of productivity

* Ability to understand and adapt teaching methods to address different learning styles and challenging behaviors

* Demonstrates independent initiative while also working well with a team and program manager

* Ability to communicate honestly, respectfully, and effectively with supervisors and co-workers

* Spanish language skills a plus

* Lifeguard certification a plus

* Alumni of Rocking the Boat strongly encouraged to apply

Rocking the Boat Offers

* Up to 40 Sick and Safe hours per calendar year, accrued at a rate of one hour of Safe and Sick time earned to every 15 hours worked
* $18 to $21 per hour, commensurate with experience

* Program calendar operates seasonally in the spring (Mar-May), summer (late June-Aug) & fall (Sept-Dec), predominantly Monday -- Thursday

* Staff hours are 3:30 -- 7:30pm during the school year; 9:30 -- 3:30 during the summer

* Rocking the Boat provides staff training weeks in late February, late June, and early September in preparation for each semester

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Rocking the Boat

Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all organizational initiatives and for all members of the community. 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.

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 "Sailing Program Assistant" to Sara Almo, Sailing Program Manager, at