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.

About the Role

The Program Director leads, motivates, and supervises a year-round staff of 5–8 employees, providing support, guidance, training, and evaluations. They oversee up to 90 seasonal staff and volunteers, ensuring high performance and alignment with YMCA values. They foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collaborate 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

• 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.
• Able 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.