Youth Program Director
Location: NW Calgary Based (office and field)
Company: Company of Adventurers
Position: 10.5 Month Full-Time Salary Contract
Starting Date: April 15, 2025
About Us: Company of Adventurers (COA) is dedicated to fostering a love of nature and adventure in young minds through our immersive environmental outdoor education programs. Our mission is to create memorable and educational experiences that inspire confidence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
Position Overview: We are seeking an independent, entrepreneurially minded leader to join our team in the position of Youth Program Director. The successful candidate will manage and operate our school programming branch. This role involves guiding, leading a team of guides, engaging teachers in marketing and booking programs. The Youth Program Director is responsible for all day to day operations of COA’s school programming, as well as building the brand and expanding youth programming within the organization through new programming, new school connections and improvements to our website.
The Youth Program Director will work on a 10.5 month contractual basis with a six week unpaid break between July 1 and August 15. August will be paid at half salary. The potential for optional paid work within the organization is available July 1 through August 14 at an hourly or daily rate separate from the Youth Program Director contract.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain and create new relationships with teachers and school groups
- Manage a team of guides, including hiring new guides if necessary
- Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, following established protocols and guidelines
- Manage COA social media accounts with regular content creation and posts
- Lead and supervise youth in the outdoors during outdoor camping, hiking, xc skiing and snowshoeing programs
- Create new programs with the goal of expanding COA’s current offerings
- Improve the COA website, specifically through improving and streamlining our bookings platform
- Bring current and future programs in alignment with the Alberta School curriculum
- Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging participation and teamwork
- Maintain, organize, purchase and manage equipment and supplies
- Communicate effectively with participants, parents, guides and program coordinators
- Host parent/teacher meetings for programs that involve multiday trips
- Apply for grants
Qualifications:
- Strong passion for the outdoors and youth environmental education
- Experience working with youth in an outdoor or recreational setting
- Experience in managing teams of people
- An entrepreneurial spirit
- Experience in managing social media accounts as a marketing tool
- A creative and independent thinker
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle diverse group dynamics and respond to various needs and challenges
- Flexibility to work day time, evenings and overnight
Required Certifications (can be obtained at a later date)
- Minimum 40 hour Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification (80 hour WFA preferred)
- CANSI level 1 Nordic Ski Instructor
- IGA Apprentice Interpretive Guide or higher
- OCC Field Leader is an asset
- Prior experience as a guide, camp counselor, outdoor educator, or similar role
- Class 4 Alberta Driver’s Licence or equivalent
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Completed post secondary certificate or degree
- Fluent proficiency in English
- Clean criminal record
- Physical ability to participate in outdoor activities and manage the demands of an outdoor environment
- Reliable transportation to and from COA office
Benefits:
- Gross Monthly Salary (except July and half of August): $3,750.00
- Medical Benefits
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Gain valuable experience in outdoor education and youth leadership
- Be part of a passionate and supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact
How to Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before March 1, 2025. Your cover letter should be a maximum of 500 words and should detail why you are the best possible candidate for this position. Please include contact information for at least two references.
Company of Adventurers is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We look forward to hearing from you!
