Outdoor Experience Program Manager

MAKE AN IMPACT ON TODAY’S YOUTH
WITH A JOB AT THE Y!

Now Hiring at the Boll Family YMCA

YMCA Employee Benefits

• FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs

• Flexible Scheduling

• Family-friendly Work Environment

• Employee Assistance Program & Retirement Plan

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, The Outdoor Experience Program Manager will be responsible for managing all youth program components and operations associated with the ‘Youth Outdoors” program. The program has an intentional focus on providing camping, outdoor education, and other related experiences and opportunities to under-represented populations of youth in the outdoor sphere. The position will coordinate logistics, implement an annual calendar of activities, workshops, and demonstrations, and manage the financial compliance for programmatic-related costs. These activities include but are not limited to BOLD & GOLD Programs (Boys & Girls Outdoor Leadership Development), connecting the YMCA Outdoor Education curriculum and camping services to applicable Y Teen Achiever program elements. In support of the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implement the BOLD & GOLD program, training, recruitment, and evaluation.

• Coordinate and participate in programming and activities with YMCA camping services and the Metro Youth YMCA branch, including planning trips, associated program components, providing and/or arranging transportation of campers and staff, and living with campers in tents and/or hostels when off-site.

• Work with agencies involved with the Detroit Outdoors Collaborative on shared initiatives

• Ensure that BOLD & GOLD program environment, equipment and supplies are adequate, appropriate and safe for participants per program and Association guidelines.

• Facilitate the learning of outdoor skills during wilderness-based courses

• Ensure a physically, mentally and emotionally safe environment

• Inventory and monitor equipment as needed

• Assist with developing, refining and implementing training and lesson plans

• Attend BOLD & GOLD required training and other Association and staff meetings as required.

• Gather program testimonials, stories and media as requested

• Comply with all risk management policies

• Coordinate relevant information with other departments & organizations

• Act as a liaison / support resource to Detroit Outdoors Collaborative

• Perform other tasks deemed necessary and assigned

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

• Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

• Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

• Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree is preferred, and an Associate's degree is required. 2 years working with youth aged 10-17 in educational or recreational settings is required. 

• 3-5 years of experience working in outdoor recreation settings preferred

• Must have the ability to focus on multiple projects, excellent customer service skills and be a team player

• Proficient swimmer, bicycler, and backpacker

• Experience cooking and camping in the outdoors

• Willingness to learn conflict mediation, restorative practice, and YMCA youth development skills

• Current Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days)

• Current Wilderness First Responder certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days)

• Current Driver’s License and ability to obtain commercial license, preferred

• Must be able to carry loads up to 40 pounds on multi-day wilderness trek and navigate varied natural terrain in inclement weather

• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills in adverse environments

• Ability to be respectful and professional when working with others

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.

For more opportunities to join our team, please visit the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's career page (ymcadetroit.org/careers).