Job Description

Climbing Program Manager

The Climbing Program Manager reports to the Outdoor Program Director and has supervisory responsibilities for the following student staff positions: Student Supervisors, Climbing Wall Attendants, Routesetters, Clinic Instructors, and Rock and Ice Climbing Guides. The Climbing Program Manager will support the development of new and experienced climbers alike as part of the Outdoor Program's mission of connecting people to safe, social, educational, and fun outdoor recreation experiences by providing overall leadership of the Climbing Program.  The position is responsible for the day-to-day operations and long-term growth and sustainability of all climbing facilities and related programming within University Recreation and Wellness.  Facilities include a 4,200 square foot full service climbing gym, a new Climbing Training Center with an articulating Kilter Board and Spray Wall, and a youth-oriented 900 square foot climbing wall.  The Climbing Program serves a growing base of over 900 Climbing Members each semester and averages over 125 users daily.  Programming includes a comprehensive schedule of clinics, events, and guided outdoor rock and ice climbing trips focused on increasing access to rock climbing for a diverse campus community.  Foundationally, the program relies on a robust weekly routesetting program and an engaged and connected staff to exceed the expectations of users.  The Climbing Program succeeds by offering a compelling, relevant, and contemporary climbing experience informed by climbing industry best practices and trends.  The program values innovative approaches and a willingness to take risks to try new things.

Essential Functions: 
● Management of all University Recreation and Wellness Climbing Facilities including the URWC Climbing Gym, the Climbing Training Center, and the Saint Paul Gym Climbing Wall
● Recruitment, hiring, development, and supervision of Climbing Program staff including Student Supervisors, Climbing Wall Attendants, Routesetters, Clinic Instructors, and Rock and Ice Climbing Guides
● Development and implementation of comprehensive Climbing Programming including competitions, clinics, events, and guided outdoor rock and ice climbing trips
● Implementation and maintenance of risk management policies and procedures, in alignment with industry best practices, for all climbing facilities and programs 
● Purchasing and fiscal management for Climbing Program in alignment with University policies and procedures
● Administrative support for Climbing, Trips, and Nordic Programs including registration and member management, refund processing, permitting, and reservations

Work Responsibilities:

Program and Facility Management - 55% time
● Foster a welcoming and inclusive community that supports a sense of belonging within the Climbing Program
● Recruit, hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate a staff of 35 part-time employees to provide a safe and positive customer experience 
● Implement risk management policies and practices for indoor climbing gym operations and outdoor rock and ice climbing guiding in alignment with industry best practices
● Develop and facilitate annual and ongoing trainings for Climbing Gym Attendants, Climbing Instructors, Routesetters, and Rock and Ice Climbing Guides
● Manage a comprehensive routesetting program that serves the needs of the University climbing community
● Manage retail sales including purchasing, stocking, merchandising, and monthly inventory reporting
● Develop and implement a positive workplace culture in alignment with the Outdoor Program vision and values
● Develop, gather and report participation and user data to evaluate and improve climbing programs
● Plan and forecast annual operating costs for the Climbing Program to support the Outdoor Program Director in budget development
● Plan and purchase climbing equipment within the program budget 
● Manage day-to-day financial operations of the Climbing Gym including daily sales reporting
● Stay up to date with climbing industry trends and best practices 

Programming - 30% time
● Plan, develop and implement a comprehensive calendar of climbing clinics and programs  
● Coordinate annual climbing competition(s)
● Collaborate with the Outdoor Program Director on the development of the outdoor trips calendar for guided rock and ice climbing programming
● Partner with University Youth Programs to develop and deliver summer youth climbing camps and programming 
● Manage the Community Climb Day Program to promote climbing for BIPOC, LQBTQIA+, and women and non-binary members of the campus community
● Collaborate with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute to host annual adaptive climbing event
● Coordinate with the marketing team to promote Climbing Program offerings

Administrative support - 15% time
● Review and process refunds based on refund policies for the Climbing, Trips, and Nordic Programs
● Manage trip, clinic, and event registration and memberships for the Climbing, Trips, and Nordic Programs utilizing Fusion software
● Collaborate with the Outdoor Program Director to maintain and acquire guiding permits for the Trips Program
● Support the Trips Program by coordinating reservations for camping, lodging, shuttle services, and equipment rentals
● Attend department meetings and serve on Department/University committee(s) as needed

The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. 

Recreation and Wellness employees are expected to provide positive contributions to the work environment and the departmentâ™s goals of modeling a welcoming and supportive environment by promoting a culture of inclusion, respect, and wellbeing through education and shared experiences; Challenging personal and professional growth while encouraging leadership development; Connecting and collaborating with external and internal, university-wide partners to support academic and co-curricular success; Collecting, quantifying, and communicating the benefits of RecWell; And providing opportunities and activities that mobilize active, healthy engagement in programs, services, and facilities to inspire lifelong wellbeing.

Required Qualifications:
● BA/BS degree
● At least four (4) years of experience 
●      Or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years
● Experience working in the climbing industry
● Climbing Wall Instructor Certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire)
● Wilderness First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire)

Preferred Qualifications:
● AMGA/PCIA Single Pitch Climbing Instructor Certification
● Two (2) years of experience supervising staff
● Experience in climbing gym management
● Routesetting experience 

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Job Tags

Part time, Work experience placement, Summer work, Outdoor,

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