Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt (Salary)

Department: Programming and Education

Supervisor: Chief Programming and Education Officer

Location: Park City, Utah (on-site)

Join Our Team:

Ready to lead teams that change lives on the mountain and beyond? The National Ability Center (NAC) is looking for an Associate Program Director who thrives on turning big ideas into action. In this role, you will lead passionate program teams, shape the future of adaptive recreation, and help every participant discover what's possible. If you are a natural mentor with a knack for building strong programs and even stronger people, this is your next great adventure.

The NAC is a Park City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by building self-esteem, confidence, and lifetime skills through sport, recreation, and educational programs, offering more than 20 adaptive programs year-round across Utah. Programs include skiing and snowboarding, archery, mountain biking, cycling, equestrian, challenge course, teambuilding, pickleball, indoor and outdoor climbing, rafting, water sports, and more. The NAC operates from two locations in Park City, The Ranch and McGrath Mountain Center, along with a satellite location in Moab, where it offers adaptive whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure programs. As an Associate Program Director, you will help lead this year-round, multi-site operation, ensuring every program area delivers on the mission of making the outdoors accessible to all.

Job Summary:

The Associate Program Director (APD) provides support and leadership with an emphasis on executing the mission and vision of the National Ability Center. As a team leader, the APD will work across the organization with a focus on management, innovation, and efficiencies to ensure successful program implementation. This is a full-time, year-round position with benefits. It requires regular weekend and after-hours work. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Essential Duties:

• Lead and supervise 4-6 program departments, as assigned by the Chief Programming and Education Officer; program departments may be realigned at any time between two Associate Program Directors based on the needs of the organization.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate the Program Managers of assigned departments; identify talent needs and support the recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding of full-time and seasonal staff.
• Support the development of department annual goals, establish priorities, provide resources, support, and regular feedback for professional development; set performance expectations, provide coaching, and administer 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.
• Oversee the budget for each assigned program department, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation; assist with grant reporting, as applicable.
• Develop outreach strategies to increase program visibility, engagement, and impact, while working closely with the Marketing team.
• Work closely with the Chief Programming and Innovation Officer to develop strategic plans and partnerships for new and existing programs; create, steward, and serve as a representative with assigned partner organizations and relationships.
• Develop and ensure implementation of processes and procedures for program consistency, safety, and growth.
• Work with volunteer management team to improve utilization of volunteers and encourage and promote growth and leadership opportunities within programs.
• Provide leadership and manage internal communication to strengthen and support the goals of the organization to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants, staff, volunteers, partners, donors and the community.
• Assists with key fundraising events and other special events as needed to help advance program goals and support; serves as an ambassador and representative for the National Ability Center.
• Other duties as assigned. 

 Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years of management with increasing responsibilities in adaptive recreation and/or outdoor adventure program management and training including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical.
• Ability to 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:

• Advanced certifications in at least one discipline preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.
• Proven knowledge and expertise in adaptive recreation and outdoor adventure programs.
• Ability to positively receive feedback and to provide effective feedback and job coaching for development of self and others.
• Demonstrated 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, need and strategic plan.
• Ability to build a team, mentor, create accountability to build excellence in all aspects of program planning and implementation.
• Ability to support program needs with a proactive and solution-oriented initiative.
• Ability to develop quality presentations and present to all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and networking skills to be able to advocate for the needs of the Program Department with key stakeholders.
• Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a quick-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
• Outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency (or basic understanding) working with Salesforce, Outlook, and MS Office.
• Commitment to a positive, fun, and team-oriented working environment while promoting the NAC Values.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs. while conducting daily business.
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to drive 14 passenger vans/buses and pull a trailer/boat behind a truck (CDL required).
• Occasional travel to the Moab location is required.
• Available and willing to work a non-traditional schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially as needed for 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