The Outdoor Center Director is responsible for changing lives by welcoming visitors to our Outdoor Education, Retreats and Conference programs. The primary function of the Outdoor Center Director is to deliver excellent customer service in a variety of different programs, while motivating and nurturing seasonal staff teams to do the same.
This person will achieve YMCA of the USA Team Leader or Branch Leader within the first 3 years of employment. 3-5 years of director experience with a background in youth work, environmental education, camping, customer service, and staff development are important. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. This position will take lead on our climbing tower and high ropes course, and must be comfortable working at heights. This position also requires a clean driving record and the ability to drive a truck with trailer or wagon. In addition to excellent organizational skills, the Outdoor Center Director must demonstrate experience and competency in:
YMCA Mission, ACA Standards, Outdoor & Environmental Education, Ropes Courses, Teambuilding, Volunteer Involvement, Customer Service, Financial Development, Y-USA Character Development, Risk Management, Program Development, Budget Management, Staff Recruitment, Training & Supervision, Marketing (Print, Radio, Video, Internet).
- 1stTeam: Desire to perform as a member of the leadership team of the South Mountain YMCA Camps.
- Culture: Fosters a positive culture that encourages the development of the individual. Seeks positive, open, and direct relations with volunteers, supervisors, peers, and direct reports that engenders trust and leads to accountability. Models and practices the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Models and practices our “voice” as Nurturing, Genuine, Hopeful, Determined, and Welcoming.
- Program Quality and Development: The Outdoor Center Director manages outdoor & environmental education programs, retreats, and conferences. Oversees new program development, standards of program delivery, standardization of content, quality assurance, and evaluation related to client satisfaction. Exceeds ACA standards in every season of operation and models best practices in customer service.
- Staff Development/Supervision: Supervises the Outdoor Center staff. Coordinates the screening, hiring, training, development, and evaluations. Ensures that all staff are qualified, trained, and certified (when necessary) in the programs they offer to clients. Provides on-site coverage when groups are in camp. Demonstrates world-class customer service.
- Volunteer Development: Actively cultivates community volunteers to serve at the South Mountain YMCA Camps in any number of capacities (i.e. program, development, policy), and ensures appropriate background screening has been completed. Serves as a liaison to one standing or ad hoc committee.
- Balanced Budget: Designs the Outdoor Center budgets. Controls expenses and generates program income and grants that help to meet the mission of the YMCA through camping experiences.
- Financial Development: Takes an active role in the Reach Out for Youth Campaign, Capital Campaigns, and Endowment activities.
- Community Development: Initiate and maintain relationships with external organizations with an eye on positioning the South Mountain YMCA as a problem-solver in the region. Additionally, good relationships with current clients are critical for the success of this position.
- Strategic Planning: Participates in strategic planning that considers the needs of the outdoor center programs, the South Mountain YMCA Camps, and the region we serve.
- Risk Management: Ensures the safety of all participants and staff. Reviews and Implements crisis management plan, emergency action plans, Workers’ Compensation Procedures, Risk Management Audits, etc.
- Marketing and Communications: Represents and promotes outdoor center programs locally and regionally and through partner YMCAs. Develops and Implements a client recruitment and retention plan that may include special events, print pieces, telephone calls, internet outreach, and other methods not described here.
- Maintain Records: Maintain and review records related to the outdoor center which may include evaluations of all programs, operations, staff, and facilities.
- YMCA Success: Contributes time and effort to all departments when necessary to ensure the success and health of the YMCA. As a full-time, exempt member of the SMYMCA team, the workweek is expected to be 50+ hours per week with the understanding that the job may require more or fewer hours depending on the season and requirements of our programs. These are not the only duties to be assigned. Others will be assigned or reassigned as necessary.
While many certifications can be acquired on the job, candidates with 1stAid, CPR, Lifeguarding, and ACCT certifications are preferred. Individuals with ACA Visitor status are also preferred.
Housing: A home for the incoming director and family is provided. Living on-site is not a benefit, but a requirement of the job. The Outdoor Center Director is expected to be a vital part of our camp community.
There are internal candidates for this position.
Benefits: Retirement Fund participation is at 12% and funded by our Y. Each employee is encouraged to participate in the 403B Smart Account above and beyond the employer contribution (of course, this is not required). All other benefits (health insurance, PTO Days, holidays, etc.), are outlined in our employee handbook.
Salary: $37,000.00