Adventure Program Manager

Description

Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round, Exempt (Salary)

Supervisor: Associate Program Director

Location: Park City, UT (on-site)

Compensation: $55,000 - $56,000 annual salary

Join Our Team:

At the National Ability Center, adventure is more than an activity—it’s a powerful pathway to independence, confidence, and connection for people with disabilities. As our Adventure Program Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in designing and delivering transformative, off-site outdoor experiences—from backcountry camping and mountain biking to multi-day adaptive expeditions across the West. This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven outdoor professional to lead innovative programming, mentor staff, and expand access to meaningful adventure in remote and dynamic environments. If you are passionate about adaptive recreation, thrive in both strategic planning and hands-on leadership, and are inspired by the impact of inclusive outdoor experiences, we invite you to help us build an Adaptive Nation.

Job Summary:

The Adventure Program Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising adventure programs. The person in this role facilitates offsite overnight trips for individuals with disabilities with an emphasis on camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, fishing, etc. The Adventure Program Manager is involved in all steps of the off-site groups programming and is required to stay overnight with several groups. In addition, this position may support the groups and military department in planning and facilitating on-site programming. 

This is a full-time, year-round salary position with benefits. This position requires an irregular schedule that oftentimes involves travel for multi-day trips. After the first 90 days of employment, remote work may occasionally be allowed during the slow seasons for planning/administrative requirements.

Essential Duties: 

• Oversee all trip planning factors, including: group use permit acquisition, camp site and lodge booking, itinerary planning, staffing, menu planning, food purchasing, food packing, coordinate vehicle reservations, and coordinating travel logistics (flights, airport transportation, accessible off-road transportation).
• Lead trips of up to 45 participants and 5 staff overnight into the side and backcountry. 
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate 1-2 staff members; identifies talent needs and supports recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding.
• Support the development of department annual goals, establish priorities, provide resources, support, and regular feedback for professional development; set performance expectations, provides coaching, and administers disciplinary action as needed.
• Monitor and assess program effectiveness and mission impact through data collection, analysis, and feedback; use evaluation results to drive continuous improvement and innovations.
• Develop and manage the department budget, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation; assist with grant reporting, as applicable; report all financial requirements to the reservations team.
• Develop and deliver staff training for off-site group facilitation, camping, hiking, fire building, fishing and any other off-site program not related to the recreation or rafting departments.
• Responsible for group acquisition, recruitment, and communications.
• Maintain a high level of risk management at off site, off grid, locations.
• Create emergency response plans for individuals with disabilities with limited access to reception or immediate EMS response. 
• Manage adventure program equipment, maintenance, and rental program to other departments; perform necessary repairs and construction on equipment and off grid facilities including, but not limited to, the NAC Yurt, outhouse, tents, and cooking equipment.
• Manage relationships with external partners including, The US Forest Service, National Parks Service, State parks services, and groups that come to the NAC for trips.
• Continually develop the northern adventure program based on industry trends and innovative techniques, equipment, and facilities within the industries of recreation, snow sports, disability, and adaptive programs.
• Maintain up to date program materials (ERPs, off-site location info, packing lists, Itineraries, staff certifications, etc.)
• Act as Manager on Duty when assigned
• Design programming with accessibility in mind for individuals with disabilities in remote outdoor adventure settings.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management (or a related field), or equivalent experience working in the recreation/adventure industry.
• 2 years of guiding outdoor adventure trips.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• First Aid/CPR.
• Wilderness First Responder Certification.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical.
• Experience driving a 15-passenger Van and/or Bus with a trailer.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in adaptive recreation.
• 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in basic computer programs such as MS Office, Paylocity, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Salesforce Experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passionate about adaptive recreation and working with people who have disabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to lead by example, motivate a team, and teach, coach, and mentor staff personnel at varying levels of proficiency and experience.
• Ability to positively receive feedback and to provide effective feedback and job coaching for development of self and others.
• Ability to work with other department leads to ensure development, collaboration, and execution for shared goals.
• Ability to make quick educated program decisions based on the mission, needs, and strategic plan.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with other department leads to ensure development, collaboration, and execution for shared goals.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
• Proven ability to plan and coordinate multi day trips. 
• Extremely competent at program facilitation and off grid guiding.
• Ability to develop and evaluate risk management plans.
• Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a quick-paced environment.
• Commitment to a positive, fun, and team-oriented working environment while promoting the NAC Values.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent travel is required for multi-day trips throughout Utah and other nearby states, with the majority of overnight programs occurring during the spring/summer/fall, and anticipated growth for more adventure day and overnight programs in the winter.
• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. while planning and implementing adventure programs.
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to drive 15-passenger vans/buses and pull a trailer/boat behind a truck (CDL not required).
• Available and willing to work a non-traditional schedule that may include evenings/overnights, weekends, and holidays, especially as needed for trips, projects, and special events.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance with Health Savings Account 
• Employer Contribution to HSA 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Long-term Disability 
• Life Insurance 
• Voluntary Accident and Hospital Plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO) annually 
• 11 Paid Holidays 2 Paid Personal Days Annually (including a paid day off on your birthday)
• 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
• Parental Leave 
• Pet Insurance
• Pro Deals with gear companies 

Salary : $55,000 - $56,000