Program Manager Outdoor Education: Camp Thunderbird

The Program Manager provides leadership and oversight for assigned YMCA program areas, ensuring alignment with the YMCA's mission, standards, and strategic vision. This role is responsible for program development, budget management, staff leadership, and continuous improvement to drive program quality, participant satisfaction, and community impact. The Program Manager works collaboratively with branch and association leadership to achieve operational and financial goals while fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions

• Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of assigned program areas to ensure quality, innovation, and alignment with YMCA goals.

• Manage program budgets up to $1M, ensuring fiscal accountability and achievement of revenue and expense targets.

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate front-line supervisors and staff to deliver high-quality member and participant experiences.

• Monitor program performance metrics (e.g., participation, revenue, retention) and adjust strategies as needed.

• Develop and implement program enhancements based on participant needs, feedback, and industry best practices.

• Foster strong relationships with members, participants, families, and community partners to support engagement and growth.

• Ensure consistent application of YMCA policies, procedures, and safety standards across assigned programs.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support branch and association-wide initiatives.

• Resolve escalated participant or parent issues with professionalism and service recovery strategies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of program management or supervisory experience in a related field.

• Demonstrated success in budget management and fiscal accountability.

• Experience hiring, supervising, and developing staff teams.

• Strong skills in program development, innovation, and evaluation.

• Ability to analyze data and apply insights to improve performance.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain community and member relationships.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-program environment.

• Commitment to the mission, values, and standards of the YMCA.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, education, business, or related field preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in offices, program spaces, and community environments.

• Frequent standing, walking, and interaction with members and participants.

• Regular use of computer systems, scheduling software, and reporting tools.

• May require lifting and moving program supplies or equipment up to 40 lbs.

• Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Fast-paced environment with competing priorities and supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies

• DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
• PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs
• FISCAL MANAGEMENT: Manages the Y's resources responsibly and sustains the Y's nonprofit business model
• COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here:

Housing is provided and required to be onsite for this role.

Primary Responsibilities (not comprehensive):

• Program Management & Strategy: Oversee the strategic planning, development, and daily operations of Environmental Education (EE) program, including creating itineraries, managing the program calendar, and implementing program & curriculum enhancements.
• Communication & Marketing: Manage all EE program communications, maintain relationships and accounts with visiting schools, and oversee marketing requests for the EE program.
• Budgeting & Finance: Develop and manage the budget for the EE program
• Staff Leadership & Supervision: Lead all aspects of staff management for the EE seasonal team, including recruiting, training, and supervising staff.
• Event Planning & Support: Organize staff appreciation initiatives and the end-of-season event for the EE team. Host information sessions for respective programs and participate in community recruitment efforts.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Act as a secondary leader for the Day Camp Program, providing significant support to the planning and execution of the program under the partnering Outdoor Education Manager's Leadership.