Outdoor Education and Retreats Director

Green Bay YMCA; Suring (WI); On-site; USD 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private on-site housing provided

Full benefits package (medical, dental

Retirement and life insurance

Job summary

The Outdoor Education & Retreats Director at Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya leads environmental education programs, retreats, and partnerships with schools and youth groups. You will design curricula, schedule activities, supervise staff, and oversee daily operations with on-site housing provided.

Reporting to the Camp Director, you’ll hire and coach instructors, manage the program budget, track outcomes, and expand partnerships to advance YMCA priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in education, recreation, outdoor pursuits, social services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in education, outdoor programming, or youth development; two+ years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong supervisory, organizational, program design, and program development skills.
• Ability to prioritize workloads, manage multiple projects, and meet established timelines.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as program needs require.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiences.
• Lifeguarding certification including CPR, First Aid, and AED required (training provided).
• ACCT Level 2 Certification is required within 2 months of hire, training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and administer outdoor education and retreat programs by developing curriculum, schedules, and logistics in partnership with schools, nonprofits, and community groups.
• Manage day-to-day program operations by coordinating staff schedules, program resources, facilities use, and activity flow to ensure smooth, well-organized program delivery.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal instructors and volunteers by providing clear expectations, coaching, and performance feedback to maintain high-quality instruction and positive youth outcomes.
• Develop and manage the program budget by monitoring expenses, tracking revenue, and supporting grant or funding efforts to ensure financial sustainability and achievement of program goals.
• Evaluate program effectiveness by using feedback tools, outcome measures, and participation data to guide continuous improvement and meet established program and financial targets.
• Build and maintain partnerships by communicating regularly with school liaisons, parents, and group leaders through calls, emails, surveys, and planning tools to ensure strong relationships and repeat participation.
• Identify and cultivate new school and community partnerships by promoting program offerings and aligning services with partner needs to expand program reach and impact.
• Contribute to short- and long-term program strategy by aligning outdoor education and retreat offerings with YMCA focus areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Support broader camp operations by assisting with weekend family programs and serving on the summer resident camp leadership team and Camping Services leadership team to ensure coordinated, year-round programming.
• Lead and oversee all challenge course operations (climbing tower, high ropes, and low ropes), ensuring safe, high-quality programming, including completion of required annual inspections, staff training and compliance with state and American Camp Association standards.
• Uphold safety and risk management practices by following emergency procedures, serving as a first responder when required, and ensuring staff and participants adhere to camp safety guidelines.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Program design

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

ACCT Level 2 Certification

Job description

Applications will be accepted through November 6, 2026.

Are you passionate about the outdoors, developing people, and creating experiences that help youth and families grow? As the Outdoor Education and Retreats Director at Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya, you'll have the opportunity to lead programs that bring learning, adventure, teamwork, and connection to life.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE

• Private on-site housing provided
• Eligible for the Y's full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and retirement
• A unique work environment that combines leadership, outdoor adventure, and meaningful community impact
• The chance to create experiences and traditions that campers and families remember for years
• Salary: $49,000-$56,000 per year

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Outdoor Education & Retreats Director plans, implements, and oversees outdoor environmental education programs and retreat/rental experiences by developing curriculum, coordinating schedules, supervising staff, and managing daily operations to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned programs at Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya. This role builds and sustains partnerships with schools and community organizations, ensures safe and engaging program delivery, and contributes to the overall success of camp operations. The position is active in both outdoor and office environments and requires onsite residency in provided housing.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Design, implement, and administer outdoor education and retreat programs by developing curriculum, schedules, and logistics in partnership with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to deliver engaging, safe, and mission-driven experiences.
• Manage day-to-day program operations by coordinating staff schedules, program resources, facilities use, and activity flow to ensure smooth, well-organized program delivery.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal instructors and volunteers by providing clear expectations, coaching, and performance feedback to maintain high-quality instruction and positive youth outcomes.
• Develop and manage the program budget by monitoring expenses, tracking revenue, and supporting grant or funding efforts to ensure financial sustainability and achievement of program goals.
• Evaluate program effectiveness by using feedback tools, outcome measures, and participation data to guide continuous improvement and meet established program and financial targets.
• Build and maintain partnerships by communicating regularly with school liaisons, parents, and group leaders through calls, emails, surveys, and planning tools to ensure strong relationships and repeat participation.
• Identify and cultivate new school and community partnerships by promoting program offerings and aligning services with partner needs to expand program reach and impact.
• Contribute to short- and long-term program strategy by aligning outdoor education and retreat offerings with YMCA focus areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Support broader camp operations by assisting with weekend family programs and serving on the summer resident camp leadership team and Camping Services leadership team to ensure coordinated, year-round programming.
• Lead and oversee all challenge course operations (climbing tower, high ropes, and low ropes), ensuring safe, high-quality programming, including completion of required annual inspections, staff training and compliance with state and American Camp Association standards.
• Uphold safety and risk management practices by following emergency procedures, serving as a first responder when required, and ensuring staff and participants adhere to camp safety guidelines.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING (QUALIFICATIONS)

• Bachelor's degree preferred in education, recreation, outdoor pursuits, social services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in education, outdoor programming, or youth development required; two or more years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong supervisory, organizational, program design, and program development skills.
• Ability to prioritize workloads, manage multiple projects, and meet established timelines.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as program needs require.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiences.
• Lifeguarding certification including CPR, First Aid, and AED required (training provided).
• ACCT Level 2 Certification is required within 2 months of hire, training will be provided.

WHAT WILL HELP YOU THRIVE IN THIS ROLE

Accountability: You take ownership, follow through on commitments, and hold self and others to high standards.

Relationship Building: You build trusting, positive relationships through strong communication and responsiveness.

Emotional Intelligence: You demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and professionalism when working with staff and participants.

Vision: You connect the YMCA mission and program goals to meaningful, high-quality camp experiences.

Collaboration: You work effectively across teams, shares resources, and contributes to common goals.

Innovation: You bring creativity and fresh ideas to programs while maintaining safety and quality.

Customer-Focused: You anticipate needs and provides responsive, positive experiences for schools, groups, and families.

Change Management: You adapt to changing priorities and seasonal demands while helping staff navigate transitions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed in both office and outdoor camp environments and requires frequent interaction with youth, school groups, and retreat participants.
• Outdoor work occurs year-round and in all weather conditions, including precipitation, heat, and extreme cold.
• Ability to move freely around camp and actively participate in outdoor activities.
• Ability to crouch, kneel, stoop, move quickly, and lift at least 30 pounds.
• Required to serve as a safety responder and act according to established emergency procedures.
• Onsite residency in provided housing is required.

READY TO MAKE CAMP UNFORGETTABLE?

If you're excited about combining outdoor adventure, education, leadership, and community impact, we'd love to meet you.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.