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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... Outdoor Programs and the University of Minnesota Duluth. All Sport Clubs coaches are directly supervised by the Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness, and are expected to maintain a strong ...

This position reports to the Program Director who reports to the Senior Program Director or ... Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate with daily exposure to the sun ...

... Outdoor Programs and the University of Minnesota Duluth. All Sport Clubs coaches are directly supervised by the Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness, and are expected to maintain a strong ...

This position reports directly to the Coordinator or Program Director. The incumbent interacts with ... Work environments range from quiet work areas to busy, noisy indoor and outdoor spaces with several ...

Showing results 41-60

Outdoor Program Director information

See Minnesota salary details

$17K

$54.6K

$123.9K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in Minnesota is $54,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,893.00 and $57,325.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an outdoor program director do?

An Outdoor Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing outdoor recreation programs and activities, such as camps, adventure trips, and educational workshops. They manage staff, ensure safety protocols are followed, and develop engaging programs to meet participant needs. Additionally, they often handle budgeting, marketing, and partnership-building to grow their programs and reach more participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Program Director, you need strong leadership, program management, and risk assessment skills, typically supported by a degree in recreation, outdoor education, or a related field. Proficiency with safety protocols, outdoor activity equipment, and certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR is commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for engaging participants and managing diverse teams. These skills ensure safe, impactful, and successful outdoor experiences while effectively handling the dynamic nature of outdoor programming.

What are some common challenges faced by an outdoor program director, and how can they be addressed?

Outdoor Program Directors often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, risk management, and coordinating logistics for diverse groups. To address these, successful directors develop strong contingency plans, maintain up-to-date safety certifications, and foster clear communication with both staff and participants. Building a flexible, well-trained team and staying informed about best practices in outdoor education are also key strategies. These approaches help ensure programs run smoothly and safely, even when unexpected situations arise.

What is the difference between Outdoor Program Director vs Outdoor Education Coordinator?

AspectOutdoor Program DirectorOutdoor Education Coordinator
CertificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, relevant outdoor certificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, outdoor education certifications
Work EnvironmentLeading outdoor programs, managing staff, overseeing activitiesPlanning and delivering outdoor educational programs, supporting participants
Employer & IndustryRecreational organizations, camps, outdoor adventure companiesSchools, educational nonprofits, outdoor learning centers

The Outdoor Program Director typically manages outdoor activities and staff, focusing on program logistics and safety. The Outdoor Education Coordinator concentrates on delivering educational content and supporting participants' learning experiences. Both roles require outdoor certifications and work in outdoor or educational settings, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Program jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Outdoor Program jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Program Director jobs in Minnesota?

For Outdoor Program Director jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Outdoor Program Director jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Outdoor Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,628 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Beacons School Success Program Staff (Richfield High School)

YMCA

Richfield, MN • On-site

$16.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in facilitating program activities with a group of young people in a school-based YMCA program.

  • Assist in event planning, special programs, and activities as required by supervisor.

  • Ensure a high level of customer service to youth, families, community partners, and school staff.


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,991 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

581st of 786 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Beacons School Success Program Staff | Richfield High School | $16.50/hour | Part-time (M-Th) after school

At a glance:

The YMCA is seeking Beacons School Success Program Staff age (14+) to join our team. This part-time role includes a free Y membership, growth opportunities and more!

Schedule:

  • Part-time, Monday-Thursday
  • After school
  • No evenings or weekends

The salary for this position is at $16.50 hourly. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

Beacons is a collaborative community initiative providing after-school and summer care for young people in grades K-12. Through Beacons, the YMCA of the North helps provide high-quality educational, recreational, and leadership development activities and eliminate barriers to participation for all youth.

1. Job Summary:

YMCA Beacons School Success programs engage youth as leaders and learners by transforming schools into active youth centers afterschool and in the summer, providing free high quality educational, recreational, and leadership development activities opportunities to kindergarten-12th grade youth and their families at our 8 Beacons School Success Centers located in neighborhoods in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Richfield.

Beacons School Success Program Staff are mentors, role models, allies, and educators. Program Staff is responsible for assisting with facilitation of after-school and/or summer programming. This position operates at a specific Beacons School Success center. The program staff will provide a safe, enjoyable experience to all program participants.

2. Essential Functions:

  • Working, as part of a team, to assist in facilitating program activities with a group of young people in a school-based YMCA program.
  • Assist in event planning, special programs, and activities as required by supervisor.
  • Ensures a high level of customer service to youth, families, community partners, and school staff.
  • Fosters a safe and respectful environment within a diverse community of youth, families, volunteers, and partner agencies. Following all YMCA Youth Development best practices and guidelines.

3. Relationships:

This position reports to the Beacons School Success Sr. Coordinator who reports to the Beacons School Success Program Director. This position requires regular interaction with youth, families, and school staff from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

4. Qualifications:

Required:

  • Minimum age of 14.
  • Willingness to work with people of diverse populations.
  • Excellent interpersonal communications and mediation skills

Preferred:

  • Multilingual
  • Specialized skills to teach youth (ex. dance, music, computer skills, art, sports)

5. Work Conditions:

  • Ability to move throughout a school building regularly throughout the day.
  • Must be able to actively participate in youth games/activities.
  • Work environments range from quiet work areas to busy, noisy indoor and outdoor spaces with several groups talking amongst themselves concurrently.
  • May be exposed to verbal outbursts, physical actions or bodily fluids as part of the environment.
  • Perform all physical aspects of the position, including moving around, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds at a time.
  • Ability to recognize and react calmly and effectively in hazardous/dangerous situations.

6. Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from branch representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success.


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