Senior Program Director - YAdventure

DeKalb Health; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the North seeks a Senior Program Director to lead Adventure Lab programs, coordinate events, and expand community engagement across camps and partner sites.

The role requires strategic leadership, volunteer development, fundraising collaboration, and delivering high-quality outdoor experiences for diverse age groups, while ensuring safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; related field experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Minimum of three years of management experience with staff supervision and budget management.
• Minimum of three summers of outdoor/residential camp experience.
• Progressive leadership, programming, and management in outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead YMCA Adventure Lab programs, events, and initiatives.
• Develop and implement recruitment, marketing, and participant engagement strategies.
• Ensure program safety, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets, enrollment, fundraising, and reporting as directed.
• Recruit, develop, supervise, and recognize volunteers and staff.
• Collaborate with partners and leadership on association-wide projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Job Category Camp, Full-Time
• Employee Type Exempt Full-Time

Contact information

• Name Betsy Grams
• Email [e-mail]

Description

Senior Program Director - YAdventure | $57,000 to $65,00 annually

Lead unforgettable adventures that inspire connection, challenge, and growth.

As the Senior Program Director for Adventure Lab, you’ll help to shape innovative outdoor experiences, adventure races, community events, and year-round engagement opportunities that impact participants of all ages. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and creative leader who excels at program development, volunteer engagement, community partnerships, and organizational leadership. If you're passionate about expanding access to adventure, building meaningful community connections, and driving programs that make a lasting difference, we want to hear from you.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Schedule varies based on programs, events, and seasonal needs
• May include evenings and weekends
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions
• Travel between YMCA, camp, and partner locations as needed

Pay

The salary for this position starts at $48,665. We take into consideration an individual’s background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

1. Job Summary

The Senior Program Director for Adventure Lab provides leadership, development, and coordination for YMCA Adventure Lab programs, events, and initiatives. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, marketing, and evaluating high-quality adventure experiences, including adventure races, Unlock It! maps, and year-round community engagement opportunities across camps and partner locations. The position partners closely with Adventure leadership, Gathering Pines team, volunteers, community organizations, and association teams to expand participation, ensure safe and equitable program delivery, achieve budget and enrollment goals, and support strategic initiatives.

The role also recruits and develops volunteers, builds community partnerships, supports fundraising and accreditation efforts, serves in leadership capacities on association-wide projects and initiatives, and manages multiple areas of camp and adventure programs to advance organizational goals and enhance participant experiences.

2. Essential Functions

• Partner with Y Adventure leadership, community councils, committees, volunteers, and association teams to develop and deliver high-quality programs, events, and participant experiences for diverse age and skill levels.
• Develop and implement marketing, promotional, and participant recruitment strategies; procure goods and services to support programs, events, and experiences.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve innovative adventure programs, events, and experiences that advance strategic, operational, and participant engagement goals.
• Establish and maintain systems for ongoing program evaluation to ensure high-quality outcomes, equitable experiences, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, risk management practices, and emergency procedures; support program assessments and operational readiness.
• Maintain knowledge of program equipment, facilities, and infrastructure requirements to support safe and effective program delivery.
• Recruit, develop, supervise, engage, and recognize volunteers to support Adventure Lab programs and initiatives.
• Manage Adventure Lab programs and initiatives to achieve budget, enrollment, and performance goals.
• Support budgeting, fundraising, volunteer engagement, certifications, accreditations, and required reporting as directed.
• Serve in leadership roles on YMCA of the North and Y Adventure initiatives, projects, and cross-functional teams.
• Manage multiple areas of camp and adventure programs, events, and initiatives to advance organizational goals and enhance participant experiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

3. Relationships

This position reports to the Vice President of Adventure and interacts regularly with camp and YMCA team members, volunteers, program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders. The Senior Program Director plays an active leadership role in program development, community outreach, partnership cultivation, and association-wide initiatives. The incumbent supervises one or more full-time staff members and/or an equivalent team of volunteers and interns. This position serves as a key representative of Y Adventure within the community, promoting the mission, programs, and impact of the YMCA while engaging current and prospective participants, partners, and volunteers.

4. Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; demonstrated experience in camping, youth development, outdoor recreation, or community programs may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Current Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED certification from the YMCA or another recognized certifying organization, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days but before independently supervising youth.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience, including staff supervision and budget management.
• Minimum of three (3) summers of experience in outdoor and/or residential camp settings.
• Progressive leadership, programming, and management experience in an outdoor residential environment.
• Demonstrated experience in staff and volunteer supervision, organizational systems, program development, and financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and evaluate programs and operations.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum and participant experiences.
• Strong customer service, communication, leadership, and group facilitation skills, with the ability to effectively engage adults, teens, and children.
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems independently, and communicate appropriately with leadership regarding decisions and outcomes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Outlook, and other technology required to perform the duties of the position.

Preferred:

• Ability to become DQF (formerly DOT) certified driver.
• Experience in fundraising.

5. Work Conditions

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and traverse hilly, uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to perform essential program support activities, including reaching overhead, crouching, kneeling, shoveling, working in confined spaces, twisting, bending, and occasionally lying on the ground as required.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify, assess, and appropriately respond to environmental, participant, and activity-related hazards.
• Ability to safely operate and utilize equipment, tools, and materials associated with camp and adventure programs.

6. Additional Notes

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive.The incumbent is responsible for taking direction from the Vice President of Adventure or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the camp or Association success.