Program Manager, TWU Outdoor Centre

Trinity Western University; City of Langley; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Support for training and development

Job summary

Trinity Western University is seeking a Program Manager for its Outdoor Centre. This role involves leading programs, coordinating outdoor education and team-building experiences focused on community and faith integration. You will be managing client inquiries and logistics, ensuring high-quality engagement and feedback throughout.

Ideal candidates will have a background in Human Kinetics, relevant certifications, and strong interpersonal skills. This position requires flexibility in hours and offers an opportunity to impact the community positively.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in outdoor experiential education.
• Experience in marketing and program design is an asset.
• Guiding experience in outdoor programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for program inquiries.
• Manage the full client lifecycle from inquiry to follow-up.
• Coordinate outdoor education and team building programs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree or diploma in Human Kinetics or recreation related field

ACCT Level 2 Certification

Wilderness First Aid or OFA Level 2

Tools

Database tools

Scheduling systems

Basic marketing platforms

Job description

Position Purpose and Summary

The Program Manager plays a central role in both the administration and delivery of programs for the Trinity Western Outdoor Centre and Omada Teambuilding. Working as part of a core leadership team of three, alongside the Director and Operations Manager, this position collaborates daily to plan, coordinate, and execute a wide range of outdoor education, leadership development, and team-building experiences. This role serves both internal and external clients, managing relationships with students, university departments, schools, non‑profits, and corporate groups. A minimum of 50 percent of this position is dedicated to program administration, including managing the full client lifecycle from initial inquiry and booking through program delivery and post‑program follow‑up. The Program Manager also contributes to program facilitation, staff development, and the overall quality and safety of all Outdoor Centre experiences, as well as supporting marketing and promotional efforts through communication, outreach, and representation of the Outdoor Centre.

Key Areas of Accountability

• Serve as the primary point of contact for program inquiries and booking requests from internal and external clients.
• Manage the full client lifecycle from initial inquiry to post‑program follow‑up.
• Coordinate all client communication, including program details, schedules, expectations, and logistics.
• Distribute, track, and ensure completion of waivers and required documentation.
• Prepare invoices, track payments, and follow up on outstanding balances as required.
• Coordinate equipment needs and program logistics in advance of delivery.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all programs, client interactions, and communications.
• Collect and track post‑program feedback and evaluations.
• Ensure a high standard of professionalism and responsiveness in all client interactions.

Equipment Rental Program Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the Outdoor Centre equipment rental program.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for rental requests from students, staff, and external clients.
• Coordinate with student staff to fulfill rental bookings efficiently and accurately.
• Ensure all required waivers, forms, and procedures are completed prior to equipment release.
• Provide orientation and basic instruction on safe equipment use as required.
• Track inventory, usage, and condition of all rental equipment.
• Ensure timely return, inspection, and maintenance of equipment.
• Identify equipment repair, replacement, and lifecycle needs.

Facilitation, Guiding, and Staff Development

• Facilitate outdoor education, leadership development, and team building programs on and off campus.
• Support the development and delivery of student‑focused outdoor experiences that foster wellness, skill development, community, and faith integration.
• Assist in training, mentoring, and developing student staff and facilitators in both technical and interpersonal skills.
• Contribute to creating safe, engaging, and high‑quality program experiences.

Program Development and Partnerships

• Collaborate with the Director and Operations Manager to develop new programs and enhance existing offerings.
• Support relationship building with schools, churches, non‑profits, and corporate partners.
• Contribute to identifying opportunities for program growth and community engagement.
• Assist in the coordination and support of seasonal and summer programming.

Operations, Systems, and Marketing Support

• Assist in the development and improvement of administrative systems and workflows related to booking, communication, and program delivery.
• Support implementation and use of digital tools, including databases and scheduling systems.
• Identify inefficiencies and contribute to process improvements.
• Provide administrative support for marketing efforts, including website updates, social media coordination, and outreach initiatives.
• Represent the Outdoor Centre at events, promotional booths, and community engagements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support long‑term initiatives, including outdoor education course development.
• Assist with academic partnerships and support of outdoor activity courses.
• Contribute to research, grant applications, and fundraising opportunities as appropriate.
• Other duties as required.

The Person

Skills And Abilities

• Strong organizational and administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, timelines, and client communications simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with internal and external clients.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of individuals and groups.
• Strong problem‑solving skills in both administrative and program delivery contexts.
• Systems‑oriented thinker with the ability to improve workflows, processes, and efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, facilitate, and mentor staff and student employees.
• Competence with database tools, scheduling systems, and basic marketing platforms.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small leadership team.
• Strong judgment and decision‑making skills in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments.
• Physically capable of participating in outdoor programming in a variety of environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Personal

• Demonstrates a desire to positively impact individuals and communities through outdoor experiential education and leadership development.
• A dedicated and mature evangelical Christian who affirms and supports Trinity Western University's mission, values, Statement of Faith, and Community Covenant.
• Exhibits strong character, integrity, and professionalism in all areas of work and life.
• Demonstrates a servant leadership approach in interactions with students, staff, and clients.
• Maintains a positive, adaptable, and team‑oriented attitude.

Servant‑Leader Way of Life

Act in a manner that exemplifies Jesus Christ in all on and off‑campus contacts, thereby living out the servant leadership mission of the university and contributing effectively towards achieving the institutional and Kingdom goals of the organization.

Key Internal Interactions

Reports: Informal oversight of Trinity Western Outdoor Centre/Omada Teambuilding Staff and Student Employees.

Reports to: Trinity Western Outdoor Centre/Omada Teambuilding Director.

Standards & Requirements

Education

• Undergraduate Degree or diploma in the field of Human Kinetics or other recreation related field.
• ACCT Level 2 Certification or equivalent experience.
• Wilderness First Aid or OFA Level 2.

Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in a ropes/challenge course environment or outdoor experiential education environment.
• Experience in marketing and program design will be considered an asset.
• Guiding experience in outdoor programs such as hiking, caving, paddling, snowshoeing, and rock climbing preferred.

Duties and responsibilities that do not constitute a major change may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor either orally or in writing.

Updated: September 2024

Salary Classification: 7

Agreed to by: Director of Omada Team Building and People & Culture

Equal Opportunity Statement

Trinity Western University encourages applications from all eligible candidates who are able to commit to the University’s mission, values, and Christian identity as articulated in its Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. We are committed to an ethic of inclusion and to the equal treatment of all persons without discrimination in accordance with human rights law. We particularly invite applications from indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations during the application process should contact Human Resources.

Trinity Western University is located on the traditional ancestral territory of the Sto:lo people.