RETREATS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Iowa; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area is seeking a Retreats Program Director to lead the development and implementation of outdoor environmental education programs. This role involves managing program staff, ensuring quality in program delivery, and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, experience in program management, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. This full-time position offers the opportunity to work within a supportive team environment committed to community development.

Join us in fostering a positive environment for youth and families while promoting healthy living and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of supervisory experience, preferably in a camp setting.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer software.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Retreat and Outdoor Environmental Education programs.
• Lead family programming events and serve as a primary contact for retreat participants.
• Hire, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team player

Social media experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in camping, recreation, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

CEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCA/CAMP WAPSIE JOB DESCRIPTION RETREATS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Job Title: Retreats Program Director

FLSA Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Camp Wapsie Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Camp Executive Director, this role provides direct leadership, program development, recruitment and implementation of YMCA Camp Wapsie Retreats and Outdoor Environmental Education programs operation, within the allocated budget. They will develop, run and promote programs for Retreat Guests, hire, train and supervise programmatic staff, assure quality programs and maintain clean, well‑maintained program areas and assist with year‑round camp programs and operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement Retreat, Outdoor Environmental Education and Teambuilding programs in accordance with YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines.
• Lead family programming events.
• Serve as primary contact and liaison with outside groups / retreat participants, before, during, and after their time at camp; and serve as a visible supervisor while groups are present at camp.
• Coordinate outside group/retreat group needs with the Food Service, Maintenance departments and retreat program staff.
• Provide on‑site supervision and assist with program coordination for Summer Resident Camp.
• Lead marketing and promotion for retreat, family and seasonal programs under your areas of responsibility.
• Build effective, authentic relationships with Retreat guests, campers, parents, alumni and the community; help them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourage parent involvement and identify potential volunteers.
• Comply with and assure that the program and facility are up to both the Linn County Health Department and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
• Help maintain ACA Accreditation and appropriate documentation.
• Hire, train and supervise program staff and volunteers to assure that they are following Camp Wapsie philosophies and rules and doing their work as assigned.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures; complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Monitor the safety of campers in their activities and keep a close watch on any severe weather situations; implement risk management and emergency procedures whenever necessary.
• Maintain accurate records as required (e.g., Use Agreements, financial, program operation, accreditation, etc.).
• Assist in the year‑round operation of camp, including fundraising, program development, special events and other duties for camp and the association as assigned.
• Maintain proper use and storage of program supplies, equipment and areas; repair or report damaged equipment or facilities promptly to Executive Director or maintenance so that they can be addressed and kept in good operating order.
• Actively participate as a member of the YMCA’s Program Staff Team and as a member of the Camp Advisory Committee and attend trainings as scheduled.
• Create and maintain a harmonious, positive working relationship with fellow staff, YMCA Camp Wapsie campers and participants.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one year of supervisory experience, preferably in a camp setting.
• The ability to demonstrate leadership skills in management and delivery of programs.
• Customer‑service driven, positive mental attitude toward camp and youth work, maintain a professional image, and be a team player.
• Good communication and organizational skills, self‑directed/motivated, and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer software including basic database management and strong social media experience.
• Knowledge of ACA standards and ability to operate programs within the guidelines.
• Ability to supervise up to 3 people.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people, with a special emphasis on modeling the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Bachelor’s degree in camping, recreation, or a related field, or equivalent job‑related experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described within this job description 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 functions and duties of the position.

While performing the functions and duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, get up and down, walk; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle and feel or use objects, keyboards, controls, or to write and read. The incumbent is frequently required to reach with hands or arms; occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; occasionally in excess of 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.