Located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Black Mountain, NC on a picturesque 1,200 acre campus, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is a non-profit leadership and training center. As a year-round conference center, we are a partner and platform for groups of teens, families and children, and adults. Having hosted our first conference over 100 years ago, we continue to serve a diverse array of groups—churches, schools, colleges, family reunions and youth groups, among others. We provide a Christian atmosphere for guests and staff to focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As a hospitality-focused YMCA, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our 30,000 annual guests while developing a team of values-driven leaders.
We are hiring for a full-time, year-round Program Service/Arts Studio Coordinator position. The Program Services Coordinators serve on the Program Services team (part of Mission Impact), and facilitate quality and meaningful adventure activities, high and low ropes courses, mountain biking, arts and crafts, outdoor education, nature hikes, child care, and a host of other programs. The team is led by the Director of Program Services.
A portion of the duties of this position will be as the Heritage Arts Studio Supervisor. The ideal candidate is a creative person who enjoys teaching, is an excellent facilitator of groups, and excels at sharing skills in arts and crafts with people of all ages, particularly youth and young adults. This person will need to be business savvy and have sharp organizational skills.
- Facilitate programs on all program structures and in all program areas, both as the lead facilitator and as a team member.
- Lead and develop part-time staff to ensure an empowered and motivated staff that provides safe, fun, and meaningful experiences for all participants.
- Work with the Mission Impact team to develop new programs.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with co-workers and groups.
- Help to maintain all program areas and trails on the property.
- Foster creativity and experiential learning through leading groups and individuals in arts and crafts projects. This can range from leading inexperienced participants in the creation of fun art activities and crafts, to assisting more skilled guests in complex activities including ceramics and weaving.
- Be responsible for basic cash flow procedures, inventory control, and purchasing.
- Design displays and keep the arts and crafts room clean and organized.
- Teach the history and skills of Appalachian heritage crafts to students of all ages.
- Lead and teach other staff how to lead arts and crafts projects.
- Minimum of two years of leadership experience in outdoor education, youth development, or recreational programming;
- Thorough knowledge of youth development, group management techniques, facilitation skills, team leadership, and staff supervision;
- Experience in the areas of environmental education, leadership development, and ropes course facilitation; Certifications desirable;
- High level of physical fitness and be able to work at heights of 50 feet off the ground;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor;
- Be comfortable leading groups of various sizes and participants of all ages;
- Basic proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Excel, Word, property management systems, and the ability to learn new programs;
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission, philosophy, and vision of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly;
- Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed;
- Must have skills and working knowledge in many of the following areas, and the willingness to learn and teach skills in all areas: wheel thrown pottery, hand building clay, glazing, weaving on looms, painting crafts, leatherwork, beadwork, candle making, and tie-dying;
- Possess at least 2-3 years of teaching experience in art and crafts, preferably in a school, camp, or similar setting.
Salary: $28,000.00 - $30,000.00