Youth Programs Manager

ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN

The Mountain is an ecologically conscious retreat and learning center perched on a dramatic granite outcropping high above the beautiful Nantahala National Forest in Highlands, North Carolina. We celebrate Unitarian Universalist principles and welcome all of those who share our mission to create meaningful connections and make a difference in our world. 

We offer private and group retreats, beautiful meeting spaces, engaging workshops, delicious meals, and opportunities for outdoor recreation and learning. We also offer a variety of seasonal youth programs and residential camps each summer. Our campus includes a lodge with sweeping mountain views, cabins and bunkhouses, a lake, an extensive network of trails, an old growth forest, and a farm. 

The Mountain enriches lives, fosters an appreciation of the natural world, honors the interconnectedness of all things, and inspires people to build inclusive, meaningful, sustainable communities throughout their lives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

MountainCamp 

Hiring

• Responsible for the recruitment, interviewing, and overall hiring process for all seasonal MountainCamp employees, including Camp Counselors, a Camp Nurse, leads for our Outdoor Skills & Adventure, ASCENDER, and Counselor-In-Training Programs, and other members of the Camp leadership team.
• Updating position descriptions for MountainCamp staff as needed, and posting and promoting job openings.
• Coordinate paperwork and onboard all hired camp staff. 
• Responsible for the review and selection of campers participating in the ASCENDER program and the Counselor-in-Training program. 

Marketing

• Serve as point-person on staff for the promotion and marketing of MountainCamp, including designing and creating promotional materials (e.g. flyers), promoting camp on social media, and engaging with Unitarian Universalist congregations and partner organizations.
• Coordinate with our Marketing Team to ensure that Youth Programs are promoted on our website, and that their information is kept up to date. 

Registration

• Collaborate with Guest Services to manage the registration process for all camp sessions and to answer any registration questions from parents/guardians in a timely manner.

Training and Supervision

• Plan and coordinate a training week for all seasonal MountainCamp staff, including training  topics in outdoor education and childhood development, and hiring coordinators for first aid / CPR training.
• Supervise and mentor staff for MountainCamp, providing constructive feedback throughout the summer season and implementing disciplinary action as necessary in accordance with the policies provided in the MountainCamp Staff Manual.
• Conduct exit interviews and provide performance reviews for all seasonal staff at the end of the season.
• Create staff schedules for each camp session, including coordinating and approving time-off for staff.

Operations and Program Management

• Responsible for the day to day operation, supervision, and safety of youth and staff during the entirety of the summer MountainCamp season.
• Assist and support the MountainCamp Leadership Team with the planning and development of camp programming, such as workshops, off-site recreational trips, and evening programs.
• Responsible for scheduling and coordinating services with all outside vendors and service providers for the summer season, including but not limited to: vehicle rentals, camp T-shirt bulk orders, reservations for whitewater river rafting and rock climbing, and scheduling guest educators for staff training week. 
• Collaborate with the MountainCamp Leadership Team to create and finalize all programming schedules for each camp session.
• Coordinate with Guest Services and Housekeeping departments to assign campers to cabins, taking care that facilities are safe and ready for move-in day.
• Coordinate with Guest Services to provide headcounts and camper dietary information to the kitchen before programs begin so that they can plan for meals.

Finance 

• Manage the approved MountainCamp budget, with attention to internal procedures for tracking expenses throughout the summer.

• Coordinate with the Finance department to ensure that camp expenses, reimbursements, and payroll are processed in an accurate and timely manner. 

   

Youth Conferences (CONs)

• Responsible for the planning, communication, staffing, and day-to-day operations, supervision and safety of youth and staff during the Youth CONs weekends.
• Collaborate with Guest Services to manage the registration process for all Youth CONs (3 in Fall, 3 in Spring).
• Communicate with Advisors of individual congregations to coordinate logistics and provide updated registration numbers ahead of CONs.
• Manage the Peer Advocate Leader (PAL) program through recruitment, selection, training, supervision and scheduling for all PALs and PAL Mentors.
• Design the overall theme of Youth CONs and engage in timely promotion via website updates, social media, and individual outreach to congregations.
• Develop programming for workshops, field time, and evening activities.
• Promote the Youth CONs through the Unitarian Universalist network of congregations by conducting outreach to individual Directors of Religious Education (DREs).
• Create and finalize the Youth CON schedule for each weekend and provide an updated Advisor Manual.
• Collaborate with Guest Services to coordinate all housing logistics.
• Communicate with DREs, Advisors, and parents in a timely manner.
• Responsible for tracking any expenses used to promote or implement Youth CONs in accordance with the overall Youth Programs budget.

Additional Programs

• Plan, coordinate, and implement youth programs at The Mountain as needed. These activities may occur as part of a larger Mountain-designed program, such as Music Week, Grateful Gathering, Farm Festival, etc.
• Participate in activities and events at The Mountain across various departments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Well-organized, effective time management, detail-oriented.
• High energy level – upbeat, creative, and resourceful, with the ability to effectively work with youth, young adults, and adults in a spiritual and community-building environment.
• Experience in Outdoor Education and Experiential education with youth and young adults.
• Experience in mentoring youth and young adults.
• Ability to foster a cooperative team-oriented work environment.
• Confidence in serving as a Supervisor and Mentor, including the ability to coach and redirect employees as appropriate.
• Ability to effectively assess and respond to risks.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite software; experience using Campwise Reservation Software is a plus.
• Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods while engaged in necessary administrative work.
• Maintain enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control even under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills with people of all ages, including listening, speaking and writing.
• Ability to calmly and effectively speak with parents, vendors, trustees, donors, guests, staff, and volunteers in a polite, age-appropriate, and respectful manner.
• Able to give and accept constructive feedback modestly and non-defensively.
• Understanding of and acceptance of Unitarian Universalist values; knowledge of how the Unitarian Universalist Association works to support local congregations is a plus.
• Ability to work the necessary hours to implement effective programming, which can periodically be intensive and can include programs during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to balance the demands of the job with personal health and wellness needs.
• Must be at least 21 years old and able to drive vehicles for program activities.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Supervised by: Executive Director or their designee

Supervises: All MountainCamp staff, PALs, PAL Mentors, Advisors, and Volunteers for Youth Programs

Collaborates with: Guest Services, Kitchen, Farm, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Finance, and Marketing departments

Hours of Work: This position will require the employee to be on-site and available to support all in-person activities such as Youth CONs, MountainCamp, and various other youth and adult programming. General work times are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, with occasional weekend workdays and longer hours required during our busy summer season. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please visit https://www.themountainrlc.org/jobs/ to submit your resume and three references. Cover letters are encouraged but not required. All qualified applicants will be asked to complete a background check as a part of our legal requirements for working with youth on campus. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found.