Program Director

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, a mission-driven family and group conference and retreat center, as well as a residential summer camp serving more than 50,000 guests annually. The Program Director oversees the planning, development, and administration of year-round programs and recreational activities for guests of all ages. This role includes the supervision, training, and support of both year-round benefited staff and seasonal employees, ensuring high-quality, safe, and mission-aligned program experiences that foster community and personal growth.

OUR MISSION AND CULTURE: We firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. YMCA of the Rockies staff are key players in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact on our breathtaking properties outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a place where nature inspires, and staff lead with heart. We are committed to being welcoming to all people and to making a difference in the lives of our members, guests, and staff. The work each staff member does matters. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary, mission-based experiences for our guests and for each other.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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• Lead, motivate, and supervise a year-round staff of 5–8 employees, providing support, guidance, training, and evaluations.
• Oversee up to 90 seasonal staff and volunteers, ensuring high performance and alignment with YMCA values.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
• Direct and administer all guest-facing programs, including Adventure Activities, Aquatics, Crafts, Evening Events, Family Programs, Historical Programs, Library, Outdoor Education, Recreation, and Winter Programming.
• Manage multiple facilities to ensure smooth daily operations, including craft shop, fields, playgrounds, recreation center, reservoir, ropes courses, swimming pool, and other program areas.
• Coordinate with concessionaire partners to deliver specialized offerings such as horseback riding, dog sledding, massage, and downhill ski rentals.
• Implement and oversee special events that enrich the guest experience.
• Develop, manage, and monitor an annual budget of over $1.3 million, ensuring financial goals and constraints are met.
• Establish performance tracking systems to evaluate departmental effectiveness and address underperforming areas.
• Manage risk and ensure compliance with all safety, health, and child protection policies.
• Maintain aquatic safety standards and staff certifications to minimize risk in pool operations.
• Collaborate with philanthropy and development teams to advance strategic goals.
• Align all programs and staff activities with the YMCA’s mission and strategic plan.
• Develop and execute annual operating plans, including measurable goals and outcomes.
• Establish partnerships within the YMCA network and external communities to strengthen programming and reputation.
• Support employee training initiatives such as Multinational Leadership Training, Y101, and Navigators.
• Use creative, mission-aligned ideas to continuously improve and diversify program offerings.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

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• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in camps, education, or recreation.
• At least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Experience developing and managing large-scale budgets.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications required; Lifeguard certification preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher) and database management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly in spoken and written English.
• Operational knowledge of challenge courses, aquatic facilities, and Nordic Ski operations.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Self-directed, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Enthusiasm for continuous program development and innovation.
• Maintains a positive, problem-solving attitude under pressure.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and comply with YMCA driving policies.
• Must have the physical stamina to perform duties in varied work environments.

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith in all functions.
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs.
• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional.
• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse community.
• Attend required abuse of risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism is required.
• Support organizational environmental sustainability goals through regular and effective collaboration and communication with sustainability leadership.
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Work occurs in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Must be able to move about the property as needed.
• May be exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Requires standing for extended periods of time.
• Includes occasional stooping, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Noise level in the work environment is generally moderate but may increase during peak activity periods or events.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

YMCA of the Rockies is a Praesidium-accredited organization. The YMCA of the Rockies hiring process reflects the values and goals of Praesidium and other accredited organizations. For more information regarding Praesidium accreditation, please visit https://www.praesidiuminc.com/.

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Generous PTO/Vacation
• Participation in YMCA Retirement Fund (an additional 12% contribution by YMCA after 2 years of employment)
• Employer-owned rental housing may be available nearby - Contact Human Resources for more information
• YMCA of the Rockies membership
• Discounted childcare, summer day camp, and summer overnight camp
• Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges for friends & family
• Ski and golf passes to nearby resorts & courses
• Free or discounted gear rentals for outdoor adventures
• View all YMCA of the Rockies employee perks by visiting here.