Adventure Crew is Hiring!

 

Program Manager — Saturday Explorers

Adventure Crew is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2012 to connect city teens to nature and each other through engaging outdoor experiences. Our big-picture goal is to transform who accesses the outdoors by nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards who exemplify the diversity of our city.  

The Program Manager for Adventure Crew’s Saturday Explorers program is an exempt position reporting to the Director of Programming. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, leading and evaluating the organization’s longest running and largest program, the Saturday Explorers, where over 900 youth in grades 7-12 experience a variety of outdoor experiences including kayaking, skiing and snowboarding, ice and roller skating, hiking, archery, high ropes courses and more each year. The Program Manager will provide management and coaching of part-time staff, volunteers, and school advisors to ensure engaging, challenging and impactful adventure programming year-round.  

The ideal candidate is an avid adventure enthusiast, a champion of equity and inclusion for marginalized populations to access nature and outdoor recreation, comfortable in leadership roles and capable of innovating and contributing to the strategic growth of the organization.  

Weekly hours: Exempt, full-time; 40 hours/week 

Location: Greater Cincinnati, OH; hybrid work environment 

Salary range: $47,500 - $52,500

 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning & Execution

  • Lead planning, coordination, and on-site delivery of weekly Saturday Explorer outings

  • Manage schedules, site reservations, transportation, meals, gear, rosters, and risk management for each outing

  • Deliver opening orientation and safety briefings to students, staff, and volunteers

  • Track program attendance, student feedback, and other evaluation data

Seasonal & Special Programs

  • Lead spring break programming and summer camps (historically, week-long day camps held each week in June), including day camps, one-day events, overnight trips, and collaborations with partner organizations

  • Coordinate logistics and support for special Explorer events

School & Partner Relationships

  • Serve as primary contact for school advisors

  • Coordinate school-year recruitment and outreach events (e.g., back-to-school nights, student fairs)

  • Develop and maintain partner relationships that support Saturday programming and seasonal collaborations

Staff & Volunteer Coordination

  • Supervise part-time Saturday Explorer program staff

  • Schedule and support volunteers

  • Track staff hours, support onboarding and ongoing training, and participate in annual performance reviews

  • Help plan and attend annual staff/volunteer recognition, training, and social events for program staff throughout the year

Budget & Administration

  • Participate in budget planning and manage program-related expenses

  • Ensure completion of all required forms, waivers, and background checks

  • Maintain clear communication and documentation related to program operations

Other Duties as Assigned

  • Support organization-wide events and initiatives as needed

  • Collaborate with broader program team to contribute to Adventure Crew’s mission and growth

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Minimum 1 year of youth programming experience; outdoor education/recreation strongly preferred

  • Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills

  • Confident in leading large groups of 100+ people, with a focus on building trust, safety, and belonging

  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and commitment to equity, access and inclusion

  • Comfort navigating natural spaces and willingness to learn new outdoor activities

  • Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace); comfortable learning new platforms for data and logistics

  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; must be 21+ and comfortable driving a 15-passenger van and hauling a 12’ cargo trailer

  • Must be able to co-lead overnight youth excursions ranging from 1-7 nights

  • Ability to pass a comprehensive background check

Preferred

  • Experience teaching outdoor education and/or leading recreational programs

  • Current CPR, First Aid, and Leave No Trace certifications (or willingness to obtain)

  • Proficiency in at least one outdoor adventure sport (e.g., kayaking, hiking, rock climbing)

POSITION DETAILS

Worksites: This position requires a blend of worksites, including weekly work-from-home hours by arrangement with Supervisor, time in the office, and working on Saturdays during the school year and weekdays during the summer at program sites across the region.  

Schedule: Mid-August through the end of May, Saturdays are mandatory workdays except for PTO arranged in advance with Supervisor, with Sundays and Mondays off. June to mid-August, workdays are primarily on weekdays.  

Saturday adventure programs often require a workday of 10 hours or sometimes more, with compensatory time off when more than 8 hours are worked in a single day.  

The Program Manager also assists with occasional weekday evening programs and staff development, and it is important for this individual to attend Adventure Crew’s annual community events such as Paddlefest (first weekend in August), Summits & Horizons (late October). 

Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 50 pounds and spending a significant amount of time moving across large areas for adventure activities.  Must be able to co-lead overnight excursions/camping experiences (1–8 days in duration).

Transportation: This position requires reliable transportation and must be comfortable driving a 15-passenger van to transport students and hauling a 12’ cargo trailer. Training on how to hookup and haul the trailer will be provided.    

 

BENEFITS 
Adventure Crew offers a Qualified Small Employer Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement of up to $375/month, a Simple IRA match, paid time off, sick days, compensatory time off, mileage reimbursement and professional development.  

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT 
Adventure Crew deeply values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages individuals with lived experiences that reflect our community of city teens to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status. 

For consideration, qualified applicants are encouraged to submit one PDF including cover letter and resume to paige@adventurecrew.org.  No phone calls please.  Deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 29th, 2025.

 

For consideration, qualified applicants are encouraged to submit one PDF including cover letter and resume to paige@adventurecrew.org.  No phone calls please.  Deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 29th, 2025.