20 Feb R.O.C.K.’s Operations Team Doubles with New Staff Member

R.O.C.K.’s Operations Team Doubles with New Staff Member
By Jenna Watanabe, Marketing & Development Coordinator

It was a slow-moving summer afternoon and I was doing what I usually did when I daydreamed about my future—searching for jobs that might catapult me into a meaningful career change. After trying new projects, interviewing people in various careers, and learning as much as I could about my own strengths and interests, I was ready to find a job related to cause-driven work on a local level.

I came across a job posting for Real Options for City Kids (R.O.C.K.), a nonprofit that helped kids in San Francisco for over 23 years. They were looking for someone to teach kids in their after school programs. I enjoyed teaching in the past and seriously considered applying—but something stopped me. I had this feeling that it was time for me to try something new. I was craving a challenge and wanted to learn more about what it took for a nonprofit to succeed. So I waited.

Months later, I was in the midst of another job searching session, when a flicker of the same green and blue logo popped up on my screen. R.O.CK. was now looking for a Marketing and Development Coordinator. I applied immediately.

I was invited in for an interview. There more I learned, the more excited I became. I had an opportunity to work side by side with the Executive Director and learn what it took to build a thriving nonprofit. I could be a part of a team who believed in giving kids from under-resourced neighborhoods the experiences they needed to have happy, healthy childhoods.

After three rounds of interviews, the job offer came–and I was thrilled! I popped a bottle of sparkling rosé and celebrated with friends, fueled by the excitement I had in knowing my career was an investment in the well-being of Visitacion Valley youth, in addition to other staff members who commit themselves to such investments and help drive the mission forward.

Making the switch to a cause-driven career was one of the best decisions I ever made. I feel like I am a part of something much bigger than myself and am thankful every day for the opportunity to enhance my skills for Marketing, PR, Fundraising, Corporate Development and Volunteer Management as part of a larger vision for R.O.C.K. It’s great to be on board with such an awesome team of people!

I look forward to meeting with all of you who contribute to making R.O.C.K. awesome.

Want to share ideas with Jenna about your favorite past R.O.C.K. events or simply want to say hi? Click here to welcome her to the team.